Volvo S60 Review

Volvo's S60 is the brand's entry-level luxury sedan. Though never equaling the popularity of other European rivals, the S60 has nonetheless offered an appealing blend of comfort, performance and Swedish style.

There have been two generations of the S60. The second incarnation has a number of meaningful upgrades, including more powerful engines, available all-wheel drive and a sportier driving demeanor. Older S60s are still a viable pick if the price is right, though.

Current Volvo S60

The current Volvo S60 is offered in four trim levels: the regular-wheelbase T5 Dynamic and T6 AWD R-Design, and the extended-wheelbase T5 Inscription and T5 Inscription Platinum. The T5 trim levels get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (240 horsepower) while the T6 has a turbocharged and supercharged version of that four-cylinder (302 hp). Both come paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the T5, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is offered as an option. The T6 gets AWD as standard.

The entry-level T5 Dynamic comes decently equipped for a luxury sedan. Highlights include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a 7-inch central display screen, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system. Step up to the extended-wheelbase T5 Inscription and you get additional rear-seat legroom, a power front passenger seat, rear window sunshades, a rearview camera, a navigation system, a configurable instrument display and additional sound insulation.

The T5 Inscription Platinum adds adaptive headlights, different seats, wood interior trim, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus the contents of the Convenience and Technology option packages (keyless ignition and entry, power-folding mirrors, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam control, a more sophisticated forward collision mitigation system, and a lane departure warning and intervention system).

The T6 AWD R-Design starts with all those Platinum features and bundles them with a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, front sport seats, adjustable steering effort, paddle shifters and special trim inside and out.

In reviews of the Volvo S60, we've found both the T5 and T6 enjoyable to drive. The T6 AWD R-Design obviously kicks things up a notch, but most people aren't likely to feel the need for that extra power. Inside, the S60 offers both class and comfort in equal measures. The design is attractive and the materials are high-quality, though rear-seat legroom is a bit tight in the regular-wheelbase S60. Overall, we think the current Volvo S60 is a smart choice for an entry-luxury sedan.

Used Volvo S60 Models

The current Volvo S60 represents the car's second generation, which debuted for 2011. Compared to the first generation, this S60 is roomier and has more advanced safety features.

If you're shopping for one of these S60s, the main thing to be aware of is engine selection. Initially, this S60 was available only in T6 form, which had all-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produced 300 hp. The following year, Volvo brought out the performance-themed T6 R-Design (325 hp) and front-wheel-drive T5 with its turbocharged inline-5 engine (250 hp). Starting in 2015, Volvo started rolling out the latest "Drive-E" four-cylinder engines, although the older engines were still used in AWD versions. The main reason to get an S60 with one of these newer four-cylinder engines is the improved fuel economy.

The first-generation (2001-'09) Volvo S60 was a replacement for the S70. Initially, it was offered in base 2.4, midlevel 2.4T or range-topping T5 trims. The S60 2.4 came with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that produced 168 hp. The turbo 2.4T had 197 hp. The most powerful engine was the 247-hp 2.3-liter five-cylinder in the T5. An all-wheel-drive model called the 2.4T AWD joined the family in '02, and all models received enhancements to traction control and engine management systems, resulting in improved response.

In 2003, the AWD sedan switched to the 208-hp 2.5-liter engine, prompting Volvo to rename it the 2.5T AWD. In '04, the hot-rod 300-hp R model was added to the mix, sporting 18-inch wheels and performance tires, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and bi-xenon headlights. All S60 Rs were all-wheel drive, and buyers could choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Also that year, the front-drive S60 2.4T became the 2.5T, as it, too, picked up the 2.5-liter engine.

For '05, the Volvo S60 received an exterior and interior refreshing. The T5 got a bump in hp to 257 and a few other upgrades. In '06, Volvo dropped the base 2.4 model and upgraded the 2.5T AWD model with a new all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction. The following year, all '07 S60s received revised front fascia styling. For 2008, the high-performance R model was dropped, and no significant changes occurred for '09. There was no S60 for 2010.

In reviews, we found this S60 offered a ride biased more toward comfort than speed. Handling was adequate, but the limits were modest on 2.5T and T5 models. However, shoppers should take note of the many mechanical and equipment changes made through this generation's run, as newer models offered more performance and features. Judged on its own merits, the Volvo S60 should be satisfying to own, but savvy consumers should also check out the S60's many competitors as they may offer more refinement and, for enthusiasts, a more involving drive.

Volvo S60 Cars for Sale

NEW 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E Inscription Premier

MSRP~~$42,015~~

Special Offer See special offer Fairfax Volvo Cars(15mi)(4)

