The Volvo V60 wagon is undeniably a head-turner. Its classic wagon silhouette exudes sophistication, and the sleek lines hint at a modern luxury car. However, as the saying goes, beauty is only skin deep, and in the case of the 2023 Volvo V60, some fundamental flaws prevent it from being a truly recommendable vehicle, especially with its price tag reaching over $60,000. While the V60 impresses with its stunning aesthetics and opulent interior, issues with drivability significantly detract from the overall experience.
Striking Design and Premium Interior
From the outside, the V60 is a visual treat. The test car, finished in black, amplified the wagon’s elegant shape and gave it an unexpected aggressive edge. The well-proportioned overhangs and large, polished wheels contribute to its stylish stance. Stepping inside reveals a welcoming white leather interior, showcasing high-quality Nappa leather and meticulous attention to detail that elevates the cabin beyond its price point. The seats are exceptionally comfortable and highly adjustable, rivaling those in much more expensive cars. Even the Volvo’s headlights are noteworthy, featuring industry-leading technology that dynamically adjusts to curves, providing exceptional visibility in the dark and highlighting how inadequate other vehicles’ headlights can be. Initially, the V60 might feel like a bargain, considering its striking design and luxurious ambiance. The uniquely designed gear shifter further adds to the interior’s charm.
Infotainment and Interior Flaws
However, the initial impression of perfection begins to fade upon closer inspection of the infotainment system. The graphics appear dated, reminiscent of early iOS versions, and are in need of a modern refresh. Furthermore, the system suffers from noticeable lag and occasional freezes, a common issue in current Volvo models. Despite the cabin’s luxurious feel, some cost-cutting measures become apparent. The large volume knob, for instance, feels like cheap, hollow plastic and produces an unpleasant clicking sound when turned, akin to a budget dive watch bezel. It raises questions about quality control, as this tactile element seems overlooked. Another frustrating detail is the 360-degree camera system. While it offers excellent surround views, it inexplicably cannot display both the 360 and rear-view perspectives simultaneously. This limitation is particularly puzzling given the ample screen space available and is a recurring issue across Volvo’s current lineup.
Comfortable but Not Thrilling Ride
On the road, the Volvo V60 demonstrates a secure and composed chassis in normal driving conditions. It tracks steadily on highways, and the cabin remains quiet, contributing to a relaxing and appropriately luxurious ride. While not designed for spirited driving, the V60 can handle corners with surprising speed for a non-performance-oriented vehicle. However, pushing its limits reveals the suspension’s softness, leading to noticeable body roll and a lack of driver engagement. The trade-off for this is a comfortable ride quality that effectively absorbs most road imperfections, ensuring passenger comfort even on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Major Powertrain Drawbacks
The most significant drawback of the Volvo V60 lies in its powertrain. The mild-hybrid system, intended to enhance smoothness and efficiency, ironically exacerbates drivability issues. Setting off from a standstill often feels sluggish, almost as if the parking brake is engaged. Conversely, applying too much throttle results in an abrupt surge of power as the turbocharger kicks in, creating a jerky and unrefined driving experience. This issue is particularly noticeable on inclines, requiring an overly cautious and slow start to avoid the sudden power surge. The throttle response feels binary – too sensitive at times and unresponsive at others. This engine calibration is simply unacceptable in a modern luxury vehicle, especially one in this price range.
The most irritating powertrain behavior manifests during transitions from coasting to acceleration. For example, when approaching a traffic light that turns green, attempting to accelerate smoothly is challenging. There’s a noticeable delay of several seconds between pressing the accelerator and any actual response from the engine. If more power is requested impatiently, the same slow boost build-up followed by a sudden lurch occurs, completely undermining the sense of luxury. Mild-hybrid systems are meant to provide seamless power delivery, but in the V60, it results in a lethargic and jerky experience that needs serious refinement. In stark contrast, driving a Lexus RX 500h, a larger hybrid SUV, immediately before the Volvo revealed none of these powertrain flaws. The Lexus offered effortless and smooth throttle control, highlighting the V60’s deficiencies. The fact that driving the Volvo V60 smoothly requires conscious effort is a significant negative point in today’s automotive landscape. Interestingly, Volvo’s more powerful T8 powertrain and previous supercharged and turbocharged engines did not exhibit these issues, suggesting a specific problem with this particular turbocharged engine configuration. On a positive note, the V60 did achieve a respectable 27 MPG during the test week. However, even non-hybrid turbocharged engines from competitors offer superior throttle response and smoother power delivery.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the problematic engine significantly hinders the Volvo V60’s functionality as a daily driver. The poorly calibrated powertrain is a major concern, possibly indicating Volvo’s primary focus is shifting towards its all-electric future, perhaps at the expense of refining their current gasoline engines. While the brand still holds appeal from a design perspective and offers good value with its luxurious interiors compared to German rivals, the V60, like some other recent Volvos, suffers from fundamental flaws that are hard to overlook.
2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country AWD Ultimate
As-tested price: $63,585
Pros:
- Attractive exterior design
- Refined and luxurious interior
Cons:
- Unrefined and underdeveloped powertrain
- Laggy and dated infotainment system
