The new Volvo S60 exudes a refreshed powerful presence of class and sophistication backed up by a sporty and pleasurable driving experience. This new version of the previous S60 completes the full line up of the Volvo range to offer an almost unrecognisable vehicle range compared to only just a few years ago. With a premium feel inside and out and a high class finish throughout, we believe this model has to be considered as an alternative to some of the well known German competitors in this class and size of saloon.
Engine options
The S60 comes in three trim levels – sport, luxury and performance. The sport offers two engine options – T5 and T8 Twin engine AWD automatic plug in hybrid. The T5 engine offers 250hp channelled through an 8-speed auto transmission with a fuel consumption of 42.8mpg. The T8 engine delivers an impressive 392hp with the help of an electric motor launching the car from 0-62mph in under five second and provides 156.9mpg. The luxury design only offers the T5 option; however, the performance offers a more powerful T8 engine, delivering 405hp and a slightly less 134.5mpg.
Key Features and Price
Expect to pay £30,000 to £40,000 bracket for the S60. It’s competitive with rivals, such as the BMW’s 3 Series, Audi’s A4 and the Mercedes C-Class. The range was launched in a top ‘R-Design Edition’ form, costing around £38,000. However, going forward, there will be four trim levels – ‘Momentum’, ‘Inscription’, ‘R-Design’ and ‘Polestar’.
All S60 models come fully equipped, with full-LED headlights, auto headlamps and wipers, active high beam and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch Active TFT Crystal Driver’s instrument display to display conventional instrument binnacle dials. Also, there’s 2-Zone electronic climate control and heated front seats. Infotainment’s taken care of by a 9-inch portrait-style centre touch screen that gives you access to a 170-watt 10-speaker DAB audio system, Sensus navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free ‘phone system, plus compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G.
Safety
Safety-wise, there’s the brand’s ‘City Safety with Autobrake technology’ package that assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions, and is the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Also, City Safety now engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
Summary
Sportier and more stylish, this more dynamic third generation S60 mid-sized sports saloon addresses the areas where previous Volvo executive cars have ultimately failed to deliver. It’s engineered to be a far better driver’s car than its predecessor and both quality and cabin design have taken a huge step forward. Plus it’s the safest contender in its class. If you’re looking for a change from your usual A4, 3 Series or C-Class, this S60’s worth a look.