Dealer Notes

Ice White 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription T5 FWD Automatic with Geartronic Drive-E 2.0L I4 16V Turbocharged 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, 8 Speakers, ABS brakes, Air Conditioning, AM/FM radio: SiriusXM, Anti-whiplash front head restraints, Auto-dimming Rear-View mirror, Automatic temperature control, Blind Spot Information System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) Package, Brake assist, Bumpers: body-color, CD player, Convenience Package, Delay-off headlights, Driver door bin, Driver vanity mirror, Dual front impact airbags, Dual front side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency communication system, Exterior Parking Camera Rear, Four wheel independent suspension, Front & Rear Park Assist, Front anti-roll bar, Front Bucket Seats, Front Center Armrest, Front Contour Bucket Seats, Front dual zone A/C, Front reading lights, Genuine wood console insert, Genuine wood dashboard insert, Genuine wood door panel insert, Grocery Bag Holder, Heated door mirrors, Heated Front Seats, HomeLink Integrated Garage Door Opener, Illuminated entry, Keyless Drive, Leather Shift Knob, Low tire pressure warning, Memory seat, MP3 decoder, Navigation System, Occupant sensing airbag, Outside temperature display, Overhead airbag, Panic alarm, Passenger door bin, Passenger vanity mirror, Power adjustable rear head restraints, Power door mirrors, Power driver seat, Power moonroof, Power passenger seat, Power Retractable Exterior Mirrors, Power steering, Power windows, Premium audio system: Sensus Connect, Radio data system, Radio: High Performance AM/FM/CD, Rain sensing wipers, Rear anti-roll bar, Rear fog lights, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear reading lights, Rear seat center armrest, Rear Window Blind, Rear window defroster, Remote keyless entry, Security system, Sensus Navigation with Mapcare, Speed control, Split folding rear seat, Sport Leather Seating Surfaces, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Sun blinds, Tachometer, Telescoping steering wheel, Tilt steering wheel, Traction control, Trip computer, Turn signal indicator mirrors, Variably intermittent wipers, Wheels: 18 Titania Alloy. 37/25 Highway/City MPG All conditions subject to credit approval. Dealer installed options additional. All offers plus tax, tags, and a processing fee of $585. (Frieght of $940-$995 for new vehicles) Stock photo colors, options, and trim levels may vary. Vehicles subject to prior sale. Not responsible for typographical errors, final price must be approved by manager. See dealer for details.

NEW 2017 Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic

MSRP~~$37,395~~

Special Offer See special offer Volvo Cars of Bethesda(21mi)(15)

NEW 2017 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription

MSRP~~$45,175~~

Special Offer See special offer Volvo Cars Of Frederick(26mi)(1)

NEW 2017 Volvo S60 T5 Dynamic

MSRP~~$38,850~~

Special Offer See special offer Volvo Cars Silver Spring(29mi)(5)

Dealer Notes

4-Wheel Disc Brakes, 8 Speakers, ABS brakes, Air Conditioning, AM/FM radio: SiriusXM, Anti-whiplash front head restraints, Auto-dimming door mirrors, Auto-dimming Rear-View mirror, Automatic temperature control, Brake assist, Bumpers: body-color, CD player, Delay-off headlights, Driver door bin, Driver vanity mirror, Dual front impact airbags, Dual front side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency communication system, Four wheel independent suspension, Front anti-roll bar, Front Bucket Seats, Front Center Armrest, Front dual zone A/C, Front reading lights, Front Sport Bucket Seats, Headlight cleaning, Heated door mirrors, High intensity discharge headlights: Xenon, Illuminated entry, Leather Shift Knob, Low tire pressure warning, Memory seat, MP3 decoder, Occupant sensing airbag, Outside temperature display, Overhead airbag, Panic alarm, Passenger door bin, Passenger vanity mirror, Power adjustable rear head restraints, Power door mirrors, Power driver seat, Power moonroof, Power steering, Power windows, Premium audio system: Sensus Connect, Radio data system, Radio: High Performance AM/FM/CD, Rear anti-roll bar, Rear fog lights, Rear reading lights, Rear seat center armrest, Rear window defroster, Remote keyless entry, Security system, Speed control, Split folding rear seat, Sport Leather Seating Surfaces, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Tachometer, Telescoping steering wheel, Tilt steering wheel, Traction control, Trip computer, Turn signal indicator mirrors, Variably intermittent wipers, and Wheels: 18 Tucan Diamond Cut Black Alloy. Load this S60 down with passengers, cargo, whatever! This S60's cavernous trunk and interior space will haul around everything you need. *Your additional costs are sales tax, tag and title fees for the state in which the vehicle will be registered, $995 freight (all new Volvo models), any dealer-installed options (if applicable) and a $299 dealer processing fee. Pricing and incentives may vary if vehicle is leased. Prices are subject to change, and prior sales are excluded from these offers. While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with the dealer.

NEW 2016 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E R-Design Platinum

MSRP~~$55,060~~

Special Offer See special offer Don Beyer Volvo Cars Winchester(39mi)(0)

Dealer Notes

The 2016 Volvo S60 sports sedan is the perfect blend of performance, luxury and the latest technology coupled with a dynamic exterior and class-leading safety for a confident, driver-oriented experience. With standard leather interior available in an array of colors and additional rear leg room, this car is tailor made to suit you. The S60 isn't just perfect for you, it was made for you. .***Disclaimer: Stock photo colors, options, and trim levels may vary. Dealer installed options additional. Vehicles subject to prior sale. Specifications, Features, Safety, and Warranty data are based on what is available as standard specs/features per trim level, for the designated Model-Year, and may not apply to certain vehicles. Special priced vehicles include all offers and incentives and may not be combined with special financing or other special offers and may be a lease offers. Tax, Title, Tags, Freight extra ($820 up to $995) and $599 processing fee not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. Additional conditional offers may be available to save you even more. All prices, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. Offers generally require financing or leasing and are therefore subject to credit approval. For in-stock units only. We make great effort to have correct information on this site errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 540-868-3000 or by visiting us at Don Beyer VW Volvo Winchester.***$1,000-Loyalty Bonus-WR, SR.Exp. 06/30/2017 Special priced vehicles include all offers and incentives and may not be combined with special financing or other special offers and may be a lease offers. Tax, Title, Tags, Freight extra ($820 up to $995) and $599 processing fee not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. Additional conditional offers may be available to save you even more. All prices, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. Offers generally require financing or leasing and are therefore subject to credit approval. For in-stock units only. We make great effort to have correct information on this site errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 540-868-3000 or by visiting us at Don Beyer Volkswagen Volvo of Winchester. $1,000 - Loyalty Bonus - SR WR. Exp. 08/31/2017