The S60 is Volvo’s compact luxury sedan, competing against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With its capable performance, beautiful interior and up-to-the-minute technology, the S60 competes very well in this competitive class.
The S60 is redesigned for the 2019 model year and is now in its third generation. The most noticeable addition is Volvo’s new Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system, as well as an updated infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and several interior and exterior styling tweaks.
The S60 is available in Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trims. These trims are available as T5, T6 and T8 depending on the powertrain. Starting prices range from $38,500 to $55,400. Front-wheel-drive is standard on the T5 while all-wheel-drive is standard on the T6.
The R-Design models get some sporty styling cues, including a spiffy glossy black mesh front grill, dual integrated tailpipes and special 19-inch wheels.
The S60 has three available powertrains. The T5 models get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models get a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine to produce 316 horses and 295 pound-feet. The T8 is a plug-in hybrid that adds electric motors to the T6 powertrain to make 400 horses and 495 pound-feet. It can go up to 22 miles on all-electric power.
The S60 isn’t meant to be a sports sedan but it’s no slouch when it comes to performance. Acceleration is quick, and there’s plenty of effortless power for just about every driving situation. It stays planted when cornering and all-wheel-drive lets you tackle challenging weather conditions. The ride is smooth and comfortable even over rough roads. While the S60 probably won’t get your blood pumping, it’s very enjoyable to drive.
Fuel efficiency is good for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 21 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with a combined rating of 25. I got 25 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Premium fuel is required.
The interior is classy with a clean design. Fit and finish are top notch. Every stitch is perfectly aligned. Seats are supportive and comfortable, and passengers in both rows enjoy decent leg- and headroom. The cabin is quiet with little noticeable road and engine noise.
Standard features include a rearview camera, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, folding second-row seats and headrests, panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ten-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Standard driver assistance features include lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, run-off road mitigation, and road sign recognition.
Options include proximity key entry, leather upholstery, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and head-up display. Several driver assistance features are available including a surround-view parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, parallel park assist, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and the Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive system.
This system combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist so the car can almost drive itself in some conditions. Almost is the key word, as the driver, still has to remain alert and maintain control over the vehicle. I drove the S60 from the Portland area to Bend and back with the system engaged most of the way. It did remarkably well in stop and go traffic on Portland area freeways, over the Santiam Pass and in Central Oregon. It will adjust the vehicle’s speed as necessary when encountering traffic and unlike many systems, it also works well at low speeds.
The S60 trunk has 11.6 cubic feet of space which is average for the class. There’s a 12-volt power outlet in the trunk. A hands-free trunk lid is optional. The rear seats fold flat.
The good:
Available with three different powertrains including a plug-in hybrid
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Beautifully finished cabin
Lots of tech including Volvo’s Pilot Assist
Good fuel efficiency for the class
The not-so-good:
Not as sporty as some competitors
Some rivals have more trunk space
Pricing info:
My tester is a pre-production model and did not come with a price list. Here are estimated numbers: Base price is $46,400. Fusion Red Metallic paint is $645. The Exterior Styling Kit is $1,520. The Advance Package is $2,500. Heated rear seats and steering wheel are $750. Upgraded Bowers and Willkins sound system is $3,200. Destination fee is $995 bringing the grand total to $56,010.
Bottom line:
If you want a stylish and comfortable small luxury car with a beautiful cabin and the latest technology, consider the 2019 Volvo S60. It’s definitely worth a look in this competitive segment.
