The XC60 SUV was the first built on SPA platform, followed by the V60 estate and the S60 sedan. All of these models are made to the same recipe, on the same modular platform. There are therefore so many intergenerational changes in the Volvo V60 that it’s possible to talk about a new beginning.

Volvo V60: state of the art design

Thomas Ingenlath’s design team has been excelling since the XC90 and continues to prove that they can design a beautiful car, whether it’s an SUV or a mid-size wagon. V60 can’t be even accused of being too similar to the larger V90.

The V60 bears all the hallmarks of a modern Volvo. A wide bonnet, Thor’s daytime running lights, and very fine lines. Compared to the rival BMW 3, the Volvo V60 is slightly wider and lower, giving it a sporty straddle look.

Truly Scandinavian interior

The interior is true to the Scandinavian home style. Very clean, minimalistic, and manages to evoke a pleasant homely atmosphere. Everything is accentuated by the premium materials and excellent workmanship. The Volvo’s interior is really nothing like the best of the premium class.

The luggage compartment has an excellent 529 litres of volume, practical hooks on the sides and a flat area when the rear seats are folded down electrically.

The Sensus infotainment system is one of the best designed pure touchscreen systems, although some competitors may have handled their systems more intuitively. It has a fast, smooth response and is as clear as possible, but it’s a little fiddly.

Made for highways

The V60 is a laid-back car with no interest in sporty rides. The car follows the road surface closely. The inherent stiffness of the chassis magically disappears the moment you go faster and the car gains inertia. Suddenly it’s calm and it’s like driving on a cloud. This combi just feels best on the motorway. Directional stability is exemplary, oundproofing is first class.

It’s simple – diesel over gas

If you’re tempted by gasoline, we don’t have good news for you. The sixteen-stroke (T3 and T4) is Ford’s EcoBoost, which is notoriously known for piston-cracking and carbonisation. The two-liter (T4, 2.0T and T5) is also Ford’s EcoBoost, which has been known to suffer from controller glitches.

Much more popular in this model is diesel. The twin-turbo variant has perfectly distributed power over a wide rev range and is quick to respond to throttle commands. The most popular motorisation is the D5.

Which automat is the best option in Volvo V60?

Aisin’s automatic with six speeds and a conventional converter is probably the most reliable solution, but only if you change the oil in the gearbox every 60,000 km. The dual-clutch PowerShift is riskier, and the newer eight-speed automatic with a converter is pleasant, but its attractiveness is diminished by uninteresting engines.

Interesting Volvo V60 reviews

Detailed Car And Driver review with specifications

An accurate rewview of Volvo V60 by Carwow

What Volvo V60 reviews agree on

• Quality of materials and workmanship
• Outstanding design
• Predictable and stable driving performance
• Comfortable in all ways

• Noisy door and window locks
• Infotainment system not intuitive enough
• Hesitant automatic gearbox