Volvo's V60 T6 AWD wagon combines luxury and utility with a splash of sportiness

It’s a long known fact that Volvo makes safe cars. In fact, they were the first to offer enhanced safety features. And their new V60-T6 AWD is no exception. 

The V60-T6 represents the AWD version while their V6-T5 is their FWD model. The T6 differentiates itself from its brother car the XC-60 Cross Country, that has a higher stance, higher undercarriage clearance and a higher price. 

The V60 is based on the carmakers’ S60 sedan and is offered in Momentum, R-Design and Momentum versions.  

We had the privilege of testing the top-line Momentum that has  nice conservative styling lines with its Iron Man grille, split headlights and eye-grabbing reverse “L” shaped taillights that cannot be mistaken for any other car. 

Slip into the cockpit and your eyes are taken by the huge 12.3-inch Sensus infotainment display with voice commands that can be swiped like a tablet, some laptops or smartphone. 

After settling into the sumptuous, perforated Nappa leather seats with generous under thigh support, you’ll think you’re sitting in your favorite Lazy-Boy. You could easily take a nap in them especially when engaging the front seats massaging function and power adjustable side bolsters. 

Then your eyes will drift to the fashionable driftwood trim adorning the dash. 

When attempting to start the car for the first time, you’ll notice there’s no push button or key hole for the ignition. Instead, there’s a very unique spring-loaded knob on the console that twists to ignite the fire under the hood. Below it, is a Mode switch for Eco, Comfort and Dynamic (sport) modes. They can also be selected on the screen. 

The display offers a myriad of information and to the best of my recollection, Volvo was the first car-maker to use man-form symbols on the display for airflow within the climate control system. That, plus a host of apps (22 to be correct including Spotify, Pandora, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) are offered and a rearview camera with surround and close-up zoom modes are included. The screen also serves to display positioning during the Park-Assist mode. 

But it’s a system that requires sitting in the car and studying the owners’ manual. It is, however, a system that takes the eyes off the road for certain operations. The only item missing in the test car was a wireless phone charger. 

Ingress/egress into the back seat, after a low 16-inch step-in, is not as easy as a higher stance SUV like the XC60. The seats are Euro firm and can accommodate two adults or three youngsters. A high transaxle hump deters a third adult passenger. 

Back in the cargo area that offers 23.2 cubic feet with the rear seats upright that measures 39 inches deep, 41 wide and 26 high. Push two buttons in the cargo area and the 60/40 seats fold to expand storage capacity to 51 cubic feet for 70 inches of cargo loading depth. 

Beneath the cargo floor resides the spare tire where some small items can be stuffed in areas around the tire. 

V60 gets it’s grunt from a 2.0L, turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates an impressive 316-hp and 285 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 21 city, 31-highway mpg with start-stop engine technology and 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination provided exhilarating acceleration from a standing stop and during passing maneuvers. V60 was 0-60 tested by Volvo in 5.5 seconds which is not too shabby for a 4,202-pound wagon. And it’s a quiet jaunt. 

With electric-assist steering, V60 has good road manners and good road feel. Plus, it parks easily with a 38.4 foot turning radius. The Four C Active Chassis nicely soaks up road bumps and tar strips with ease making for a smooth and balanced ride. Select Dynamic mode and performance increases while the suspension tightens thereby adding sportier sensations. V60 provides the best of both worlds of luxury and sport depending on driver selections. 

With an undercarriage clearance of 5.4 inches that is lower than the XC60, it’s not conducive to mild off-roads or deep snow. 

Now comes the bad news. Volvo’s option list is very expensive. Options like Inscription Package will add $6,000 to the reasonable base price of $43,400. The package adds a host of much wanted safety and luxury items such as blind spot/cross traffic alert, navigation, 12.3-inch display, leather and many more. Then there’s the luxury seat package ($2,200); Advanced Package ($2,500) that includes surround view camera, HUD, headlight washers, Pilot Assist; heated front and rear seats and more ($750); metallic paint ($645); Four C Active Chassis ($1,000); Bowers-Wilkins audio ($32,00); 19-inch alloy wheels ($800) and delivery ($995), brought the bottom line to $61,490. Not a bad price compared to some of the competition. If you can do without a couple options, the price can shrink somewhat. 

All in all, the V60 T6 is an all-weather family wagon with safety attributes second to none. 
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