Photo: Jeffrey Ross
The current Volvo S60 lineup is pretty old if you consider its exterior styling alone and the year it was officially launched for the first time, but the underpinnings were drastically changed this year. Therefore we set out to test what Volvo calls the 2015.5 S60 Drive-E model.
We had two new powerplants at out disposal. The first one was the spanking new T5 version which is a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plant making 245 HP and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Those numbers are exactly the same as its closest competitor, the BMW 328i. How do they compare?
Well, considering that one is RWD and one is FWD, it depends on what you are looking for. The BMW will win in the handling category, but the Volvo has other aces up its sleeve, including an amazing fuel consumption that amazed us, managing to get better numbers than the EPA estimates.
The same goes for the T6 but, in this case, we’re dealing with the same 2-liter engine fitted with both a turbocharger and a supercharger for a grand total output of 306 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Once again, these numbers are spot on with BMW’s 335i model, but that one uses a 3-liter mill so it’s less favorable to the environment.
That’s right, close to none. That’s why for the potential customers this car is aiming at, other things will matter, including safety and the Swede shines here, as we got used to over the years.
The NHTSA gave it a the full 5-star rating and the coveted Top Safety Pick+ distinction from IIHS was bestowed upon the S60. On top of that, you get plenty of standard safety features like the City Safety system, Adaptive Cruise Control, collision warning with full auto brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with auto brakes and even a lane keeping aid that is shockingly good.
Overall, it’s a promising package, especially if you’re interested in other things apart from racing. And let’s face it, how many of us ever hit the track? If you’re just looking for good mpg, safety and comfort at a good price, the 2015.5 model is a very good proposal and we explained why in our full 2015 Volvo S60 T6 review.
Well, considering that one is RWD and one is FWD, it depends on what you are looking for. The BMW will win in the handling category, but the Volvo has other aces up its sleeve, including an amazing fuel consumption that amazed us, managing to get better numbers than the EPA estimates.
The same goes for the T6 but, in this case, we’re dealing with the same 2-liter engine fitted with both a turbocharger and a supercharger for a grand total output of 306 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Once again, these numbers are spot on with BMW’s 335i model, but that one uses a 3-liter mill so it’s less favorable to the environment.
It's still a front-wheel drive car
In the handling category, don’t expect similar marks. The BMW walks it but for a front-wheel drive car, the Volvo really holds its own. The brakes could’ve used a little more grunt and the steering a bit more feedback but then again, how many Volvo drivers do you know that are ‘spirited’ behind the wheel?That’s right, close to none. That’s why for the potential customers this car is aiming at, other things will matter, including safety and the Swede shines here, as we got used to over the years.
The NHTSA gave it a the full 5-star rating and the coveted Top Safety Pick+ distinction from IIHS was bestowed upon the S60. On top of that, you get plenty of standard safety features like the City Safety system, Adaptive Cruise Control, collision warning with full auto brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with auto brakes and even a lane keeping aid that is shockingly good.
Overall, it’s a promising package, especially if you’re interested in other things apart from racing. And let’s face it, how many of us ever hit the track? If you’re just looking for good mpg, safety and comfort at a good price, the 2015.5 model is a very good proposal and we explained why in our full 2015 Volvo S60 T6 review.
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