UPDATE: You can now read our first review of the 2019 Volvo V60
- Two 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engines available
- PHEV model set to arrive after gasoline models launch
- Longer, lower and wider dimensions
- Care by Volvo subscription service will be available
Volvo owes its recent resurgence to crossover SUVs like the XC90 and XC60, both winners of the North American Utility of the Year award. But the Sino-Swedish company hasn’t forgotten its long history of station wagon leadership, and the V60 is the latest reminder.
Unveiled in a residential driveway in Stockholm, Sweden, the V60 shares the Scalable Product Architecture that supports its SUV cousins, as well as the V90 wagon.
Predictably, the midsize V60 is smaller than its bigger V cousin, but bigger than its predecessor—in the mantra of the 1950s, longer, lower, and wider.
The dimensional increases are significant: the wheelbase stretches 4 inches, to 113.1, and overall length (187.4 inches) is almost 5 inches more than the previous model. Width expands by an inch, and the roofline is down 2 inches plus.
Expanded dimensions add up to more rear seat legroom and expanded cargo capacity, 30 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, 48 with the rear seats folded flat, increases of 2 and 4 cubic feet, respectively. The rear seatback splits 60/40.
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Longer, lower, wider
Styling echoes the V90, slick, contemporary, and arguably even more appealing in this slightly smaller scale. The angular front fascia, rising character lines on the sides, sloping rear roofline, and wide stance give the wagon a sporty look, enhanced by Volvo’s signature LED light configuration.
The Volvo design team characterizes the look of the light array as “Thor’s Hammer.” Nordic mythology electrically perpetuated.
European editions of the V60 will be offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, as well as a diesel and gasoline powerplants. However, U.S. versions will be limited, at least initially, to a pair of turbocharged four-cylinders one for each of the two trim levels—T5 and T6.
The front-drive T5 is propelled by a 2.0-liter turbo four rated for 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter in the all-wheel drive T6 boasts combined turbo- and supercharging system generating 316 hp and 295 lb-ft.
Power gets to the driven wheels via an 8-speed automatic with a manual shifting mode.
Although it won’t be included in the U.S. launch, a new PHEV model is expected to join the V60 T6 lineup shortly after the gasoline models arrive in showrooms.
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Safety plus
As you’d expect, the V60 will include Volvo’s extensive inventory of safety features—standard adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking; pedestrian detection and avoidance; collision avoidance; lane departure warning and lane keeping assist. In addition to the adaptive cruise auto braking, the safety features include Volvo’s pioneering City Safety system, which can automatically stop the car at speeds up to 19 mph when system sensors determine that the driver isn’t responding to a potential impending collision in urban traffic.
The highlight of the redesigned interior is Volvo’s all-new Sensus infotainment system, including among other features 4G connectivity, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and premium audio.
Still another unique Volvo touch: Care by Volvo, a subscription service that allows drivers temporary ownership on a flat-rate monthly fee basis.
The Stockholm reveal made no mention of when the new V60 will reach U.S. showrooms, nor pricing.
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