It’s funny how we let opinions shape our lives. Instead of forging ahead with what we truly want and need in life, we instead conform to the societal standards because of what others might think, how others may see us. That’s a real shame.
Somewhere along the way the word “station wagon” ended up in the same vein as “minivan” and all the stereotypes and opinions that went with those words followed. And as the negative images conjured up negative opinions, the long-roof all but disappeared in North America.
Yes, the new Volvo V60 is a station wagon. Yes, it’s bloody good to drive. Yes, it’s fast. No, I didn’t feel like a sad soccer mom behind the wheel; quite the opposite in fact.
Long live the long-roof!
What is the Volvo V60?
Essentially, the V60 is the long-roof, or wagon, variant of Volvo’s S60 sedan. Volvo actually refers to it as a “sportwagon” and with good reason. With more space in the trunk and more legroom in the second row, the V60 offers up more practicality without sacrificing a dynamic drive.
Of note, Volvo’s been at this wagon thing for 60 years now, so they’ve got a pretty good idea about how to make a decent long-roof, and the new V60 is a little bit more than decent.
2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design Price and Specs
For starters, there are 10 versions of the V60 to choose from. Pricing starts at $41,800 for a T5 AWD and will top out at $54,850 for a T6 AWD R-Design Platinum edition (my particular tester). With a select few options, including a Climate Package, BLIS, and a Technology Package, my total was up past the $58k mark.
The 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design houses a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine. Consider the following: This station wagon has 325 horses and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of grunt for any car. Mated to Volvo’s Geartronic 6-speed autobox with Quick Shift control and highly ergonomic and functional steering-wheel paddle shifters, the engine output is a joy.
Driving the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
I tried my best to find a negative point to bring up about the V60’s drive. The back end was too heavy and drag-y… Nope. The throttle response was meh and not at all sporty… No way. The handling was a bit off thanks to the longer roofline and subsequent weight… Definitely not. All right then, let’s stick with the positives.
This wagon is an absolutely blast!. Get behind the wheel and I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself and forget you’ve got a station wagon trailing behind you with room for the kids, dogs, and all your kit.
Oh, and that turbo spool. I adore when a manufacturer lets the mechanics be heard. Forget all this silencing BS and cocooned driving, I want to hear my turbo spool, blow off and work! Crack the windows and enjoy the warm summer air as you listen to your V60’s turbo spool, whistle joyfully, then blow off as power is released. All the while, you rocket forward more quickly than you may have ever thought you could in a vehicle in this segment.
Manual gear changes are quick and precise should you choose to perform them yourself; however, I recommend letting the Geartronic work its magic, because it’s that good.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
The V60 is one sexy long-roof. Seriously. Just look at it! Decked out in Passion Red with charcoal R-Design leather seats and graphite interior. My God, every time I walked towards it in the parking lot I felt a little tingle in all the right places. Volvo can be sexy, who knew?
The new V60 looks aggressive and robust without being too intense. The slightly angled front end and sculpted hood relay thoughts of speed and agility, and the beltline to the rear is sumptuous and just the right touch leading the eye back to the modern, angular rear that features Volvo’s signature taillights.
Inside, typical Volvo fare ensues. Let me take a moment to reflect on what are, perhaps, the best front seats in the entire auto industry. I was tempted to try and remove one to keep in my living room (Volvo would have never noticed, right?). The R-Design seats manage to be supportive and ridiculously plush and comfortable all at once. Like sinking into a warm bath after a long day at work, the Volvo V60’s seats are all business and coddle all at once.
In back, space abounds. My son’s infant seat went in without a hitch. Trunk space was plentiful and managed to swallow up an entire weekend’s worth of travel paraphernalia for mother, son, and granny.
Comparing the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
North America has far too few wagons available to compare to the sexy new V60. However, the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Allroad will give it a serious run for its money; both offering German engineering and high customer loyalty. However, I still think the new 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design will do a very good job attracting buyers especially those who really look within and decide living life the way they want is the most important.
