2021 Volvo S60: Buying Guide for the New Old Scandinavian Lifestyle

Rarely has been seen a so rightly calibrated change as in the case of the transition from the second generation of the Volvo S60 to the third. It was not an easy situation to solve, since the previous S60 (taking further the inspiration of the Peter Horbury-designed V40) was still good-looking in 2018.

Yet, they understood very well what they had to do at Volvo: it was not about just changing the shape in a progressive manner while bringing in new tech elements. Everything had to be completely changed, yet in a nonviolent manner – we are talking about the peaceful Volvo brand here, aren’t we? Goodbye to the speedy and audacious style of the previous S60, welcome to the mature, friendly and calmly convincing attitude of the third generation!

Ambiance

Both the exterior and the interior design of the actual Volvo S60 are characterized by the same essential mark: classic concept dressed in advanced aesthetics. That’s bringing confidence. On the dashboard, there is a distinct instrument cluster and a typical central console, nothing alien.

They will come under your eyes just naturally. Nothing mysterious with the digitally displayed instruments, they are easy to identify and read. The center console is dominated by a portrait-positioned touchscreen, not as big as Tesla’s – because Volvo did it decently.

It won’t take long to get used with its design and functions, everything is quite explicitly shown there, just not in the most usual way. But don’t be shy about swiping and pushing on the touchscreen, nothing bad can happen! Also, there is a voice control button on the right-hand side of the steering wheel, in case you would like to start a dialogue with the car – it might be useful in certain circumstances for functions related to navigation, climate control, communication, radio and media.

In terms of fit and finish, the interior of the S60 leaves nothing to desire. Volvo offers a choice of refined materials (leather, wood, thin metal decorative elements) which are clearly compatible with the “best in class” level. You won’t find any kind of complicated shapes or crowded functional areas. To start the engine, there is a shiny knob situated between the seats, behind the transmission’s selector. Nearby, you will find the scrolling cyllinder allowing to choose the driving mode. Considering these commands exclusive or weird, that’s up to you, yet they work properly.

Thrust

Let’s make a wise choice, as the Scandinavians would do. In this respect, we will consider the Volvo S60 B5 AWD (mild hybrid, 250 hp) as the most convenient engine version. This machine is powerful enough and its AWD transmission will be appreciated on slippery roads and not only. Also, it serves the message of a fast, refined and safe sedan sent by the looks of the S60 perfectly.

Volvo proposes also some plug-in versions under the S60 Recharge name, counting on 400 hp or more. These complex and pricey automobiles make sense only if daily driven in town (getting the trips covered mostly electric), otherwise, their official consumption figures of about 2.0 liters/100 km (117 mpg) are unrealistic. And, come on, who’s buying a 400 hp mid-size (compact, by American standards) premium sedan only for urban driving?

Dynamics

The S60 doesn’t feel at all like a lightweight automobile, even if its response to the will of the driver is quite spontaneous and accurate. Stability will make a very good impression, also. The eight-speed automatic transmission manages to harmoniously link the gear changes.

Definitely, you can count on the Volvo S60 for travelling fast, but it doesn’t encourage you to have a rapid kind of everyday life. By the way, its maximum speed is limited at 180 kph (112mph). After all, the active and passive safety overwhelming arsenal of the car is there to remind you what Volvos are really about. Advice: don’t go for the largest wheels, or some loss in the riding comfort will occur.

Doubts

Nothing serious here. The thin row of buttons at the bottom of the center console is somehow obstructed when the transmission selector is in P. The legroom for the passengers in the rear is more than sufficient, you can’t find something much better in this segment (unless considering the Skoda Superb eastern European limo).

At 442 liters (15.6 cu ft), the volume of the trunk is not at all impressive, especially when compared to what the premium mid-sized sedans from Germany have to offer. Yet, it will fit the current and weekend necessities for two adults and a child.

Instead

The main competitors of the Volvo S60 are the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the Audi A4, the BMW Series 3, the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Luckily, in this premium segment of the mid-size class, the brands took serious care about defining the personalities of their cars and the performance characteristics are quite high for all of them.

Thus, someone who felt simpathy for the Volvo won’t easily turn away toward another car (this might happen, for instance, in the case of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW Series 3 and Jaguar XE sporty sedans). The Volvo S60 has its own way of telling you that serene enjoyment backed by solid surroundings should be the basic criteria of your drive life. You have the freedom to disagree, of course. The S60 B5 AWD starts at $41,250 in the U.S. and at 46.800 Euros in Germany, which is makes it a slightly more expensive and mellow alternative to a similarly equipped Alfa Giulia.