2019 Volvo V60 First Look Review: The Oldest Volvo Finally Catches Up
Volvo has been on a crusade to reinvent itself since it was acquired by Geely back in 2010. The Swedish automaker, with a massive infusion of cash, then embarked on a massive overhaul of its lineup beginning with its range-topping XC90 SUV. We've fallen in love with Volvo's new design language and interior style, even as it's trickled down to lesser models, but two models have been left behind-until now. The automaker has shown off the new 2019 Volvo V60, finally bringing the entry-level wagon back in line with the rest of the brand.
Volvo decided to reveal the V60 wagon separately from its brother S60 sedan, due to arrive later, though that only shows how dedicated Volvo is to making the humble wagon cool again. As the oldest vehicles in the lineup, the V60 and S60 were clearly out of place. This will change for 2019 as Volvo completes the final step in its lineup overhaul. Gone is the V60's miserable infotainment in favor of Volvo's new portait-oriented Sensus system. Also gone is the last remnant of Ford ownership as the V60 moves to Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture that now underpins 60 series and up vehicles. And of course, the 2019 V60 looks gorgeous thanks to a new front fascia featuring Volvo's signature Thor's hammer headlights.
We were completely enamored with Volvo's new infotainment system when we experienced it in the larger V90 Cross Country wagon. The large touchscreen controls all of the car's major functions with amazing sensitivity and ease. As with all Volvo models, the V60 will come loaded to the brim with safety functions and will likely be available with some of our favorite Volvo options, such as Bowers and Wilkins audio and massaging seats. In a bid to differentiate the entry-level wagon in the range, Volvo has dropped the power output on a few of its drivetrains. The V60 will have the same engine options as other Volvo models, but with slightly less power.
The FWD T5 drivetrain will use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that reportedly generates 250 horsepower (the same as in other models). The T6 variant adds a supercharger and AWD, but will reportedly produce 303 hp (compared to 316 in larger models). Likewise, the hybrid T8 drivetrain adds an electric motor, but will produce just 390 hp (compared to 400 hp in other applications). These changes in power will likely have a minimal effect on performance, but help differentiate the V60 from more expensive larger models. No mention has been made of a Polestar version, though Volvo's new sub-brand could give the V60 an uprated version of the T8 powertrain.
If Polestar did crank up the V60 to 450-500 hp, it would instantly put the model on the same playing field as models like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. Luckily for Volvo, neither of those cars is sold as a wagon in the US, though BMW does sell a wagon version of the standard 3 Series that will be one of the V60's strongest competitors here. Volvo will also have to contend with the Audi A4 Allroad and the Buick Regal TourX. We reckon that the new V60 looks better inside and out than all of those wagons. Based on our experience with Volvo, we also expect it to be a lot more comfortable than the competition. The V60 should dominate the wagon segment.
This update to the V60 instantly takes it from an automotive afterthought to the strongest player in the segment. If you haven't been in a Volvo lately, it's time for you to get aquatinted with the brand's incredible turnaround. What started with the XC90 has almost reached its final stages. We have no doubts that the upcoming S60 sedan will vastly outsell the V60 wagon, but we can't fault Volvo for pulling out all the stops to change people's opinions about wagons.