Volvo’s new five-door V60 mid-size premium estate will cost from under £32,000 when it arrives on these shores later this year – and motorists will be able to drive away with one for a flat-fee monthly subscription.
The new V60 shares Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the XC60 SUV and three top-of-the-line 90 series cars, which have been the collective force behind the company’s record-breaking global sales performance in recent years.
In what is being claimed as a first for the segment, customers can take delivery of the new V60 via Volvo’s new premium subscription service, Care by Volvo, which offers car access via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership.
The compact estate will be available with two plug-in hybrid powertrain options: the new T6 Twin Engine AWD petrol plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340 hp, or the T8 Twin Engine AWD petrol plug-in hybrid that delivers 390 hp. Two conventional petrol and two diesel engine options will also be available from launch.
Safety features include City Safety autonomous emergency braking, which is claimed to be the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. In a world first, City Safety now also engages automatic braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
The Pilot Assist system – which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 mph – 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 further improves safety for people inside and outside the car.
The Sensus infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and can use 4G to keep drivers connected at all times. The system is controlled via a tablet-style touchscreen that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and entertainment apps.
UK prices for the V60 will start at £31,810 on-road (full pricing and specification details will be announced shortly). First customer deliveries are expected in the autumn.