The 2011 Volvo S60 is one of the most anticipated models from Volvo in a long time. The S60 brings a lot of new features and strong changes to this model that made it well worth the wait. The new interior design of this Volvo offers a lot more room in the rear seat that is surprise considering the new slim line coupe styling. The new sloping roof line makes the S60 look much sportier, but may take away a few inches of headroom from last year's model.
The S60 if visually stunning and the 300 horsepower engine makes this new Volvo a very competitive road warrior. For all intents and purposes, the V60 offers a high level of quality styling and engineering to the mid level sedan from Volvo. The interior of the Volvo S60 offers a very lavishly furnished design including leather seats and an ergonomically designed heads up display for the driver. Another new addition is the City Safety and Pedestrian Detection system which allows automatic breaking when in an emergency situation. The front mounted camera can detect oncoming objects from its 180 degree view.
The Range
Bodystyles: 4-door sedan
Engines: 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: T6 AWD
What's New
The S60's list of standard equipment is lengthy, including a 7-inch, high-definition color infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned Dynamic chassis, driver-selectable speed sensitive steering, HD Radio, a six-month Sirius Satellite Radio trial, and Volvo's City Safety automated emergency-braking system. Significant options include Pedestrian Detection, which can warn you of pedestrians in your path before automatically applying the brakes.
Exterior
The S60 represents Volvo's most dramatic step yet away from its ‘boxy' design heritage and toward a flamboyant new design philosophy. The S60's nose is similar to that of the recently revamped C30, while its profile is a very-unboxy, sweeping and dramatic, arc.
Interior
Inside, you'll be treated with two easy-to-read gauges within the simple instrument binnacle, and extravagantly sculpted seats are topped by scythe-like headrests. The atmosphere of Swedish design elegance is enhanced by available ‘Urbane Wood' inlays.
Performance & Handling
With its 300 horsepower engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, the S60 is expected to reach 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds -- not bad. Moreover, its proven all-wheel drive system should ensure that it will retain its composure (a front-drive model will become available later in the model year). Expect the S60's handling to be afford good compromise of ride comfort and respectable handling via its sport-oriented ‘Dynamic Chassis' and driver-selectable, speed sensitive steering; a sport suspension is available.
Safety
No crash test results are available for the S60 as of yet, but the new Volvo sedan is packed with safety technology including City Safety (automated stopping when an object is detected) and Pedestrian Detection, a similar strategy that employs software to identify pedestrians.
EPA Fuel Economy
18 city mpg/26 mpg highway (AWD)
You'll Like
- Remarkable safety features
- Refreshing new looks
- All-wheel drive
- Refined engine
You Won't Like
- Smallish backseat
- No manual transmission
Sum Up
Volvo's first model under Chinese ownership looks promising
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi A4
- BMW 3 Series
- Lexus IS