Versatile Luxury: 2015 Volvo V60 sport wagon
Volvo has expanded its lineup for 2015 with the launch of the all-new V60 sport wagon. With its dynamic design, three levels of performance, innovative safety technologies, luxury features and versatile cabin, the V60 writes an exciting new chapter in Volvo’s 60-plus years of wagon excellence.
Offered in T5 Drive-E, T5 AWD and T6 R-Design models and Base, Premier and Platinum trim levels, Volvo has introduced several new standard features to the V60 lineup for midyear 2015; Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscriptions; Sensus Navigation with Map Care on Premier and Platinum trim levels and all T6 models; Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System on Platinum trim level; and Convenience Package on Platinum trim level.
Based on Volvo’s S60 sedan architecture, the V60 takes sport wagon styling to the next level with its dramatic road presence. The pronounced wedge shape and slim coupe-like silhouette create a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlights at the front to the taillights at the rear.
The designer’s focus was on retaining the S60’s coupe-like profile, while increasing cargo space at the rear. The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down enhancing its stance and making it look sleeker and lower. The sculpted hood and short overhangs also emphasize its athletic stance. Dynamism is further enhanced by what Volvo’s design team calls the “racetrack” design. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, continually, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.
The V60 T5 front-wheel-drive models are fitted with Volvo’s new 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection. Torque is communicated to the street through a new standard eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission.
Volvo’s electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™ is standard on the midrange V60 T5 AWD. These models employ Volvo’s signature 2.5L five-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to an efficient six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission.
Volvo created the V60 T6 AWD R-Design especially for those who crave performance and a more sporting driving experience. It comes dressed with distinctive R-Design visual cues, revved by the performance-tuned 3.0L T6 turbocharged six-cylinder engine with Polestar performance software upgrade. Torque is conveyed to the street through a six-speed Geartronic driver-adaptive automatic with Sport mode and enhanced with Advanced Quick Shift transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change.
On the outside, the R-Design features unique front styling with a bolder, expressive appearance. The frameless Tech Matte Black grille has high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Design emblem. The LED daytime running lights in the outer corners reinforce the low, road-hugging impression. The front wheel arches enhance the car’s sporty aura while the rounded end of the front bumper wraps around the standard 18-inch “Ixion” alloy wheels which are also offered in 19-inch size as an option with the choice of all-season or performance summer tires. At the rear, the unique diffuser with aero fins is flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design tailpipes.
Volvo’s chassis experts worked on the driving experience in the new V60 with the same passion given to the development of the S60. The result is a sport wagon with truly sporting driving characteristics. The dampers and front and rear subframes for the standard Touring Chassis have compliant settings to give a smooth ride on irregular road surfaces.
Those seeking more direct reflexes can select the Sport Chassis, included in the available Sport Package for V60 T5 models and fitted as standard on the T6 R-Design. The Sport Chassis includes a lower ride height for responsive driving pleasure with full control for a sporty yet luxurious feel. A strut brace under the hood ties together the suspension strut towers to stiffen up the body structure.
Monotube dampers deliver compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly. Stiffer bushings counteract oscillation while roll movements are more controlled. The bushings that attach the rear dampers to the body are stiffer, and the front tie-blade bushing is considerably stiffer to counteract wheel bouncing and shaking.
Inside the passenger cabin, Volvo’s interior designers have crafted the V60’s cabin environment to surround the driver and passengers with comfort and luxury while offering flexible cargo solutions. Standard 40/20/40-split rear seat increases versatility for transporting cargo. Each backrest in the three-piece rear seat is folded with exceptional ease to create a flat load floor. The rear seat headrests can be folded electrically. The optional folding front passenger seat on T5 models can fold flat so extra-long cargo can be transported inside the car. The load area has been designed for maximum utility with access via a wide tailgate plus extra space for smaller items behind the wheel housings and under the load floor.
All V60s are equipped with the Volvo Sensus system. Sensus manages information from the audio unit, navigation (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a seven-inch high-definition color monitor in the upper part of the center console. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit his or her needs.
A new R-Design sport seat upholstery option debuts with the V60. Offered as a no-charge option, seats are trimmed with dual-textured upholstery that combines sporty Nubuck fabric with genuine leather. The primary seating surface is dressed with Nubuck textile that has the appearance and texture of suede. Other seating surfaces are trimmed in leather. This combo provides a very exclusive and dynamic appearance as well as holding the occupants firmly in place during spirited cornering.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 109.3; overall length: 182.5; width: 73.4; height: 58.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 240 hp at 5,600 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 1,500 – 4,800 rpm; 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder – 250 hp at 5,400 rpm and 266 lbs-ft of torque; 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder – 325 hp at 2,100 – 4,200 rpm and 354 lbs-ft of torque at 2,100 – 4,200 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed Geartronic automatic, eight-speed Geartronic automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder – 25 city/37 hwy.; 2.5L turbo five-cylinder AWD – 20 city/29 hwy.; 3.0L turbo six-cylinder AWD – 19 city/28 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 43.8 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, dual inflatable side curtain, side impact protection system, whiplash protection seating system, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, hydraulic brake assist, optimized hydraulic brakes, ready alert brakes, fading brake support, city safety, LED daytime running lights, dynamic stability and traction control with sport mode; corner traction control, rear fog light with auto off, security system, remote keyless entry, central locking system, rain sensor, engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands free phone system, Volvo On-Call, and tire pressure monitoring system. T5 Drive-E Premier adds navigation system.
T5 Drive-E Platinum adds HomeLink remote garage door opener, active high beam, adaptive cruise control with queue assist, collision warning with full auto brake, distance alert, lane keeping aid, pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto brake, and road sign information. T5 AWD Platinum adds keyless drive with personal car communicator, driver alert control, lane departure warning, and rear park assist camera.
Optional safety features include: blind spot information system, cross traffic alert, lane change merge aid, park assist pilot, front/rear park assist, and heated windshield.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Volvo V6o sport wagon starts from $35,750 for the T5 Drive-E FWD upto $48,550 for the T6 AWD R-Design Platinum. Destination charges add $925.
