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Volvo S60 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (455 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (42,500 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo S60 or VW Golf Variant?

Volvo S60 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Volvo S60

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Golf Variant

  • clearly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

S60

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf Variant is clearly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Volvo S60 costs 42,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,667 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo S60 uses 0.7 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 3.6 L/100km.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo S60 offers clearly more power – delivering 455 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 251 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo S60 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo S60 delivers significantly more torque with 709 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 349 Nm more.

S60

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is visibly lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,715 kg. The difference is around 349 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers noticeably more boot space – 611 L compared to 427 L. That’s a difference of about 184 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries somewhat more – 547 kg compared to 475 kg. That’s a difference of about 72 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo S60 is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £42,500
S60

Volvo S60

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 455 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.7 - 7.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 94 km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 wears Scandinavian understatement like a tailored suit, pairing a serene cabin with composed handling that makes the daily commute feel unexpectedly civilized. For buyers after executive looks, rock‑solid safety and practical versatility — with a dash of discreet luxury — it's a persuasive pick that doesn't need to shout for attention.

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Reviews Volvo S60

3.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
Maynor
27 Apr 2026, 22:48:18

I choose the Volvo S60 for its elegance and because of the dealer that distributes it in my country. I find it superior in technology and efficiency.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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DB2021AU00624_medium
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DB2021AU00641_medium
DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Volvo S60
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Costs and Consumption
Price
42,500 - 65,100 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
0.7 - 7.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
94 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
14.7 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
16 - 161 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
60 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,715 - 2,039 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
390 - 427 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4,778 mm
Length
-
Width
1,850 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,431 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
461 - 475 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 455 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
300 - 709 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 335 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,022 - 2,024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Volvo
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Volvo S60 have?

The Volvo S60 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.