2015 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
Most auto journalists are suckers for a sexy wagon, and Volvo’s V60 T6 R-Design certainly qualifies as a looker, with svelte sheetmetal and a terrific stance. It really stands out in a sea of crossovers and sedans, and with 325 horsepower and all wheel drive seems the perfect car for a Colorado car and ski enthusiast.
Time spent in the V60 R-Design’s gorgeous cockpit does little to dispel that concept; the Swedish company certainly knows how to turn out an interior these days, with quality above rivals like BMW and Lexus and stunning design. The sumptuously supportive seats are contrast stitched to a fare-thee-well and the wheel is a joy to hold. Plastics are nicely textured and of very high quality throughout; the highlight for me was the asymmetrical racing stripe that runs down the center console.
Back seat room is a bit tight though for larger folk and cargo space in the V60 is only adaquite (and about the same volume as the Audi Allroad and BMW SportWagen), though certainly not on par with bigger crossovers or something like the Subaru Outback.
Volvo is certainly getting with it in terms of in-car connectivity: 3G WiFi, streaming music, remote start and other features, all controlled from a smart phone, are a prelude to the new infotainment system debuting in the upcoming XC90 that runs either Apple’s or Android’s new car operating systems. That said, the current V60 interface isn’t the easiest to use and is slower acting than those in the German competitors.
Mixed results apply to the way the V60 drives, as well. The transverse-mounted, 3-liter turbocharged six cylinder doesn’t seem to have quite as many ponies in the stable as its rated 325, based on how the T6 runs compared to competitors, and managing them is somewhat fraught in that throttle response and transmission/engine software integration trails the best. In the normal mode, there’s a sense of lethargy to proceedings; BMW’s little 2-liter seems quicker off the mark, and has a more linear throttle. If you put the Volvo into Sport mode it livens up nicely, but then it becomes hard to leave the line smoothly. 0-60mph arrives in about five seconds according to independent tests, almost a second quicker than the BMW, but 0-30mph takes the same time, confirming my seat-of-the-pants assessment. Real-world fuel economy is close to the EPA ratings of 17 city, 24 highway and a combined 20mpg.
A bigger issue is the way the T6 R-Design’s suspension has been set up. Having been to Sweden, I can see that this car would work well on its smooth roads. But the blighted system of potholed tarmac that serves as urban Denver’s roadway network makes this Volvo nigh on untenable, such is the brutality of its ride. It is just so unyielding that not only do passengers complain but even the driver finds it hard to enjoy the rapid progress the V60 is certainly capable of. Part of the blame no doubt is due the optional, sexy 19-inch wheels, and while the standard rims, one inch smaller, would help the ride, they would undermine the V60’s look.
If the Volvo handled like a Porsche or Ferrari that might be forgivable, but alas it doesn’t. Steering feel is decent, and corners can be dispatched quickly, but there’s little engagement for an enthusiast driver in doing so. Also undermining the vibe is the brakes, which are soft underfoot and at least seem to lack ultimate stopping power. The perceived lack of urgency, staid handling, rough ride and underwhelming braking performance are probably at least partially a result of the Swede’s almost-4000lb mass, which necessitates stiff springs to control the mass as well as sapping dynamic verve.
If I sound unduly harsh in my assessment, it is partly because I am a long-time Volvo enthusiast, having owned nine of the company’s cars (and even hot-rodded some back in the 80s). So I want their machines to just trounce the opposition. Sadly, the T6 R-Design’s abysmal ride quality and underwhelming performance preclude this. However, for those who live where the tarmac is less beaten up or are willing to forgo the big wheels, this particular Volvo’s other qualities begin to shine brighter, and it becomes a much more attractive alternative to the establishment.
EPA ratings: 19/28mpg; 22mpg combined
Price as tested: $49,275
Here is what Volvo has to say.
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