| The S60 is Volvo's mid-size sedan and comes in two distinct flavors-S60 and S60 T5. The S60 is comfortable yet quite sporty, and comes in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive versions, both powered by a 208-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Enthusiasts will probably want to opt for the T5, because it includes a 258-hp, 2.4-liter version of 5-cylinder engine, plus upgraded wheels and tires, other mechanical upgrades, and a host of luxury and high-tech extras.
The Haldex all-wheel drive system that's available on the S60 is oriented toward providing strong, steady performance on slippery road surfaces without a loss of traction, sending up to 50 percent of torque to the back wheels only when needed; the system is one of the better systems offered on luxury sedans and brings a confident feel. With either engine, the S60 has more than adequate power, although the T5's engine excels for high-speed passing.
The S60's interior is among the most comfortable of any in its class, with especially good sport seats on either trim, and the instrument panel has a cockpit feel, angling toward the driver; even the base 2.5T model gets wood trim. Back seats are proportioned for adults, and occupants will find plenty of legroom.
Of course the S60 comes with a generous array of safety features, all standard. Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are all included.
The base 2.5T sedan includes all the features buyers will expect in a luxury car, along with some that are typically optional or not even offered. Dual-zone climate control, sport leather seats and a power sunroof are all standard, and bi-xenon headlamps with Active Bending Light are also included. The performance-oriented T5 model gets firmer shocks and springs, along with flashier 17-inch alloy wheels; it also really steps up the luxury and tech feature list, including such enhancements as premium leather, brushed aluminum door handles and a premium 325-watt, 13-speaker sound system. On the technology front, it also includes rear park assist, an interior air-quality system and a universal garage door opener. Options on the top T5 are limited to a DVD-based navigation system, 18-inch bright alloys with Pirelli summer performance tires and a climate package with rain-sensor wipers. |
| For its last year before a major redesign, the mid-size S60 gets expanded standard features for 2009, although price across the line increase considerably. Sport leather seats, a power glass sunroof, and wood trim are now among the standard features, and Geartronic manual control is now included with the automatic transmission in all trims. T5 equipment is also stepped up, with all the contents of the former Advanced Package now standard; they include a 325-watt surround-sound system, 6-disc changer, brushed aluminum handles, active bi-xenon headlamps, and rear park assist.
Across the model line the number of colors has been reduced; Willow Green, Magic Blue and Maple Red are no longer available. |