2016 Volvo S60
A New Kind of Luxury
When you think sports sedans, the usual suspects tend to come from Germany. But for something a little different, and just as competent as the established players, why not look to Scandinavia? The 2016 Volvo S60 features a stylish exterior, sporty powertrains, and a comfortable interior as well as impressive fuel efficiency and the benefits of Volvo’s fanatical commitment to safety. It’s definitely worth a look.
Performance
The 2016 Volvo S60 offers an impressive balance of performance and fuel economy, and a variety of powertrain options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Starting off with the S60 T5 Drive-E model, there’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the new Drive-E line, which is slowly replacing six- and eight-cylinder engines in the Volvo lineup in the name of fuel efficiency. This particular engine produces 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
With that combination, the S60 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds flat. And while it’s designed to be fun to drive, this powertrain will also return an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway).*
Another option is the S60 T5 AWD, which features a somewhat unusual 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. This engine produces 250 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, and comes with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Sixty mph arrives in 6.6 seconds, and fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).*
The two sportier S60 variants mirror the layout of the other two, offering different engines for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. The front-wheel drive S60 T6 Drive-E uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with both turbocharging and supercharging, yielding 302 hp and 295 lb-ft. Equipped with an eight-speed automatic, this model will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and return an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*
Finally, the S60 T6 AWD R-Design uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, boasting 325 hp and 354 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission is mandatory on this model, which will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and achieve EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2016 Volvo S60 is available only as a four-door, five-seat sedan, although Volvo also offers the similar V60 wagon, as well as the S60 Cross Country, which is something of a cross between a sedan and a crossover. Prices start at $33,950.**
Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, power heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power front seats, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, and Volvo’s Sensus system with a 7.0-inch display screen.
The Premier model includes all of the applicable standard features of the base model, and adds a power moonroof, TFT instrument cluster display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, and other features. It’s surpassed by the Platinum, which adds auto-dimming outside mirrors interior accent lighting, a digital compass, and a grocery bag holder, among other things.
Two additional trim options allow buyers to give the S60 a sportier or more luxurious attitude, depending on preference. The R-Design includes special leather upholstery, sport pedals, exterior trim, and other add-ons to give it a more lively appearance, while the Inscription dials up the luxury with features like wood inlays, silk metal trim, textile floor mats, and extra exterior brightwork.
Design
The 2016 S60 shows off Volvo’s ever-evolving design language, which does a lot with a little. At first glance, the S60 may not look as dramatic as other cars in its class, but every detail appears well thought out, with a specific purpose. From the Volvo-signature grille design, to the tastefully integrated LEDs, to the fast, coupe-like roofline, the S60 is minimalism at its finest.
It’s the same story on the inside. Volvo’s designers resisted the temptation to create an overly-stylized dashboard, leaving a space that’s easy to navigate, with controls that are easy to find and use. Crisp analog gauges are standard, with a TFT instrument cluster standard. Volvo also believes that comfortable seats are an important safety feature, because they can help reduce driver fatigue. To that end, the S60’s front seats are supportive, but also suitable for long journeys.
Volvo’s Sensus Connect system adds several technology features, including a cloud-based interface with a digital owner’s manual and apps like Stitcher, Pandora, Yelp, and Glympse. There’s an available onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and navigation system.
Safety
Volvo is known for its obsession with safety, so it’s not surprising that the 2016 S60 comes with a long list of standard and optional safety features. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, City Safety, Whiplash Protection Seating Systems (WHIPS), and a full complement of airbags.
Optional features include adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning and pedestrian/cyclist detection with automatic braking, Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, Lane Change Merge Aid, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, park assist, and a rearview camera.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Volvo S60 is a smart, stylish, and sporty sedan, and is an excellent choice for drivers seeking outstanding Swedish style, safety, and performance.
Be sure to contact us online or visit Volvo Cars Silver Spring at 3121 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
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