2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design AWD review

2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design AWD Review

Pros

Very sporty nature

Most powerful wagon in its segment

Plenty of room for such a sporty car

Cons

Might be too aggressive for some with a tighter suspension than some might like

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From the outside, the new 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design looks like a fairly typical wagon for families, but once you get behind the wheel, it’s a whole different vehicle. Most Americans don’t have an appreciation for wagons like the Europeans do, and this new Volvo V60 could change some minds here in the U.S. This week we’ll see how the new wagon from Volvo performs and who would be interested in this turbocharged family hauler.

What’s new for 2015?

V60 T6 R-Design options

Interior features

Engine and fuel mileage specs

Driving impressions

Conclusion:

What’s new for 2015?

The 2015 Volvo V60 is an all-new model for the U.S. market, and the T6 R-Design is a true driving enthusiast’s wagon that has been eagerly anticipated. Volvo’s legacy has been built on the station wagon and they take it to another level with the V60 T6 R-Design. From the side, the sport wagon’s roofline suggests coupe as much as wagon and the driving characteristics says the same.

V60 T6 R-Design options

Our 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design tester ($45,150) came with the optional Climate Package ($1,550) that made it ready for the coldest winters. It came with heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windshield and washer nozzles. It also came with 19-inch IXION wheels and summer performance tires ($750). The Blind Spot Information System ($900) featured Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Merge Aid and Front and Rear Park Assist. The total MSRP was $49,275 including destination.

The new V60 T6 R-Design comes nicely equipped with Active Dual Xenon headlights with headlight washers, 12V power outlet in cargo area, Adaptive digital TFT display, roof rails, Keyless Drive with Personal Car Communicator, Rear park assist camera, Homelink remote garage door opener, compass in rearview mirror, Grocery bag holder, and Power retractable outside mirrors.

Interior features

Volvo had driving enthusiasts in mind when they designed the cabin of the V60 with its simple, stylish, clean design. It was a pleasure to be able to change the radio channel easily without having a melt down because it’s too complicated and trying to figure out some non-intuitive system. The hand-stitched leather seats are bolstered well for hard cornering or road trips. Everything inside shouts sporty from the exclusive Blue Adaptive Digital TFT display, aluminum sport pedals and R-Design Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and sport gearshift knob.

The V60 is not your traditional wagon and sits 9 inches lower than the Volvo XC60, but it only gives up 1.3 inches in rear headroom. Inside it feels like you are in a sports coupe and the V60‘s raked hood contributes to the sporty view from the drivers seat. The 40/20/40 rear seat folds flat and offers 43.7 cubic feet of cargo carrying capacity. That’s not a lot compared with the XC60 that has 67.4 cubic feet.

Engine and fuel mileage specs

The all-new V60 T6 AWD R-Design features a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that produces 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed Geartronic automatic with adv. quick-shift steering wheel paddle shifters. EPA fuel economy estimates are 19/28 city/highway and 22 mpg combined. The V60 T6 R-Design wagon will launch from 0-60 in a quick 5.4 seconds. It features a sport-tuned chassis and comes standard with all-wheel-drive.

Driving impressions

The T6 AWD R-Design with the 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine with sport-tuned suspension may be the most performance-oriented wagon here in the U.S. It’s by far the most powerful wagon in this small segment. The V60 T6 R-Design is all about sport and speed. This family vehicle is not for everyone and is ideal for the driving enthusiast who still needs a wagon for utility.

For those who are looking for a cushy ride will be disappointed in the V60 R-Design’s sport suspension’s stiffer ride. But in the corners, this sport wagon will keep up with the best sport sedans. And for power, all you do is push down on the aluminum gas pedal and you’ll have all the power you need for any driving situation. There’s more power available than most wagon drivers would ever need at their disposal. The power comes quickly and it’s a burst that pushed us back in the seat.

The bigger 19-inch sport wheels with short-sidewall summer performance tires did send a bit more sharp impacts into the cabin on the dirt roads leading to the house. Overall, the ride is firm but is still comfortable on the highway. The V60 T6 R-Design sport seats are the most comfortable we have been in. The seats kept us firmly planted during spirited driving and offered superior sculpting and padding.

Conclusion:

The new 2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design sports station wagon is suitable for those who want a family-friendly multi-function station wagon and performance-oriented driving Dynamic people. From the cabin design to the sloping roofline, everything about this wagon is sporty. It has an all-weather capability with instant traction and all-wheel drive, and is an excellent vehicle for fast and safe uphill climbs this winter.