V60’s second generation is a smooth operator
When it comes to mid-size premium estates, the Swedes at Volvo are unbeatable. Case in point, the second-generation Volvo V60, revealed today as a practical yet extremely seductive wagon
Volvo is in the business of designing sleek, sensual cars lately – who would have imagined this several years ago? Now, it launches its main family wagon, the V60, and some might say it redefines how a premium estate has to look.
The new V60 is based on Volvo Cars' Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, shared with the new XC60 and the 90 Series cars, so it will surely borrow all the good things from the models that revived Volvo's sales in the last several years.
The new estate is 4.76 meters long, 2.04 meters wide and 1.42 meters high, while its wheelbase is generous enough at 2.87 meters to accommodate five passengers without any problem. Volvo tried its best to maximize head, elbow and leg room, and its interior measurements are at the high end of its class. There's a generous boot, too, with cargo space reaching 529 liters with the rear seats up and 1364 liters with the seats folded. Volvo also offers a host of versatility features, as detailed in the video below.
Inside, you'll find the usual assortment of high-quality plastics, textiles, wood, and leather, depending on the options you choose. Volvo Cars’ Sensus infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and offers 4G connectivity. The tablet-style touchscreen already found on the other cars in Volvo's range controls the car's functions, navigation, connected services and entertainment apps.
2018 Volvo S60 – safety
Volvo chose to bring its safety package in full from the more expensive 90 Series and the X60, so buyers will have a host of advanced safety features that come as standard, with the aim to make the V60 one of the safest cars on the road, as part as Volvo's `zero deaths` strategy, as detailed in the following video.
The City Safety with Autobrake technology uses automatic braking and detection systems to assist the driver in avoiding potential collisions and is the only system on the market to recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. In a world first, City Safety now also engages autobraking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
The Pilot Assist system – which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 130km/h – has been upgraded with improved cornering performance. The V60 also includes Run-off-Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and other steering assistance systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake avoids collisions when exiting an alley or maneuvering in and out of parking lots.
2018 Volvo V60 – engines
The new V60 comes with two plug-in hybrid powertrain options: the new T6 Twin Engine AWD petrol plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340hp, and the T8 Twin Engine AWD petrol plug-in hybrid that delivers 390hp. The regular petrol choices are the T5 or T6 powertrains. Drivers who prefer diesel can select D3 or D4 engines.
In a first for the segment, customers can access the new V60 via Volvo Cars’ new premium subscription service Care by Volvo*, which offers car access via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership. Care by Volvo makes having a car as transparent, easy and hassle-free as having a mobile phone.
Take a look at our extensive picture gallery with the new V60 and judge for yourself it this car suits you or not. Prices for the new Swedish estate will be announced shortly, and we will update this article accordingly.
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