As Volvo steadily converts its lineup over to its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, it’s adding generous dollops of Swedish design and premium feel. The 2019 Volvo V60 is the latest model to get the treatment. Billed as a family station wagon, it’s stylish and practical enough to pull duty everywhere from corporate garages to mountain retreats.
The Volvo V60 is all new for 2019. The new car is an inch wider and nearly five inches longer than the outgoing model, but it sits 2.2 inches lower.
Choosing a V60 begins with the two available powertrain options. Both are shared with the V60’s larger V90 sibling, and both begin with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The T5 powertrain uses a turbocharger to pump 250 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The T6 comes with all-wheel drive and slaps on a supercharger to boot, ending up with 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Both powertrains use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the T5 is strong at an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon city, 36 mpg highway, and 28 combined. The T6 takes a hit for all-wheel drive but still manages 21/31/25 mpg (city/highway/combined).
The 2019 V60’s larger dimensions help it in the utility department. Cargo capacity has expanded, with up to 48 cubic feet on tap with the rear seats folded. Rear leg room has grown by a couple inches as well. All V60s use Volvo’s Sensus infotainment touchscreen, which boasts 4G connectivity plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
With a powertrain selected, the V60 comes in three possible trims:
Starting at $39,895 (all prices include the $995 destination charge), the Momentum trim is the cheapest way into a V60. Upgrading to the T6 powertrain will set buyers back an additional $4,500. Volvo hasn’t skimped on luxury: the Momentum trim comes with 17-inch alloy rims, a panoramic roof, a power-operated tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, heated wiper nozzles, and Volvo’s signature hammer LED headlights.
The interior gets a nine-inch infotainment screen, an eight-inch driver display, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and memory settings, a power-folding second row, iron ore inlays, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Exclusive to the Momentum trim is Volvo’s tasteful “City Weave” textile upholstery, which is like a Swedish version of the Volkswagen GTI’s plaid. Safety is another strong point, with standard active safety features like collision avoidance and lane keeping assist.
Packages begin with a bundle that heats up the front seats and steering wheel for $750. A Premium Package ($2,050) adds a mirror-mounted compass, auto-dimming mirrors, retractable side mirrors, front and rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts, keyless entry, and a garage door opener. Once the Premium Package is selected, the Advanced Package ($2,500) tacks on a head-up display, a surround-view camera, semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control, cornering headlights, high-pressure headlight cleaners, and LED fog lights. A Multimedia Package ($2,500) expands the driver display to 12.3 inches and adds Harman Kardon sound and navigation. Finally, the Linear Lime Deco Inlay Package ($600) adds (you guessed it) lime-wood inlay plus extra mood lighting.
Besides accessories and service plans, the only substantial options are charcoal headliner ($200) and a customizable active suspension ($1,000). Sadly, colors other than black cost an extra $645.
Starting at $44,895 for a T5 and $49,395 for a T6, the R-Design ups the standard features. All the features from both the Premium and Multimedia Packages are standard, as are 18-inch alloy wheels, charcoal headliner, a heated steering wheel, and exclusive R-Design badging. The seats are sport buckets and upholstered in Nappa leather.
With all the other packages included standard, the only remaining bundle is the Advanced Package, which remains $2,500. Heated front seats can be added as a standalone option for $500. Other options include a parking assist autopilot ($200), a lowered sport chassis ($200), heated rear seats ($425), and an even-more-premium Bowers and Wilkins sound system ($3,200).
Starting at $50,395, the V60 Inscription is only available with the T6 powertrain. Luxury is at the forefront with standard heated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, exclusive alloy rims, and driftwood inlay. A variety of leather upholsteries are available.
Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel (inexplicably not standard) are bundled for $750, and the Advanced Package remains in place for $2,500. A Luxury Seat Package ($2,200) adds ventilated Nappa leather, power-adjustable side support, and massage-capable front seats. The active suspension is back on the menu for $1,000, but other standalone options remain the same as the R-Design trim.
The Momentum trim is the best value of the 2019 Volvo V60 lineup. The interior alone ought to be enough to win many buyers, with gorgeous design and a premium feel. Packages offer plenty of customizability, but go easy on the options if possible, as price can inflate in a hurry.
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