2016 Volvo V60
The Alternative to Ordinary
In a world dominated by high-riding SUVs the demand for wagons – a staple of highways and roads when things like smartphones didn’t exist – may seem minimal at best. But drivers looking for a comfortable, practical, and efficient alternative would be doing themselves a disservice by overlooking the 2016 Volvo V60.
Why is that exactly? Let's find out.
Performance
Finding the right 2016 Volvo V60 for you is a matter of selecting between three different powertrain options.
At the base of the list is the standard T5 Drive-E model, which features Volvo’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. For 2016, the T5 Drive-E is only available with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the T5 Drive-E is rated at 29 mpg combined (25 city/37 highway).* These impressive numbers are helped by the aforementioned eight-speed automatic and a new standard automatic stop/start system, which shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt in order to save fuel.
The 2016 Volvo V6 T5 AWD models get - you guessed it - standard all-wheel drive. Power is sent to all four wheels via a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder. This particular mill serves up 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, if it's a little more impetus you desire then be sure to explore the T6 AWD R-Design. This version feaures a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces an eye-watering 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, and paired to the same six-speed automatic as the T5 AWD. The T6 AWD R-Design is by far the sportiest model available, and one that left us in total disbelief as to what a wagon can do.
Features
The 2016 Volvo V60 starts at $35,950** and is available in four trims: T5 Drive-E, T5 Drive-E Platinum, T6 R-Design AWD, and T6 AWD R-Design Platium.
Volvo’s unwavering commitment to value is evident in its features lineup, where the entry-level T5 Drive-E offers a robust list of standard equipment that is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and dynamic LED running lights. Automatic wipers add an extra layer of refinement, while dual-climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and large sunroof create an even more luxurious-feeling cabin.
Technology enthusiasts will also appreciate the excellent Bluetooth® integration that lets drivers pair their smartphone and make and receive calls hands-free. Audio streaming is also made easy and is belted out from the vehicle’s eight-speaker sound system, which includes a CD player, satellite and HD Radio™, and a USB/iPod port.
Volvo V60 shoppers can also up the ante with the Premier sub trim, which adds amenities such as keyless ignition, customizable digital gauges, and an auto dimming rearview mirror. Likewise, the Premier Plus and Platinum trims offers even more goodies, ranging from power-folding mirrors to a navigation system. An upgraded premium 12-speaker surround-sound audio system is also available.
Individual options also exist. Here, drivers can upgrade to 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, add adaptive xenon headlights, toss in an automatic parallel parking system, or even add a rear seat entertainment system.
Design
A graceful and elegant sloping roofline, sleek low-to-the-ground stance, and a muscular hood are but a few of the V60’s visual highlights. The V60 may be classified as a wagon, but nobody seemed to inform Volvo engineers that. What we have here is a smart and stylishly designed vehicle that will leave onlookers powerless to its many charms.
That same level of style and elegance translates to inside as well, where subtle and smart design touches can be seen throughout the cabin. Up front, the V60 utilizes the same stunning TFT digital instrument cluster as the S60 sedan sibling, while other signature Volvo elements, like the “waterfall” center stack and human-shaped climate controls, where one simply press the “head” to direct airflow to your face, make a welcome appearance.
It’s not all about style, though, and as all wagons should, the V60 offers plenty of livable space for occupants both up front and in the rear. The V60 also provides a voluminous 43.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded down as well as the added flexibility of an available fold-flat front passenger seat.
Safety
The 2016 Volvo V60's list of standard safety features includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and Volvo's City Safe system. City Safe is of particular note, as it can automatically apply the brakes at speeds up to 31 mph in order to prevent and or mitigate frontal collisions.
The V60 also features a number of available advanced safety technologies, including additional frontal collision warning with full auto-braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert to name a few.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Volvo V60 is a premium-filled luxury wagon. It offers excellent value thanks to its large cargo capacity and spacious interior. The V60 is perfect for families, too. In addition to Volvo’s unrivaled reputation for safety, the V60 can haul up to five passengers, and does so with power and poise. Factor in the Swedish automaker’s simple yet elegant design and it’s no wonder the V60, now in its sophomore year, is such a compelling choice.
For more information, or to test drive the Volvo V60 for yourself, contact us online or visit Volvo Cars Silver Spring at [address.
* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only.
**Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Volvo