Volvo V60 - Engines, performance and drive

The Volvo V60 takes a different approach to rivals in terms of the driving experience. Rather than go chasing the driving dynamics of the BMW 3 Series Touring, the V60 takes a more relaxed approach. It’s quiet and comfortable, even on the optional 19-inch wheels that are available, although the largest 20-inch wheels might be an increase too far.

The suspension isn’t as stiff as in some rivals’, which pays off in terms of ride comfort, but not so much when it comes to handling. The V60 corners safely and with confidence, but you don’t quite get the level of feel you get from a 3 Series Touring through the steering wheel and suspension. For most people most of the time, though, they’ll enjoy the quiet calm of the Volvo, especially on the motorway, where it’s an impressive cruiser.

Go for the top-of-the-range Ultra Dark version, and you can make use of Volvo’s excellent Pilot Assist autonomous assistance features on the motorway. The car will keep a set distance from the vehicle in front once you’ve set the speed you want to travel at (this is the same as other adaptive cruise control systems), but it will also help keep you in your lane and steer you around gentle corners. You have to keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention at all times though, ready to take over if needs be – otherwise, you’ll get beeped at by the safety systems. However, it really adds a degree of relaxation to longer journeys and the system works well.

The fastest model in the range is the Volvo V60 Recharge T8, which is the most powerful of the two plug-in hybrid options. It's not especially sporty and is best considered as a fast, composed cruiser rather than a BMW-baiting driver's machine. Its 449bhp and 640Nm mean overtaking is effortless but there's not much communication through the steering wheel in bends. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid technology, silent all-electric driving is possible for up to 54 miles – it's feasible that both the T6 and T8's petrol engines could be reserved exclusively for out-of-town driving if you keep the batteries topped up.

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0-62mph acceleration and top speed

There’s just one mild-hybrid petrol in the Volvo V60, which puts out 194bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, and has a swift 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds.  

The plug-in hybrid V60 T6 and T8 pair their petrol engines with an electric motor for a total power output of 345bhp and 449bhp, respectively. The former gets from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, while the latter will do the same sprint in 4.6 seconds.

All engines in the V60 (and indeed the entire Volvo range) are limited to a top speed of 112mph.