Upon first glance of the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 AWD R-Design you see an elegantly designed, family oriented wagon. However, as you look closer you start to notice the dual exhaust, low profile tires and R-Design badge, leading you to the conclusion that the 2015 V60 R-Design is a real sleeper. Except for these subtle hints, others will have no idea of the immense power that lurks beneath the hood combined with performance handling. The 2015 Volvo V60 takes away all preconceived notions of a station wagon!
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2015 Volvo V60 R-Design’s quiet engine (even during full acceleration) makes driving feel more like a speedy luxury sedan than a sports car, but the firm racing inspired seating with side support and the vehicle’s stiffer suspension remind the driver of the available performance built into this astonishing vehicle.
The V60 R-Design has an amazingly smooth but extremely fast acceleration when at full throttle. There’s minimal kick when downshifting, but instead a fast acceleration that gets faster as the speed increases! Before you know it you are racing over 100 km/h without any sign of the engine letting up. The engineering behind this car really shines through when you consider that every last ounce of the 325 hp was extracted for use and controlled in a beautifully tame manner.
This performance vehicle sports a 3.0L turbo charged, six cylinder engine paired with a 6 speed all wheel drive transmission propelling the 2015 V60 to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds. The R-Design’s stiffer suspension and lower ground clearance allows drivers to hug the road on cornering and provides a performance car feel while driving with passion.
I was expecting the gas consumption to be much higher due to the heavy weight build and all the spirited test driving! However, it came in at 10.5 L/100km over a combined 400km of city and highway driving. Quite impressive for a heavy, 325 hp, 5 second car with AWD!
INTERIOR
The 2015 Volvo V60 provides all the features and quality finishes to be expected in a luxury vehicle. Although the interior is slightly cramped, with a small amount of rear passenger legroom, the seating is very supportive and comfortable. The low roofline may prove difficult for taller drivers.
The cabin does a great job of minimizing engine and outside noise, providing a quiet and relaxing ride for all passengers. There is a premium quality of build with great seam connections, quality of materials and no wind leaks.
Although the layout of the dash could be improved and the number of buttons minimized, I did like the driver oriented interior. Everything except the hidden storage behind the dash was easily within reach, and the dash controls were slightly tilted to face the driver for easier access.
SAFETY
Long known for safety, Volvo has done a great job of integrating modern day technology into its traditional values. As in the past, Volvo has continued to provide a sturdy design, which does come at the cost of extra weight. The significantly heavier weight of the vehicle can be attributed to the tank-like build, with thick and robust framing. If you don’t believe me, just shut one of the doors and listen to the sound it makes.
The 2015 Volvo V60 has integrated modern day technology through its safety features – the most useful of which I found to be the side lights that turn on and accompany the moving headlights to really illuminate around corners when turning. The other safety technology to note are the windshield follow distance lights, blind spot warning system, smart cruise control, cross traffic alert, auto stopping in traffic, lane departure warning and many more.
CONCLUSION
I continue to be impressed by Volvo’s innovative designs, quality craftsmanship and modest pricing, all while keeping their traditional safety first approach. Add to these qualities, a powerful engine and performance tuning and you have a marriage made in heaven. With the 2015 Volvo V60 T6 AWD R-Design starting at $50,950, you get both a safe, reliable and luxurious vehicle for mom and the kids, and a high performance sports car experience for dad!
