If you like your saloon driving to be dynamic, stylish and spacious, Volvo have managed to pack it all into the S60. Only available as a T4 or T5 Petrol or T8 Hybrid version, Volvo have ditched the Diesel. Toyota carried out a similar decision over a decade ago, and have yet to look back.
Pricing starts with the T4 8 Speed Auto at €46,495, which has, as standard : Black or White paint, with 18″ diamond cut alloys, a choice of two tone interiors (dark or grey) and metal dash inlay with 3 spoke leather steering wheel and a robust R-Design Auto gear lever. With each iteration of the S60 (T4, T5, T8), you get more standard kit and even more packages made available to option. There are two choices of stereo, Bower & Wilkins (€4,337) or Harmon Kardon (€1,123). The Harmon Kardon has a few tricks up it’s sleeve to give a cinematic surround sound to the cabin and does a good overall job.
The T5 pictured starts at €49,495 and comes in Fusion Red (€1,170) with Power Glass Tilt and Slide Panoramic Sunroof (€1,794) which is a nice way to open up the cabin if you’re not a fan of a dark interior. The driver is ‘surrounded’ by the transmission tunnel, dash and the sill sits nicely at shoulder height. The Sport R-Design seats are very comfortable, coupled with a stiff, sporty suspension (not uncomfortably so), it relays an enthusiastic dynamism that the C-Class and A4 lack.
Comparably, BMW’s 3 Series has always been known for it’s dynamic traits, it now has some ultimate competition coming it’s way. Volvo just needs to up it’s game with the dash and infotainment and BMW could have trouble on their hands. The Volvo lineup is limited, but they’ve made such a good job of the S60, that it’s not a real concern. Quality over quantity could be what makes your selections that much easier and therefore less of a headache when it comes time to buy.
Prestige brands are in the process of culling models in their lineups, having stretched themselves too thin. In 2018 Volvo set a new global sales record, breaking the 600,000 sales milestone for the brand. It’s not quite the 2.49 Million that BMW (Mini and Rolls Royce) sold, but the quality is there and the lineup covers SUVs, Saloons, Estate’s and Hatchbacks, what more could you want.
The space in the S60 is generous, even with it’s cosseting driver environment, there’s plenty of space in the cabin for all 4 occupants and good space in the boot for their luggage. The S60 looks like a class bigger than it actually is and is a very welcome challenger to the German led exec saloon market.
Special mention : Volvo have done an excellent job with the S60, it’s as if they’ve aimed a class above its segment. The S60 is a talented car with an enthusiastic attitude towards driving without an overly stiff suspension.
Needs work : The infotainment and dash could do with a fresher look, with a few more USB’s dotted about the cabin (the 12v chargers date the interior). It wold be nice to hear something more engine like coming from that 250bhp.
Specs:
| Max Power 250bhp | Petrol / Auto 8 Speed |
| 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds | Road Tax €570 |
| Starting price S60 €46,495Model as specc’d approx €55, 704 | Boot 442 litres |