• Petrol mild hybrid and plug-in options available
• Refined, quiet motorway cruiser
• T6 plug-in hybrid, usefully quick

Petrol engines

There are two mild-hybrid petrol versions available. Your choices are limited to B3 and B4 forms, which is quite a change from the situation after the V60 was originally launched and it came in an absolute myriad of petrol and diesel powertrains. If you want more power, you’re going to be looking at the T6 Recharge plug-in hybrid detailed below.

Both mild hybrids are based on the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with the entry-level B3’s 163hp unit proving to be much more lively than expected. It’s used across the Volvo range, and although it sounds quite undistinguished when pushed, it’s capable of 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and settles down to a nice, quiet motorway cruise.

However, the 197hp B4 is the better all-rounder for not much more outlay. With 197hp it’s blessed with quicker acceleration (0-62 in 7.3 seconds) and easier motorway running, and this is the one to have if you want performance from V60 and can’t run to the T6 Recharge. But in everyday driving, the B3 isn’t that far behind, so far from being the poor relation in the range.

Hybrid engine

A single plug-in hybrid badged the T6 Recharge tops the range, appealing to performance car drivers and those looking to make low benefit-in-kind payments. It’s powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol engine to drive the front wheels, assisted by an electric motor driving the rear wheels.

That arrangement gives it all-wheel drive as well as a combined 350hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds. Maximum speed is limited 112mph as are all Volvos, and what this car specialises in is mid-range acceleration and quiet, unfussed motorway cruising with instant overtaking.

In pure electric mode, it certainly oozes luxurious appeal, although the drivetrain isn’t as smooth as it could be when shifting between battery and petrol power. Also, the eight-speed gearbox a little recalcitrent in its responses – not what you’d expect for a range-topping premium estate car.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Weighty steering provides good sense of confidence
• Adjustable driving modes available
• Not sporty, but reasonable around corners

Volvo may be gunning for Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz drivers with the V60, but you get a sense the company is hoping to win people over with comfort and luxury rather than BMW-beating roadholding. With precise steering and not much bodyroll around corners, the V60 is competent on twisty roads, though it’s safe rather than exciting and you can feel the car’s weight if you take corners at speed.

Around town, the V60 is pleasant to drive, though as with many new cars, it’s substantially larger than the previous model – to the tune of 13cm – and wider, too, so finding a sufficiently large parking space is trickier than it could be. As for towing, the diesel V60s offer reasonably strong towing ability, with the D4 versions able to tow 2,000kg – equivalent to a large caravan. That’s more than its Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals can muster.

Comfort levels are good, if not astounding. It can’t quite totally wipe out bumps in the road when fitted with large 19-inch alloy wheels. Models fitted with 17- and 18-inch wheels prove a little cushier, with more rubber separating you from the road. Adaptive suspension is available and offers subtly different driving modes including Comfort, Dynamic and an Individual setting, where you can separately adjust suspension firmness, steering weight and the heft of the brake pedal.