Volvo V50 T5: Sporty Packhorse

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

With the V50, Volvo offers a real alternative to the mainstream versions of Audi or Mercedes among the high-horsepower station wagons. But only the all-wheel drive version can really use the engine power.

Stefan Grundhoff

As an alternative to a van, many families prefer a station wagon. These high-horsepower versions still have a dedicated fan base. Volvo is often the only alternative for those who cannot do anything with the Audi or Mercedes mainstream. The new V50 T 5 belongs to the class of potent and image-boosting lifestyle station wagons. An athlete at second glance.

Steam under the hood

A large cargo space with a foldable rear seat and steam under the hood - the V50 offers both. The styling is known to be subtle and trimmed to understatement. You can hardly tell from its powerful engine power. 162 KW / 220 PS are enough to scare numerous sports cars and fast sedans. The maximum torque of 320 Nm is available from 1500 rpm. Up to 4400 rpm it doesn't drop a whit. 0 to 100 km / h in around seven seconds and a top speed of 240 km / h not only inspire family fathers. But the willing five-cylinder sometimes pulls mightily on the front axle.

All-wheel drive version is convincing

There are good grades for the tight spring-damper coordination, the direct steering and the slightly too long six-speed gearbox. A well-fitting automatic transmission is available for an additional 1700 euros. This is how the T5 becomes a long-distance cruiser. The V50 version with optional all-wheel drive is even better. The 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine is full of gas and acknowledges every gas pressure with the typical turbine sound. Volvo promises a consumption of less than nine liters of super per 100 kilometers. But the needle usually levels off well over ten liters.

Good Dolby Surround system included

On the inside, the potent family helper appears classy and discreet. The seats are comfortable but quite soft. The instruments and the elegant center console make the cockpit particularly elegant. The passengers are particularly happy about the extra legroom at the rear. The trunk holds between 417 and 1307 liters. Not exactly a space saver, but the only disturbing thing is the trunk flap that doesn't swing up far enough.

The Volvo V 50 T 5 is equipped as standard with ESP, front, side and head airbags, a good Dolby Surround system and automatic air conditioning. The base price for the V 50 T5 is 31,500 euros. For an additional cost of 950 euros there is the Momentum equipment variant with on-board computer, cruise control, fog lights and multifunction steering wheel. We recommend equipment details such as xenon lights (890 euros), navigation system (1920 euros), seat heating (300 euros) and parking aid (500 euros). Then the dynamic family Swede leaves nothing to be desired.