Somewhere along the way the word “station wagon” ended up in the same vein as “minivan” and all the stereotypes and opinions that went with those words followed. And as the negative images conjured up negative opinions, the long-roof all but disappeared in North America.
Yes, the new Volvo V60 is a station wagon. Yes, it’s bloody good to drive. Yes, it’s fast. No, I didn’t feel like a sad soccer mom behind the wheel; quite the opposite in fact.
Long live the long-roof!
What is the Volvo V60?
Essentially, the V60 is the long-roof, or wagon, variant of Volvo’s S60 sedan. Volvo actually refers to it as a “sportwagon” and with good reason. With more space in the trunk and more legroom in the second row, the V60 offers up more practicality without sacrificing a dynamic drive.
Of note, Volvo’s been at this wagon thing for 60 years now, so they’ve got a pretty good idea about how to make a decent long-roof, and the new V60 is a little bit more than decent.
2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design Price and Specs
For starters, there are 10 versions of the V60 to choose from. Pricing starts at $41,800 for a T5 AWD and will top out at $54,850 for a T6 AWD R-Design Platinum edition (my particular tester). With a select few options, including a Climate Package, BLIS, and a Technology Package, my total was up past the $58k mark.
The 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design houses a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine. Consider the following: This station wagon has 325 horses and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of grunt for any car. Mated to Volvo’s Geartronic 6-speed autobox with Quick Shift control and highly ergonomic and functional steering-wheel paddle shifters, the engine output is a joy.
Driving the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
I tried my best to find a negative point to bring up about the V60’s drive. The back end was too heavy and drag-y… Nope. The throttle response was meh and not at all sporty… No way. The handling was a bit off thanks to the longer roofline and subsequent weight… Definitely not. All right then, let’s stick with the positives.
This wagon is an absolutely blast!. Get behind the wheel and I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself and forget you’ve got a station wagon trailing behind you with room for the kids, dogs, and all your kit.
Oh, and that turbo spool. I adore when a manufacturer lets the mechanics be heard. Forget all this silencing BS and cocooned driving, I want to hear my turbo spool, blow off and work! Crack the windows and enjoy the warm summer air as you listen to your V60’s turbo spool, whistle joyfully, then blow off as power is released. All the while, you rocket forward more quickly than you may have ever thought you could in a vehicle in this segment.
Manual gear changes are quick and precise should you choose to perform them yourself; however, I recommend letting the Geartronic work its magic, because it’s that good.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
The V60 is one sexy long-roof. Seriously. Just look at it! Decked out in Passion Red with charcoal R-Design leather seats and graphite interior. My God, every time I walked towards it in the parking lot I felt a little tingle in all the right places. Volvo can be sexy, who knew?
The new V60 looks aggressive and robust without being too intense. The slightly angled front end and sculpted hood relay thoughts of speed and agility, and the beltline to the rear is sumptuous and just the right touch leading the eye back to the modern, angular rear that features Volvo’s signature taillights.
Inside, typical Volvo fare ensues. Let me take a moment to reflect on what are, perhaps, the best front seats in the entire auto industry. I was tempted to try and remove one to keep in my living room (Volvo would have never noticed, right?). The R-Design seats manage to be supportive and ridiculously plush and comfortable all at once. Like sinking into a warm bath after a long day at work, the Volvo V60’s seats are all business and coddle all at once.
In back, space abounds. My son’s infant seat went in without a hitch. Trunk space was plentiful and managed to swallow up an entire weekend’s worth of travel paraphernalia for mother, son, and granny.
Comparing the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
North America has far too few wagons available to compare to the sexy new V60. However, the likes of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Allroad will give it a serious run for its money; both offering German engineering and high customer loyalty. However, I still think the new 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design will do a very good job attracting buyers especially those who really look within and decide living life the way they want is the most important.
Road Tests and Reviews
Experts
Consumers
2015 Volvo V60
Review Highlights
Article Gallery