2011's S60 was a dramatic redesign of the Swedish automaker's venerable mid-size sedan. Volvo gave the new model more style, more power and more attitude. The S60 now features curvy sheet metal and contouring, with what Volvo terms as a "double wave" stretching from the headlights to the taillights. It continues into 2012 mostly unchanged, but a newer, lower-cost entry-level T5 model was introduced.
The S60 T5 comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line 5-cylinder engine. It makes 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Claimed fuel-efficiency is 20 mpg in city and 30 for highway, with a combined estimate of 23 mpg. The transmission's a 6-speed automatic with Geartronic manual control. Electronically controlled front-wheel drive is standard for all-weather tractability.
The T6 continues with the same 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. It features standard all-wheel drive and a 6-sped automatic transmission.
There will be two different suspension choices on the S60 T5; the standard Touring Chassis is offered for those who want the most ride comfort and it's been tuned to still be smooth and quiet on rougher surfaces. For those who want a slightly sportier feel without giving up much if any comfort, there's the optional Dynamic suspension, which includes up-rated shock absorbers and front and rear subframes. The T6 comes with the Dynamic chassis as standard equipment.
Safety is a big part of the Volvo brand. In addition to top-notch crash-test protection, both S60s include Volvo's Advanced Stability Control. The system not only provides power where it's needed for best stability in a new Sport Mode; it also helps aid stability in emergency maneuvers.
Both S60s are highly customizable. The Technology Package features a Pedestrian Detection system that will stop the car automatically if it senses an imminent collision with a walker. The package also comes with adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, Driver Alert Control and lane departure warning. Each of these available systems helps the driver avoid a different type of potential accident through a series of warnings--and in some cases, braking.
A Multimedia package includes navigation, a rear parking camera and a high-power surround system. The Premium package includes a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a power moonroof and leather seating. The Climate package adds heated seats, rain-sensing wipers and an in-cabin filtration system.
The Volvo S60 T5 cabin comes with T-Tec cloth upholstery, with optional leather seating surfaces available. Leather is standard on the T6. Those who desire the warm look of wood can select the Urbane Wood inlays option. This veneer is made from real wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is certified by the Forest Steward Council. The wood is dyed and artfully layered together, creating a pattern inspired by the exotic grain of the African Zebrano, which is a threatened species. All models include a Driver Control Interface, more and more common in luxury cars today, which places many functions into a 7-inch color monitor.
The standard sound system is a 160-watt unit with a CD player, satellite radio, HD Radio, auxiliary audio and USB inputs and eight speakers. A Bluetooth hands-free interface is also included. The S60 offers the Audyssey Laboratories sound system as an option. It uses MultiEQ, technology common in home and professional theater equipment.
Strong Performance
Innovative City Safe Accident-avoidance System
Powerful, Efficient Powertrain
The mid-size Volvo S60 was completely redesigned for 2011, recast as a more flamboyantly styled luxury sport sedan. The S60 debuted the automaker's City Safety feature and some truly innovative accident avoidance equipment. The new-for-2012 250-hp 5-cylinder turbocharged model offers lighter weight and front-wheel drive for improved fuel economy, with similar performance capabilities.
Volvo made huge leap with its 2011 S60 sedan--in performance, styling and safety. With its new 250-hp turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and front wheel drive, the S60 T5 model will be lighter and even more fuel-efficient than some other models in its class, while its styling remains trend-setting inside and out. The T5 will continue at the front of the pack with its new City Safety system--one that not only serves to warn the driver of an impending crash, but applies the brakes to help avoid it completely. With that, as well as a host of other accident-avoidance features, the S60 series remains the car for those concerned about safety, style and performance.
