Volvo V60
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for an estate car that combines Scandinavian style with genuine practicality? The Volvo V60 might be exactly what you need. This premium family estate offers a compelling blend of elegant design, impressive safety credentials, and real world usability that makes it stand out in the competitive executive estate market. It’s the perfect choice for families who want something more sophisticated than a standard SUV.

The V60 immediately catches your eye with its sleek, modern styling that manages to look both sporty and refined. Inside, you’ll find Volvo’s trademark attention to detail, with high quality materials and that distinctive Scandinavian minimalism. The driving experience prioritises comfort and composure over outright thrills, making it ideal for long family journeys and daily commutes. Rivals like the BMW 3 Series touring and Audi A3 Sportback offer different approaches, but few match the V60’s distinctive character.

What really sets the V60 apart is Volvo’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. The comprehensive suite of safety technologies comes as standard, while the range includes efficient hybrid options for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. While it may not be the sharpest handling estate in its class, the V60 excels at being a relaxing, refined, and beautifully built family car that makes every journey feel more civilised.

How Does the Volvo V60 Drive?

The Volvo V60 focuses on smooth, refined performance rather than sporting thrills. The engine range includes efficient mild hybrid petrol units and plug in hybrid variants. The entry level B4 mild hybrid produces around 197 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most situations with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.4 seconds. For those wanting more power, the B5 version offers 250 horsepower, while the T6 and T8 plug in hybrid models deliver impressive performance with over 300 horsepower available.

Where the V60 truly excels is in its driving manners and refinement. The steering is light and precise, making urban driving effortless, while the suspension setup prioritises comfort over sharp handling. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well controlled, creating a serene cabin environment perfect for long distance cruising. The eight speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and intelligently. This premium estate feels composed and secure in all conditions, though enthusiast drivers might find it lacks the dynamic edge of some German rivals.

Volvo V60 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the V60 and you’re greeted by one of the finest interiors in the executive estate class. The cabin design epitomises Scandinavian minimalism, with clean lines, premium materials, and excellent build quality throughout. The centrepiece is Volvo’s portrait oriented touchscreen infotainment system, which controls most functions and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The seats are among the best in class, offering excellent support and comfort even on extended journeys.

Space and refinement are key strengths of the V60’s interior. Front seat passengers enjoy generous room and multiple adjustment options, while rear seat passengers benefit from good legroom and headroom. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, with excellent sound insulation that makes conversations easy even at motorway speeds. Climate control is effective and intuitive, while storage spaces are thoughtfully designed throughout the cabin. Higher specification models add features like premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system that further enhance the luxurious atmosphere.

The Volvo V60 is an outstanding choice for buyers who prioritise comfort, safety, and quality over outright performance. It successfully delivers a premium estate car experience that feels special and sophisticated. The interior quality is exceptional, the ride comfort is superb, and the safety technology is class leading. The hybrid powertrain options add environmental appeal without compromising on refinement.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volvo V60?

The V60’s running costs reflect its premium positioning, but efficiency is reasonable for an executive estate. The mild hybrid petrol engines deliver real world fuel economy in the mid to high 30s MPG, which is competitive for the segment. Insurance groups are moderate for a premium car, typically falling in groups 25-35 depending on the specific model. The plug in hybrid variants offer the potential for much lower running costs if you can charge regularly and use electric power for short journeys.

The initial purchase price positions the V60 as a premium choice, with new models starting from around £37,000 and rising significantly for higher specifications. However, the strong residual values help offset this, and car finance options make monthly payments more manageable. Servicing costs are reasonable for a premium brand, and Volvo’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The comprehensive warranty package provides additional peace of mind, making the total cost of ownership more predictable.

Volvo V60 Practicality & Boot Space

The V60 excels as a practical family estate, offering generous space and thoughtful storage solutions. The 529 litre boot is among the largest in its class, easily accommodating family holidays, weekly shopping, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split as standard, creating a flat loading floor and impressive maximum cargo capacity. Inside the cabin, you’ll find numerous storage compartments, cup holders, and spaces for phones and other everyday items.

Where the V60 really shines is in its real world usability for families. The rear seats comfortably accommodate three adults on shorter journeys, or two in complete comfort for longer trips. Child seat fitting is straightforward thanks to ISOFIX points and plenty of space. The large windows and upright driving position provide excellent visibility, making parking and manoeuvring easier despite the car’s size. For those considering used Volvo cars, the V60 represents excellent value as a premium family estate that can handle everything from school runs to European road trips.

The Volvo V60 stands out in the executive estate segment by offering a distinctive alternative to German rivals. It combines stunning Scandinavian design, exceptional interior quality, and comprehensive safety technology in a practical family package. While it may not offer the most dynamic driving experience, it excels in the areas that matter most to family buyers comfort, refinement, space, and safety.

You choose the V60 because you want an estate car that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its elegant design, premium interior, and serene driving experience make it perfect for families who appreciate quality and sophistication. Whether you’re commuting, carrying the family, or heading off on holiday, the V60 handles it all with understated elegance. For buyers seeking a premium estate with character and substance, especially those interested in Best Used Cars Under £5000 in the future, the V60 should be at the top of your consideration list.