Volvo V60 2020 review: R-Design snapshot

There are effectively two range-topping models in the Volvo V60 2020 wagon range - and they both have the R-Design treatment.

There’s the T5 R-Design, with a list price of $66,990 plus on-road costs, and the more expensive T8 plug-in hybrid, which lists at $87,990 plus on-roads.

The T5 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 192kW of power (at 5700rpm) and 400Nm of torque (1800-4800rpm) - that’s 5kW/50Nm more than the other T5 models. It uses an eight-speed auto, and has permanent AWD. Its 0-100km/h time is claimed at 6.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.3L/100km.

Explore the 2020 Volvo V60 range

• Volvo V60 2020 review
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• Volvo V60 2020 review: Inscription snapshot
• Volvo V60 2020 review: R-Design snapshot
• Volvo V60 Cross Country 2023 review: Ultimate B5

The T8 is a more tech-heavy powertrain. It also uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine (with 246kW of power and 430Nm of torque) that is paired it to an electric motor producing 65kW/240Nm. Combined outputs equate to 311kW and 680Nm, and the 0-100km/h time is claimed at just 4.5sec! And because it has electric power that can run the car for 50 kilometres, fuel consumption is claimed at just 2.0L/100km.

As for equipment, the T5 and T8 R-Design models are almost identical - though the T5 version gets Volvo’s Four-C adaptive chassis setup, which isn’t available on the T8.

Otherwise, R-Design variants have ‘Polestar optimisation’ (a bespoke suspension tune from Volvo’s performance division), 19-inch alloys with a unique look, a sporty exterior and interior design pack with R-Design sports leather seats, paddle-shifters on the steering wheel, and mesh metal interior finishes.

That’s on top of standard LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights, a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as DAB+ digital radio, keyless entry, auto dimming rear vision mirror, auto dimming and auto folding wing-mirrors, dual-zone climate control and leather trim on the seats and steering wheel.

Safety gear is extensive, too, with auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear AEB, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors. The R-Design also has a head-up display, a 360-degree parking camera and auto-parking assist.