The previous Volvo V60 usually lost comparisons from cars like the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-series Touring or Mercedes C-Class Estate.
When it comes to the new model however, things could be different,
because that car, which is on the same platform as the V90, has grown up very nicely.
So grown up actually, that is almost fills the gap left by the old V70.
To get an idea where the new V60 stands, we've put it next to a Mercedes C-Class Estate,
a car which was updated recently as well.
The facelift on the C-Class is one at which you've got to look twice, because it's all about the details.
Most of the changes are beneath the skin as well. They've changed some technical features and when it comes...
to electronic functionality, they've improved that as well.
That means it's in line with the E- and S-Class again.
Previously, the C200d was powered by a 1.6-litre engine, producing 136 horsepower.
That has now become 2.0-litres, producing 150 horsepower. It's a very pleasant engine, as we've already seen in the E-Class.
Especially when it's combined with Mercedes' own 9-speed automatic gearbox, it's a very nice drivetrain.
The gearbox quietly does its job and I've got nothing to complain about. It's a fantastic machine.
Also, it's a tad faster now, compared with the previous engine. Nothing wrong with that.
The steering is nice and precise, with just the right amount of counterpressure.
The chassis is fully aimed at caressing you. It's incredibly comfortable, but if you want to corner quickly,
it doesn't disappoint at all. They've found a very nice balance at Mercedes.
Other big changes are in the interior, and they're mostly in the steering wheel.
It now has all kinds of buttons on it, just like in the E- and S-Class.
What has remained is the central control button, with which you control the multimedia system.
That's very nice, because the A-Class features a touchpad nowadays, which requires to much concentration.
They did good by sticking to this button...
When it comes to electronic functionality, it's now able to change lanes by tapping the indicator.
The seating position in the front is very royal. I've got lots of space here. In the back, it's a little more modest.
Also, not unimportant for a station wagon, the luggage space still offers 490 litres, which is decent for a middle class car.
The 190 horsepower diesel engine in the new V60 is one we've seen before, because it was in the previous generation as well.
And there's not a lot to complain about really. It's very quiet and it's connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
A very good gearbox, only it's not as refined as the 9-speed in the Mercedes,
but that's a whole new level of course.
It has 40 more horsepower than the Mercedes, but we don't really notice a lot of differences.
The same goes for our measurements. They only differ in tenths,
and that's mostly because of the additional weight of this car. It's almost 100 kg heavier than the Mercedes.
Better yet, this V60 is only 20 kg lighter than the big V90 which has the same drivetrain.
All that mass has to corner as well, and that's where the effort Volvo has done stands out.
It's feels a lot more agile than the big V90, but we're comparing it with the Mercedes, not with the V90.
But there are still some differences. The Mercedes is clearly aimed at comfort,
almost like a floating carpet without it getting senseless, but the Volvo is a lot more dynamic.
That does bring a little nervosity with it. You can feel that in the steering, in the chassis,
that could be because of the bigger wheels under this car, but there's some nervosity to it.
Volvo has a very good reputation to uphold when it comes to safety systems, and they exhibit that with the new V60.
It's fitted with all kinds of systems to keep you out of hospital.
It's fitted with an Autopilot as well, and together with the Mercedes-system,
one of the best systems available today. The only difference is that Mercedes is able to change lanes...
and this isn't, but other than that, it nicely keeps distance,
and it nicely remains between the lanes. Volvo has done a good job.
The interior in the new V60 is designed according to the now well-known minimalism from the V90, XC90 and XC60.
It looks very nice. The middle console with the distinctive big touchscreen works...
quickly and simple. The allround finishing just is very good.
Then, the space. One of the major strong points in this car. In the front, the seating is just as good as in the C-Class,
but the seating is even better than in the C-Class at the back. You've got more legroom. A lot more.
If we go back all the way, we've got a very big luggage space.
It has grown from 430 litres to 529 litres. That's an increase of 99 litres.
It seems that Volvo is getting back in the saddle when it comes to being the big station car builder.
The space absolutely is one of the major advantages in this new V60, which means it can now keep up with the German rivals.
It even trumps them when it comes to space. When we're talking refinement however,
there are still steps to be made. Mercedes still does a better job when it comes to refinement.