Volvo V60 – modern and minimalist with a luxury feel

Volvo’s high-tech march towards electrification includes plug-in hybrid models that offer a more practical solution to those who currently find pure electric isn’t for them.

The V60 is Volvo’s mid-size estate and despite the popularity of SUVs Volvo estates are still in demand, and for good reason. Forget any sign of utility because although these are load carriers (not in the same league as the square box Volvos of old but still pretty good) they are also packed with luxurious touches.

Standard fare across all models are such things as auto-dimming mirrors, auto lights, high beam assist, auto wipers, keyless start, cruise, electric and power-folding door mirrors, leather, heated front seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support, heated wiper blades, dual-zone climate control and as you would expect from Volvo there is a plethora of standard safety kit.

Prices start from €39,994 (£34,855) and my test model was the T6 AWD Inscription (€53,648/£46,750 + a staggering €9,180/£8,000 of options) which added, amongst many other items, ventilated seats, active lights that match the steering, keyless entry/exit and remote opening power tailgate, heated wiper blades add to the standard array of features.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive for any kind of weather. With added electric power the V60 propels its rather large frame to the benchmark 100 kph (62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds and a maximum of 112 mph. In pure electric mode, the Volvo can take you 48-54 km (30-34 miles) so enough for a commute, but whether you’re running a pure EV or a hybrid you really do need a home charging point to make EVs a practical proposition.

Gear changes are smooth, the refinement is excellent and the V60 has an air of unruffled calm even when doing 112 kph (70 mph UK limit) on a motorway. It’s one of those cars that you feel could take you from one end of the country to the other and you would emerge with no aches or feeling in any way jaded.

The interior is modern and minimalist but at the same time has a look and feel of a luxury car rather than a premium one. It’s an object lesson in how to light interiors can look so classy yet remain practical.

In case you haven’t already gathered, I liked the V60, I liked it a lot!

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T6 AWD Inscription
• Engine: Petrol electric hybrid – 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol with 87 hp electric motor
• Gears: 8-speed automatic
• Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 5.4 seconds/Maximum Speed 180 kph (112 mph)
• Economy: 1.8l/100km (156.9 mpg) WLTP
• Emissions: 46 g/km WLTP

The model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.