The 2019 Volvo V60 Wagon Has a Nice Price but Is Special-Order-Only
UPDATE 12/3/18: Volvo has released pricing for the new V60 wagon, which we now know will be offered in the U.S. as a special-order-only vehicle. We have updated our story accordingly.
Volvo’s lineup transformation continues. One by one, the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker has been overhauling its vehicles with a new exterior design language, a rethought interior control layout, and new modular platforms. The 2019 Volvo V60 is the latest model to make its global debut, having moved to Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) and gaining miniature-V90 curb appeal, multiple four-cylinder powertrains, and the high level of safety features we’ve come to expect from Volvo.
Although the V60 will offer gasoline, hybrid, and diesel powertrains in other markets, the United States will get only two gasoline setups at launch: T5 FWD and T6 AWD. The T5 model uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and pairs with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive T6 model has a 316-hp turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder that delivers 295 lb-ft of torque.
In Europe, the new V60 will be available with two plug-in-hybrid powertrains from launch, and we expect at least one will become available in the U.S. sometime after the V60 initially goes on sale. The more powerful of the two, the 390-hp T8, is similar to the setup offered in the V60’s SUV sibling, the XC60. Making its debut in the V60 is the new T6 PHEV setup, which has a combined output of 340 horsepower.
Steering is handled by an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion system, and the V60 rides on a control-arm suspension up front and a multilink setup with a transverse composite leaf spring in the rear.
The revamped V60 moves stylistically closer to the larger V90 and V90 Cross Country (a V60 Cross Country exists too and will follow the standard wagon by a few months). Its newly sculpted body features a sloping roofline, sharper creases, and more aggressive front styling with the brand’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED light signatures. The new V60 is noticeably longer, lower, and wider than before. Its wheelbase increases by almost four inches to 113.1, while the body has grown by nearly five inches to 187.4 (for comparison, the V90 is 194.3 inches long and rides on a 115.8-inch wheelbase). The new V60 is an inch wider than its predecessor and 2.2 inches lower in height.
The bigger body makes for more room inside versus the outgoing model. Cargo volume increases from 28 cubic feet to 30 with the rear seats up and from 44 cubes to 48 with the 60/40 split rear bench folded. Rear passengers benefit as well, with second-row legroom increasing from 33.5 inches to 35.2. As seen in some of the photos released by Volvo, a new two-tone upholstery with faux-leather trim and plaid cloth inserts will be offered, at least in Europe-we’re hoping the option makes it to the States.
The new V60 borrows from its larger siblings in the tech and safety departments. The V60 ditches the old car’s antiquated infotainment system in favor of the tablet-style Sensus touchscreen. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it offers 4G connectivity. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with collision and pedestrian avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist; rear cross-traffic alert with automated braking is optional.
Volvo says the new V60 will be arriving in the U.S. in early 2019, with the base front-wheel-drive T5 Momentum model starting at $39,895 and the T6 AWD Momentum costing $44,395. The sporty R-Design trim is $5000 more than the Momentum models with either powertrain, while the luxurious Inscription is $6000 more and only available in T6 form. Like its big sibling the V90, the V60 will be special-order-only; we presume that dealerships will only keep an inventory of the higher-volume V60 Cross Country model. Volvo also says that the V60 will be offered through its Care by Volvo subscription service, which made its debut on the new XC40 crossover. With it, customers can pay a flat monthly fee that includes service and insurance.
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