Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo V60 2.0 D5

Sleek styling is a big hit – at what cost to practicality?

Think of a Volvo estate and a large box on wheels probably springs to mind. For decades the firm’s legendary load carriers have been delivering class-leading space and practicality at the expense of fashionable good looks.

That’s set to change with the new V60, which aims to add a dose of desirability to the brand’s sensible estate offerings. Using the firm’s S60 sports saloon as a starting point, the newcomer promises sharp driving dynamics, rakish looks and a greater dash of versatility. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Bosses have high hopes for the newcomer, which is being pitched head-to-head with the premium estate car elite from BMW, Audi and Mercedes. So, does the V60 have what it takes to win this particular space race?

On looks alone, the Swede stands a good chance of success. Designers claim the V60 was penned to incorporate sleek coupé cues. With its sweeping lines and low roof, the newcomer is easily the most eye-catching of our quartet. There are some neat details, too, including the bold LED tail-lamps. 

Sadly, the sporty exterior takes its toll on the Volvo’s load- carrying credentials. Open the steeply raked tailgate and you’ll discover only 430 litres of space – a full 60 litres less than the Audi. Fold the 40/20/40 split rear bench flat and you’ll liberate only 1,246 litres – incredibly, that’s 59 less than in a standard VW Golf hatchback!

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Tucson

2020 Hyundai

Tucson

47,348 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £12,099
View Tucson
GLB

2022 Mercedes

GLB

19,726 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £27,249
View GLB
ZS

2018 MG

ZS

35,408 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £10,099
View ZS
Arkana

2021 Renault

Arkana

15,736 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £18,999
View Arkana

At least the V60’s boot includes some clever storage gadgets. 

The highlight is a neat divider that folds out of the floor and features an elasticated strap to secure shopping bags. Elsewhere, the Volvo’s cabin scores highly for its accommodation and style. The front seats are supremely comfortable, while rear passengers get decent head and legroom. The swooping dashboard looks great and is logically laid out, but the centre console mounted controls for the sat-nav, car set-up and stereo are fiddly and slow-reacting to use.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are no complaints about the amount of kit. Range-topping SE Lux Premium models include leather seat trim and sat-nav – you’ll pay extra to have these features on the German trio.

The Volvo has to give best to its rivals in terms of pace, though. Its 2.0-litre five-cylinder engine is surprisingly tuneful, but the powerband is narrow, with acceleration trailing off abruptly above 4,000rpm. 

As a result, it took 9.6 seconds to sprint from 0-60mph – two seconds behind the Mercedes. On the plus side, it matched the Audi in the mid-range. And away from the test track, the V60 impresses with its supple ride and excellent refinement , making it an accomplished long-distance cruiser. 

Direct steering and decent grip combine to boost the feeling of agility through corners, but the soft suspension set-up means there’s plenty of body roll. Keen drivers will also be disappointed by the lack of feedback through the major controls and the vague action and long throw of the six-speed manual gearbox.

The new V60 is stylish, well equipped and refined, so it certainly has plenty to offer. The competitive £30,010 price tag certainly makes it a tempting package, but its lack of outright space and driver appeal count against it.

Details

Chart position: 4
WHY: Volvo has abandoned its traditional boxy estate car roots. Bosses promise coupé-like styling and sharp driving dynamics for the all-new V60.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £16,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X - front tracking

Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?

Things don’t stand still in the world of EVs, and Skoda’s Enyaq and Toyota’s bZ4X have both been updated. We put them to the test...
Car group tests
13 Sep 2025