• Simple, effective dashboard layout
• Loads of useful voice commands
• We miss physical controls, though

How is the quality and layout?

Refreshing, especially when trimmed in Volvo’s light beige leather upholstery. In fact, we think you’d be mad to trim the cabin in any other finish, especially when you consider the lighter leather won’t cost you a penny to specify. It makes the V60’s interior look enormous, although it probably isn’t the best option for messy young families.

Quality is exceptional, too. The seats feel plush and upmarket, the dashboard shut lines are pretty much perfect and the few physical controls that remain are utterly rock steady. Brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes might question Volvo’s admission into the premium executive club, but we reckon the V60 offers all the evidence they need. It might be more £10,000 expensive than a Volkswagen Golf Estate, but it feels that difference.

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The touchscreen-led controls are disappointing, especially for a brand so fixated on safety. However, the V60 is one of the better executions. Yes, items like the climate controls and heated seats are housed on the screen, but you can operate most functions using voice commands, which completely removed our need to physically interact with it. We even found it does a good job of understanding a variety of regional accents.

Infotainment and tech

The V60 has a 9.0-inch portrait touchscreen which, we’ll admit, looks quite pathetic compared with the IMAX setup you get in the latest 3 Series Touring. After the first 50 miles, though, we wondered why BMW bothered designing that system at all. Volvo’s touchscreen occupies far less of your field of view and is therefore far less distracting.

Since 2021, Volvo’s infotainment systems have run on Google’s Android software, so you get native support for Google Maps and Google Assistant – even if you haven’t paired your phone to the dashboard. To make it truly perfect, we’d like to see Volvo add a shortcut button for the driver assistance menu and drive modes. You do, however, get a handy shortcut button on the steering wheel to disengage the speed warning bonger.

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Volvo’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster deserves a special mention, too. Whereas most manufacturers try to cram as much information onto their gauge screens as possible (we’re looking at you, BMW), Volvo only gives you the bare minimum. Speed. Power. Remaining fuel. Navigation. That’s your lot. It’s symphonic simplicity.

Comfort

• Supremely comfortable front seats
• Choose smaller wheels for greatest comfort
• Road and wind noise well controlled

The V60 has a very comfortable driver’s seat. With good back support, side support and plenty of adjustment, most drivers should be able to find a perfectly tailored driving position. Heated leather, ventilation for the seats and massage functions are available making it easy to stay comfy.

The rear is also very comfortable, with plenty of room for passenger’s legs and heads. Occupants will also enjoy plenty of light, thanks to the car’s wide windows and optional panoramic sunroof.