2015.5 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E TESTDRIVENOW.COM VIDEO REVIEW

2015.5 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E VIDEO REVIEW

When you think of Volvo what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well it’s probably either safety or station wagons. But the current generation S60 sedan has really opened up the brand to more than just those hallmarks. And with the all new V60, Volvo also delivers performance, technology and a new Swedish style.

Though the station wagon is a popular bodystyle in Europe, automakers introduce them to the States with trepidation. Rumor has it that Americans prefer the look of an honest to goodness sedan. But that perception is changing. Though you’ll hear euphemisms such as Sportback, and Sports Wagon to describe these utilitarian rides, the basic premise of the old fashioned station wagon remains; you can put more into it. But unlike the boxes of the past, cars like this V60 infuse curves and athleticism, and often come in a much smaller footprint.

The diminutive V60 is the first Volvo to offer the brand’s Drive-E technology. Similar to Mazda’s SkyActiv approach to improved efficiency, this car is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-4 making 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There’s a start-stop feature that’s pleasantly smooth compared to similar systems and a new ECO+ mode that optimizes shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated, it can improve gas mileage by 5% by also tweaking the start/stop system, allowing the car to coast farther in certain situations and deactivating the A/C compressor. A new electrical power assist steering system chips in, too. The result is impressive mileage; 25mpg city/37mpg highway and that’s on regular unleaded.

The V60 comes in 8 trim levels with 3 engine options with all but the Drive-E models available with all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $36,675 while this mid-trim T5 Drive-E Premier adds leather seats, navigation, a brilliant new digital gauge cluster, silver bright work and special 17” wheels. My car contributes a wide range of optional equipment, most notably these Sport Seats which harness Volvo’s hallmark comfort, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and heated windshield a la Land Rover…so if you’re sensitive to looking through little squiggly lines, forgo the Climate Package. The City Safety collision avoidance system is standard while the Blind Spot Information System Package adds cross traffic alert, a lane change merge aid and front and rear park assist. Total cost as seen here is $43,575.

Debuting on this 2015.5 model is Volvo On Call…a new 3G-based telematics system that works in conjunction with Sensus Connect. With both you get cloud-based apps, an Internet browser and a Wi-Fi hotspot. But my favorite feature is the On Call smartphone app that allows me to remotely start the car, check my Volvos location and the outside temperature near the vehicle.

A 6 month complimentary subscription is standard. Volvo takes a different approach to interacting with all of these connected features using either a knob on the waterfall console or while driving, by using an intuitive scroll wheel and button on the right side of the steering wheel. Though a faster 4G connection would have been the way to go, the system overall works nicely but albeit a little slow and looks just as good. Configuring the theme of the electronics from elegance, to eco to sport gives the cabin tailored look.

I’ve really enjoyed my week with the V60. Volvo has come a long way in recent years reinvigorating themselves in the premium segment. This wagon variant of the S60 delivers the same excitable performance as its 4-door counterpart in a package with added versatility. The turbo and 8-speed are a refined and powerful combination, the ride quality is Volvo sumptuous and the new tech looks great. It’s pricey but this is a car I could see myself owning and being very happy with.

A 0-to-60mph time of 6.1-seconds gives you a very quick little wagon that’s engaging to drive yet perfectly Volvo compliant. Even without the optional sport chassis and the turbo’s overboost power hitting the front wheels, the V60 is a car you want to drive.

I wish Volvo could spice up the dowdy front fascia to match the attractiveness of the rest of the body and this interior, awash in off-black surfaces sullies an otherwise smart cabin. But the V60 will change your opinion of what a station wagon can be.

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