The all new 2011 Volvo S60 can simply be summed up in two words: sporty and sleek. Built with strong power under the hood combined with great handling, luxuriously sporty interior, and advanced safety and technology features, the competition is heating up against other models in its class such as the Acura TSX, Lincoln MKZ, and Audi A4, to name a few. Returning to the Volvo lineup, the new S60 has no problem fitting in, and can definitely hold its own and is well on its way to becoming a best in class candidate.
The exterior has smooth lines that almost appear invisible and the sleek front end and sharp headlights make it look fast even when it’s in park. Exterior paint color options for the S60 are eclectic consisting of traditional colors like black, silver metallic, charcoal and red metallic to Caspian Blue Metallic and Vibrant Copper Metallic. The Volvo S60 also has the option of 17 or 18 inch alloy wheels and more sport style with the Sport Appearance Package, which includes sport rear and front bumper accents with dual tail exhaust pipes, sport sill moldings and décor frame. A rear spoiler is also an added feature that enhances the sporty look of the S60, as well as contributes to its handling and force at faster driving speeds.
Although there is a slight turbo lag, the S60 is quick and extremely responsive. The Volvo S60 T6 AWD (as test driven) is equipped with a 3.0-Liter Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Gas I6 engine. While this engine produces 300 horsepower, it doesn’t come with a price, where it gains in power, it lacks in gas mileage only getting 18 city/26 hwy miles per gallon. however the fuel efficiency can’t compete with the Audi A4 which gets 21 city and 27 highway. All trim levels come standard with Brake Energy Regeneration and six-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission; a fun option if you are feeling real sporty and want that gear shifting experience. Both the T6 and R-Design trims are 6 cylinders with all wheel drive, while the T5 is only 5 cylinders with front wheel drive. This vehicle handles very well: hard, tight and sporty. Even in the most extreme conditions the S60 is ready, fully equipped with Advanced Stability Control, Corner Torque Control, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control plus Sports mode. Each feature keeps the vehicle stable and easy to handle in rain, snow or dry conditions, always making the driver feel safe and in control. As the driver of the S60 you have three drive modes compliments of the Four-C advanced chassis system (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept). This system monitors the car, road conditions and driver to adjust the shock absorber, engine, brakes and steering help the driver maintain handling and performance in either comfort mode, sport mode or advanced mode. No matter which mode you choose or the condition you are driving in, the S60 is an exciting ride and extremely fun to drive.
Volvo kept a bit of the traditional look and feel so you aren’t left guessing who the maker is, however, the S60 does pull off a very attractive and quiet interior with rich color contrasting leather seats in beechwood brown and off-black combined with shimmer graphite inlays; a bit on the wild side but at the same time very rich and easy to get used to. This combination of styling works so well in this vehicle because it gives it that added sporty edge rather than wood accents which would have only made it look like it was trying too hard to be luxury. The leather wrapped steering wheel was nice and small and provided a nice grip for any driver. Placement of voice control, cruise control and other options on the steering wheel are extremely intuitive; Volvo kept it basic, knowing less is more when it comes to steering wheel controls. In terms of comfort, Volvo took care of S60 passengers with high quality leather heated (two levels of temperature) seats that practically engulf your body with the side support and padding. As for technology, Volvo didn’t disappoint. The S60 is equipped with the Volvo Sensus System, Integrated and Portable Navigation System, Bluetooth Hands-Free System with Audio Streaming, Park Assist Camera, Front and Rear Blind View and a HD Radio system with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound. I would say it’s well equipped for anything and everything and backed by high quality engineering. One thing to mention is the Navigation system could use some work, lacking detail and a bit difficult to engage in. The design ergonomics work well in this vehicle, especially because it is a smaller vehicle it was important for Volvo to be able to include the latest and greatest but without overwhelming the passengers or occupying too much space. Volvo also took the climate control system seriously by equipping the S60 with a cabin filter, Electronic Climate Control and an Interior Air Quality System. The systems combine to provide an interior climate that is clean, safe and comfortable no matter what the climate may be on the exterior. A cool feature Volvo utilizes is the Ambient Temperature Gauge which is located in the dashboard cluster which monitors outside temperature and alerts the driver when there is any risk of black ice; a nice safety feature. Safety is no joke to Volvo, nor has it ever been and with more technology available, Volvo is able to stay ahead of the game as it always has in this department. Typically equipped with airbags, side airbags, head restraints and side impact protection systems, Volvo takes it further with Adaptive braking systems, City Safety, Driver Alert Control & Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Driver Information System, Side Positioning Lights, Adaptive Cruise Control with Distance Alert and more. While all the alerts and flashing lights take getting used to, it definitely makes you more of a cautious driver, realizing you may be too close to a vehicle or perhaps changing lanes relying on a blind spot that is occupied by another vehicle.
The 2011 Volvo S60 is a very fun car to drive on a day-to-day basis, and it’s even more exciting knowing you can drive it safely in all kinds of driving conditions. The handling and power alone make this vehicle an outstanding entry-level luxury sport sedan, the rest is just a bonus. The Volvo S60 starts at $37,700 and goes up depending upon added features and styling options.
