The Volvo V70 III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2013, represents the third generation of Volvo’s popular station wagon. Positioned within the premium mid-size segment, the V70 competed with vehicles like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. While not officially sold in the United States after the V70’s initial run ended in 2011, the V70 remained a significant model in the European market, known for its blend of practicality, safety, and understated Scandinavian design. The 3.0 T6 variant, equipped with a 304 horsepower engine and all-wheel drive, was a flagship offering, providing a compelling combination of performance and all-weather capability.
Volvo V70 III (2013-2016) 3.0 T6: A Detailed Overview
The facelifted V70 III, produced from 2013 to 2016, brought subtle but important updates to the existing platform. These revisions included revised front-end styling, updated interior materials, and enhancements to the vehicle’s safety and infotainment systems. The 3.0 T6 model, powered by Volvo’s potent six-cylinder engine, remained a key attraction for buyers seeking a refined and capable estate car. The V70’s enduring appeal lay in its ability to cater to families and individuals who required a spacious and versatile vehicle without sacrificing driving pleasure or a premium feel.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the V70 III 3.0 T6 is Volvo’s 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine, designated the B6304T4. This engine produces 304 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 440 Newton-meters (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2100 and 4200 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to maximize power and efficiency. Power delivery is smooth and responsive, providing ample acceleration for both highway cruising and spirited driving. The engine’s transverse mounting within the front engine bay contributes to the vehicle’s balanced handling characteristics. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Volvo’s all-wheel-drive system, the V70 T6 achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 155.34 mph (250 km/h). Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers (23.1 US mpg), with CO2 emissions of 237 g/km.
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 III maintains the classic station wagon profile, characterized by its long roofline, generous cargo area, and practical five-door configuration. The 2013 facelift brought a more contemporary look to the front fascia, with revised headlights, a new grille, and a redesigned bumper. Inside, the V70 offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with seating for five passengers. The interior design emphasizes Scandinavian minimalism, with clean lines, high-quality materials, and intuitive controls. Key features include a spacious trunk offering between 555 and 1580 liters of cargo volume depending on the rear seats configuration, a comprehensive suite of safety systems – a hallmark of the Volvo brand – and available options such as leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. Safety features included standard ABS, and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The V70’s focus was on providing a safe, comfortable, and practical vehicle for everyday use.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 T6 (304 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 237 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 304 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 102.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 2100-4200 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 2100-4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B6304T4 |
| Engine displacement | 2953 cm3 (180.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 555 l (19.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1580 l (55.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4814 mm (189.53 in.) |
| Width | 1907 mm (75.08 in.) |
| Height | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2816 mm (110.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1588-1578 mm (62.52 – 62.13 in.) |
| Rear track | 1586-1576 mm (62.44 – 62.05 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 – 12.7 m (38.39 – 41.67 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
