Completing Volvo’s new facelifted model lineup for 2019 the Volvo S60 set to arrive early in May is a saloon version of the highly rated V60 estate with some differences. Aimed as a rival to BMW, Audi and Mercedes the S60 is to compete in the executive saloon class where luxury, sportiness and in-car technology are very important.
As a premium car the Volvo S60 is more than capable of convincing you away from the German mainstream. Many buyers will be attracted by the S60’s sharp design. It looks less boxy than the larger S90, and the low roof and familiar Volvo design cues have resulted in a very attractive saloon car shape. Add in Volvo’s trademark Swedish design inside, as well as the tech-packed interior, and the S60 could win sales simply on its looks alone.
Unlike the Volvo V60, there are no diesel engines in the S60 range. The entry point to the range is the T5 petrol, which uses a 248bhp 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine but despite the 2019 Volvo S60 being marketed as a sports saloon, drive goes to the front axle, not the rear. This comes in either R-Design Plus or Inscription Plus trims at the moment, with no S60 Momentum trim currently offered.
There’s also a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, which uses the same hybrid drive system as the larger S80, so it packs 385bhp and delivers searing straight-line performance. At the moment the T8 only comes in R-Design trim.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the T5 model will need to appeal to a wide audience of potential buyers since no diesel options are available. The acceleration is fairly quick with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds although you don’t get any of the exciting engine noise that you get with rivals.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox can also be a little slow to respond to inputs on the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. In regular comfort mode this setup feels fine for cruising, while opting for Dynamic on the drive mode selector heightens throttle response and the Eco mode dulling the responsiveness in a bid to be more fuel efficient.
The S60 is a fine place to spend time as a passenger; adults can easily sit one behind the other with plenty of knee and headroom while you also get a reasonable 442 litres of boot space. Inside you’ll find an interior and dashboard lifted straight from the V60 estate which was built to impress with its technology, design and high-quality materials, everything you need in a luxury saloon. The S60 R-Design models are slightly sportier with blue detailing, sports seats as standard and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel. Sitting in the middle of the dashboard is a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which like the digital dials is standard fit on all S60s and complete with navigation, voice control, and smartphone linking apps. There are also a few different tech optional extras including speaker system upgrades, a rear-view camera and Volvo’s Pilot Assist technology.
Should you buy one? While the 2019 Volvo S60 may not live up to the sporty/performance of some of its rivals it's certainly one of the best saloons to consider for its classy design, refinement and high-quality interior; whether you’re in the driving seat or a passenger you’ll enjoy the experience!
Pros ‘n’ Cons
• Styling √
• Ride Comfort √
• Interior √
• Limited Engine/Trim Options X
• Sportiness Compared to Rivals X
Fast Facts
(S60 T5 R-Design)
• Max speed: 145 mph
• 0-62 mph: 6.5 seconds
• Range: 35.3 MPG
• Engine layout: 2.0-Litre Turbocharged Petrol
• Max. power: 247bhp
• CO2: 155 g/km
• Price: £37,920
Interested in buying a used Volvo S60? click here
Other Volvo Reviews you may be Interested in:
• All New Volvo V60 Cross Country
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