Volvo is a Swedish manufacturer of world-class automobiles. The brand began in 1927. The S60 classifies as a compact executive model produced by Volvo, and its first generation launched in 2000. After that, Volvo has been producing the model with frequently improved features. The 2013 Volvo S60 comes equipped with all-wheel drive, a sleek and sporty body design, and a powerful engine. The 2013 Volvo S60 comes in three packages: the T5, TG AWD, and T6 AWD Redesigned. The design and features look very attractive indeed.
New For 2013
Four-wheel drive is now available on the S60 T5. Keyless Drive and a power glass moonroof become standard on T6 AWD, and heated rear seats are optional. Automatic windshield wipers, headlight washers, and tunnel detection also become standard on all models. Volvo shows a new trim strategy: Premier to Premier Plus to Platinum. It offers three new exterior colors: ember black, electric silver, and rebel blue.
Exterior
The 2013 Volvo S60 features active dual xenon headlamps, which help to expand the front view over 230 percent compared to standard halogen lamps. The lamps are motorized to move up to 15 degrees both left and right to boost a 90-percent better view. Highly effective low beams provide illumination on narrow roads, and extremely powerful full beams ensure a perfect view on highways. The lights also feature automatic on/off function.
The LED adaptive brake lights turn on in less time than regular bulbs. The adaptive brake lights can initiate differences between the normal and panic brake. Adaptive brake lights become active above 30 mph. In the panic braking situation, all the brake lights flash at a rate of four times per second. Once the speed slows below 19 mph, the lights stop flashing.
Powerful daytime running lamps increase the visibility to other road users and help them to gauge the distance between two vehicles. In bad weather, high intensity rear fog lights help make the S60 more visible from behind. Also, side-positioning lights alert other drivers of the presence of the S60.
Interior & Cargo
The 2013 Volvo S60 offers standard five-passenger seating. With an ergonomically sculpted design; firm, supporting side cushions; and luxurious padding, both Volvo's front and rear seats are widely accepted as some of the finest in the car world. A step-less lumbar feature supports the front seats with premium materials and designs. Volvo claims that occupants never want to leave the seats. The T6 AWD and T6 AWD Redesigned include adjustable power seats to ensure full comfort during long journeys.
Adjusting the driver's seat and door mirrors is easy, and a memorization system is perfect for saving and recalling the settings. Using the central locking remote every time, the seats and door mirrors automatically adjust to preferences. Up to three different seat and door mirror settings can be saved into the memory system that links to the central locking remote controls. Each remote triggers the corresponding setting from the last time that particular remote control was used.
To ensure the perfect visibility while reversing, power-folding rear head restraints can be folded with the touch of a single button from the driver’s seat. They fold forwards so that the rear passengers can raise them again after entering the car.
Adjustable air vents keep rear-seat passengers in a comfortable and warm climate. Electronic Climate Control (ECC) ensures a pleasant in-car climate for all passengers. The driver and front-seat passenger can regulate the temperature individually for each side. A built-in cabin filter prevents dust, pollen, and exhaust particles from entering the cabin via the ventilation system.
The interior of the 2013 Volvo S60 also includes a power moonroof, and it offers 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
Safety
The 2013 Volvo S60 features anti-lock brakes with optimized hydraulics to help to ensure a short stopping distance in all situations. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) helps to use brakes to the fullest extent in case of an emergency situation, while Ready Alert Brakes (RAB) anticipates severe braking and prepares for it by moving the brake pads closer to the discs. Fading Brake Support (FBS) automatically compensates for the higher pedal forces required after long periods of heavy braking. Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) distributes the braking effect between the front and rear wheels to achieve optimal results according to load and driving conditions. The S60 also comes equipped with city safety, which is designed to save the car in lower speed collisions inside the city.
Dynamic stability and traction control enhance driving stability in slippery conditions. This system helps the car steer in the intended direction. When necessary, it cuts engine power or brakes to individual wheels to help reduce skidding and maintain control.
The advanced stability control function features a roll rate gyro sensor and acceleration sensor to detect slowly built up skids at an early stage and compensate for them. Corner traction control by Torque Vectoring balances the torque between the front wheels during acceleration while cornering. This enhances stability when cornering at higher speeds. For a sportier drive, select the Sport Mode. It shuts off the spin regulation and allows more rear skidding and more fun for the driving enthusiast.
The 2013 Volvo S60 also features dual-stage airbags, energy-absorbing structures, seat belts, and other traditional safety features. Overall, the S60 is a safe car with the combination of these technical and traditional safety features. The Insurance Institute for Highway safety gives the Volvo S60 a ""Good"" rating for these safety features.
Driving Experience
Very powerful engines power the 2013 Volvo S60. The T5 comes with a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine, and the others have a 3.0-liter, V-6 engine. The T5's engine can produce 250 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque. The T6 AWD produces 300 horsepower with 325 lb-ft of torque, and the T6 AWD Redesigned can produce 325 horsepower with 354 lb-ft of torque. Six-speed automatic transmissions with standard brake functions help to run the car even at high speeds. The mileage for the T5 totals 21/30 mpg city/highway. For the T6 AWD and T6 AWD Redesigned, fuel economy reaches an estimated 18/25 mpg city/highway. Overall, the Volvo S60 gets loaded down with handling features, and it does a good job on both city roads and on the highway.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Volvo S60
- Hyundai Azera
- Lexus ES350
- Volkswagen CC
- Buick Regal
- Acura RL