The next-gen Volvo V60 was finally revealed this week. The outgoing model has been on sale since 2011, getting a few minor updates along the way. The new model is based off Volvo's Scalable Platform Architecture that underpins other models like the XC90 and XC60 crossovers and V90 wagon. The V60 will launch with two engines, with a powerful hybrid coming sometime down the line.
Since the last V60 hit the market, Audi, Buick and BMW have all released their own flavor of wagon. Like Volvo, BMW sells a traditional sedan-based model. Audi and Buick's wagons are both high-riding models with some very slight off-road pretense, much like Volvo's Cross Country models.
We don't have details on the upcoming V60 Cross Country, but, even when accounting for ground clearance, the V60, BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon, A4 Allroad and Buick Regal TourX have a lot of overlap. Check out the specs breakdown below.
Out of the four wagons, the new V60 is the only one that offers two-wheel drive and a hybrid variant. The base V60 T5 uses a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four and sends power to the front wheels. Stepping up to the V60 T6 nets buyers an additional 66 horsepower thanks to a twincharged — supercharged and turbocharged — 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive. A T8 model that uses a 390-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available soon. All V60s use an eight-speed automatic.
The Audi, BMW and Buick are all powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-fours. Additionally, the 3 Series has a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. All three wagons have standard all-wheel drive. The BMW and Buick use an eight-speed automatic, while the Audi sends power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
As base engines go, there's a four-horsepower difference between the most and least powerful models, though the Buick wins out on torque. The V60 T6 matches the Regal TourX's torque figure and trounces every competitor's horsepower rating. The V60 T8 packs more power and torque than any of the competition.
Things are far better for the Volvo's passengers. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are at or near the top of the class, depending on if customers go for a sunroof. Volvo was the only automaker that lists both specs. We don't have measurements for hip room, but expect equally competitive figures.
Despite being the oldest here, the 3 Series Sport Wagon is the fuel economy king. It matches the Audi's 23-mile-per-gallon city rating and leads the pack with a 33 mpg highway rating. Things are even better if you step up to the diesel engine. That model gets 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Despite being the lightest model here, the Regal TourX's 21 mpg city rating is the worst of the bunch.
Things swing heavily in the Buick's favor when it comes to pricing. At just $29,995, it's more than $15,000 less expensive than either the A4 Allroad or BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon. Admittedly, it's playing in a slightly lower segment, and the base model is pretty spartan. Even with every option ticked, a Regal TourX undercuts both German models by a couple grand. Both the Audi and BMW start at just under $45,000. Add on another $1,500 to the BMW if you want diesel power.
Since the last V60 hit the market, Audi, Buick and BMW have all released their own flavor of wagon. Like Volvo, BMW sells a traditional sedan-based model. Audi and Buick's wagons are both high-riding models with some very slight off-road pretense, much like Volvo's Cross Country models.
We don't have details on the upcoming V60 Cross Country, but, even when accounting for ground clearance, the V60, BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon, A4 Allroad and Buick Regal TourX have a lot of overlap. Check out the specs breakdown below.
Discover and compare other wagons and crossovers with our Car Finder and Compare tools.
Engines, transmissions and drivetrains
Out of the four wagons, the new V60 is the only one that offers two-wheel drive and a hybrid variant. The base V60 T5 uses a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four and sends power to the front wheels. Stepping up to the V60 T6 nets buyers an additional 66 horsepower thanks to a twincharged — supercharged and turbocharged — 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive. A T8 model that uses a 390-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available soon. All V60s use an eight-speed automatic.
The Audi, BMW and Buick are all powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-fours. Additionally, the 3 Series has a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. All three wagons have standard all-wheel drive. The BMW and Buick use an eight-speed automatic, while the Audi sends power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
As base engines go, there's a four-horsepower difference between the most and least powerful models, though the Buick wins out on torque. The V60 T6 matches the Regal TourX's torque figure and trounces every competitor's horsepower rating. The V60 T8 packs more power and torque than any of the competition.
Cargo and interior space
The outgoing V60 was on the small side for a wagon. This new model rectifies that a bit, though its 48.2 cubic-feet of cargo space with the second-row folded is still substantially smaller than the competition. With the seats up, however, the new V60 has more space than both the Audi and BMW, though the cavernous Regal TourX still beats it.Things are far better for the Volvo's passengers. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are at or near the top of the class, depending on if customers go for a sunroof. Volvo was the only automaker that lists both specs. We don't have measurements for hip room, but expect equally competitive figures.
Fuel economy and pricing
As the V60 was just announced, Volvo has yet to release figures for either fuel economy or pricing.Despite being the oldest here, the 3 Series Sport Wagon is the fuel economy king. It matches the Audi's 23-mile-per-gallon city rating and leads the pack with a 33 mpg highway rating. Things are even better if you step up to the diesel engine. That model gets 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Despite being the lightest model here, the Regal TourX's 21 mpg city rating is the worst of the bunch.
Things swing heavily in the Buick's favor when it comes to pricing. At just $29,995, it's more than $15,000 less expensive than either the A4 Allroad or BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon. Admittedly, it's playing in a slightly lower segment, and the base model is pretty spartan. Even with every option ticked, a Regal TourX undercuts both German models by a couple grand. Both the Audi and BMW start at just under $45,000. Add on another $1,500 to the BMW if you want diesel power.
How they compare in photos
2019 Volvo V60
2018 Audi A4 allroad
2018 BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon
2018 Buick Regal TourX
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