2024 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 AWD Polestar Engineered Review

Intro

In a world where SUVs reign supreme, the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 AWD Polestar Engineered proudly upholds the brand’s dedication to the timeless wagon silhouette, seamlessly combining performance, efficiency, and Scandinavian craftsmanship. As a devoted wagon enthusiast, slipping behind the wheel of one always brings a smile to my face.

Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had the opportunity to spend a week test-driving the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 AWD Polestar Engineered. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The V60 Recharge exudes a timeless elegance, capturing attention without trying too hard. Volvo has mastered the art of designing cars that age gracefully, and this wagon is no exception. The clean lines, well-proportioned body, and understated details ensure it will look just as sharp years down the road as it does today. Up front, the signature waterfall grille, flanked by Volvo’s instantly recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights, gives the V60 a distinctive yet sophisticated presence. The hood features subtle sculpting that adds a touch of athleticism without being overly aggressive.

From the side, the elongated body is accentuated by delicate chrome accents and a poised stance, thanks to the 19-inch alloy wheels that push out toward the car’s corners. The sloping roofline tapers subtly towards the rear, reinforcing its aerodynamic appeal while maintaining practicality. Around back, the vertical LED taillights climb up the D-pillars, a hallmark of Volvo’s wagons. The integrated dual exhaust outlets are tastefully subtle, allowing the rear design to remain sleek and uncluttered.

The overall aesthetic of the V60 is one of quiet confidence. It’s a car that doesn’t scream for attention but rewards those who appreciate thoughtful design with its beautifully executed details.

Interior

The cabin of the V60 embodies Scandinavian minimalism at its finest. Volvo has long been known for crafting interiors that are both functional and luxurious, and this wagon is no exception. Soft-touch materials dominate the dashboard and door panels, enhanced by brushed aluminum trim that adds a contemporary edge. The Nappa leather seats, available in a range of colors, offer both durability and plush comfort, making long drives a pleasure rather than a chore.

The front seats are a particular highlight, designed with ergonomic precision to provide excellent support without feeling overly firm. They are both heated and ventilated, ensuring year-round comfort. In the rear, passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, making the V60 a great option for families or those who frequently travel with others. One of the more playful touches in this otherwise serious cabin is the Polestar-exclusive yellow seat belts, adding a pop of contrast to the refined interior. The crystal gear selector, crafted by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors, brings a touch of artistry to the center console, catching the light beautifully.

While the cabin is undoubtedly luxurious, I did find the use of glossy black plastic on the dashboard and center console a bit of a letdown. It looks stylish at first glance, but it easily collects fingerprints and dust, somewhat cheapening the otherwise high-end feel.

Infotainment

Technology is an essential part of any modern vehicle, and the V60 Recharge delivers a mostly seamless experience. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen serves as the command center, running on an Android-based operating system that integrates Google services such as Maps and Assistant. The interface is generally intuitive, but some functions are buried in menus that aren’t always the most logical. I appreciated the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, even though Android Auto is notably absent.

The Harman Kardon premium audio system delivers excellent sound quality, making music and podcasts an enjoyable experience while on the road. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and easy to read, with the added convenience of displaying navigation directions so that you don’t have to glance at the central screen while driving. A head-up display further enhances usability by projecting key information onto the windshield.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Volvo’s reputation for safety is well-earned, and the V60 Recharge is packed with an extensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard offerings include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system provides gentle steering assistance and maintains set speeds on the highway, making long-distance travel less fatiguing.

One of the standout features is the collision mitigation system, which includes automatic emergency braking and oncoming collision mitigation. These systems work seamlessly in the background, stepping in only when needed without being overly intrusive. The surround-view parking camera is particularly useful, offering a clear, 360-degree perspective that makes maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.

Driving Experience

Beneath the hood, the V60 Recharge packs a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The result is a vehicle that feels genuinely quick, with instant electric torque making acceleration feel effortless. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in just 4.5 seconds, a figure that puts this wagon in sports sedan territory.

Handling is sharp, with the Polestar-tuned suspension offering excellent body control through corners. However, the trade-off is a ride that feels quite firm, particularly over broken pavement and railroad tracks. While the car remains stable and composed, the stiff suspension combined with the large 19-inch wheels means you do feel every imperfection on the road. The steering is precise but lacks the level of feedback I would expect from a performance-oriented vehicle.

The V60 Recharge shines when it comes to efficiency. With a fully charged battery, it offers up to 64 km of electric-only range, making it possible to complete daily commutes without using any gasoline. Officially, the fuel economy figures are rated at 8.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 7.6 combined. However, my real-world results varied. Over one week of mixed driving, I averaged 8.5 L/100 km. After a full charge and driving in hybrid mode for 100 km, the number dropped to 7.1 L/100 km, proving that keeping the battery topped up significantly improves efficiency.

Cargo Space & Storage

Practicality is one of the key reasons to choose a wagon over an SUV, and the V60 Recharge delivers in this regard. With the rear seats up, it offers 648 liters of cargo space, which expands to 1,431 liters with the seats folded down. The low loading floor makes it easier to lift heavy items in and out, and the rear seatbacks can be folded conveniently using handles located in the trunk. Volvo also includes a pass-through in the middle seat, making it easy to transport longer items like skis without sacrificing passenger space.

Conclusion

The 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 AWD Polestar Engineered is a compelling choice for those who value style, practicality, and efficiency. It offers a distinctive blend of Scandinavian design, a well-appointed interior, and an engaging driving experience, all wrapped in a wagon body that remains a rare sight on today’s roads. While the firm ride and occasional tech glitches leave some room for improvement, these drawbacks don’t overshadow the V60’s many strengths. It’s a vehicle that appeals to both the heart and mind, proving that wagons still have a place in the modern automotive landscape.