Volvo V60 Recharge hybrid review: interior, dashboard & comfort
The V60 Recharge plug-in hybrid is another Volvo to benefit from the company's recent interior-design renaissance
Volvo has been on a roll with its interiors in recent years, and the V60 Recharge doesn't deviate from that at all. Occupants sit in a beautifully finished, attractively designed environment that's high-tech without being overwhelming. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available in some of the more expensive and high-spec of the V60's trim levels, so although you pay a hefty price for the technology, you don't end up feeling short-changed.
Volvo V60 Recharge hybrid dashboard
Demonstrating typically swish and stylish Scandinavian design, the V60 boasts one of the most appealing car interiors on the market today. Almost all functions are controlled through the large central touchscreen (discussed below) with just a few nicely crafted buttons and switches clustered around the distinctive gear selector. Unfortunately, one of the features relegated to the touchscreen are the often-used climate controls, which take up a small section at the bottom of the display and can be fiddly to use when on the move.
Material quality is excellent, with attractive inserts breaking up the dashboard surface and brightening up the interior nicely for all occupants. Behind the steering wheel, dials have been replaced with a configurable screen and the steering wheel itself is home to numerous controls, allowing you to carry out several functions without taking your eyes off the road.
Equipment, options & accessories
You have two trim-level choices when buying a new V60 Recharge: Plus and Ultimate. Used buyers will also be able to pick from R-Design, Inscription, and Polestar Engineered. The level of standard equipment is generous. The V60 Recharge also boasts an extensive array of passive and active safety systems.
In addition to across-the-board V60 features such as automatic headlights, a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, a powered driver's seat with lumbar support, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity and sat nav, the Plus adds 19-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, heaters for the steering wheel, windscreen and for four of the five seats. There’s ambient lighting and four-zone air conditioning, too.
Ultimate lives up to its name by offering adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera for easy parking, adaptive ‘bending’ headlights, an upgraded sound system and a panoramic sunroof.
The rare Polestar Engineered version includes both technical and visual changes to give the car an even sportier character, boosting the wheel size to 19 inches and adding a heated steering wheel, an upgraded sports chassis, a premium Harmon Kardon sound system, distinctive yellow seatbelts and increased engine power.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
If you’re not taken by the Volvo’s unapologetically Scandinavian interior then we’re sure you’ll at least find something to like in its central infotainment system. This comes in the form of an iPad-like portrait touchscreen which now runs Google-based software – just like what you may have on your smartphone.
As is the case with the XC40 Recharge which also uses this setup, everything on-screen is smartly laid out, with the system responding quickly to your inputs. Having Google Maps built-in is rather handy and is much better at finding a quick route than most manufacturer-fitted sat nav apps, plus the Google Assistant voice command feature is actually pretty good at understanding different accents and dialects. Both features are licensed for four years, after which you’ll have to pay a small subscription fee.
If you’d rather not use these features, the Volvo V60 Recharge also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity – both accessed via a compatible USB cable.
