Overview

Volvo has traditionally made some of the best estate cars, but they’ve been phasing in and out of the UK over the last couple of years. They were pulled from British showrooms in mid-2023, only to be reintroduced by the summer of 2024 after the company’s wagon fans criticised the move. Since then, there’s been a new-found enthusiasm for the cars.

We can see why. The Volvo V60 is practical, comfortable and loaded with all the safety technology you’d expect from the brand. Team that with its composed driving experience, range of powerful engines and attractive cabin design, and you’ve got the recipe for a seriously appealing family wagon.

The Volvo V60 is getting on a bit, though. It’s been around since 2018 – and most new, mid-sized estates of this vintage have either recently been replaced or will be in the next year. Audi has already launched the new A5 Avant, for example, while an all-new version of the BMW 3 Series Touring is set to break cover in 2026. The latest Mercedes C-Class is only halfway through its life cycle, too.

Currently, Volvo hasn’t announced any plans to introduce a replacement for the V60, which is a problem because the rivals it has are already stout. The 3 Series Touring is still the best-driving estate in the segment, while the versatility of the new A5 Avant’s cabin technology blows the V60 out of the water. You can still have the Audi with a diesel, too.

At least Volvo makes buying a V60 simple. There are just two specifications, called Plus and Ultimate, and three powertrains available. Every version of the car comes with a 9.0-inch infotainment system, LED headlights, a power-operated tailgate and dual-zone climate control. Volvo also offers an exceptional B&O stereo system as an optional extra.

Every powertrain is based on Volvo’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with each sporting a different level of electrification. The most basic B4 model feature mild-hybrid tech, which Volvo says allows it to return 44.8mpg and sprint from 0–62mph in 7.6 seconds.

Above that, there are two plug-in hybrids – the T6 with 350hp and T8 with 455hp. Both have claimed fuel economy figures of more than 350mpg (which we suggest you take with a pinch of salt) and both feature four-wheel drive. Both are also very fast cars.

Scroll through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Volvo V60. We’ll dissect its practicality, interior quality, comfort, driving experience and running costs before offering our final verdict on the car. If you’d like to learn more about our testing process, head over to our how we test cars explainer page.