For consumers tired of seeing only German entries in the upscale sedan segment, the 2018 Volvo S60 continues to offer a stylish design and an extensive list of safety features that set it apart from the BMWs and Mercedes of the world. The S60’s minimalistic approach on the inside will also prove a breath of fresh air, as other automakers are shifting towards more cluttered interiors.
The S60 sedan is available in an all-weather-capable Cross Country line and a stretched wheelbase Inscription trim, as well – both are listed separately.
What's New for 2018
After getting new engine options last year, the S60 is free of significant changes for 2018.
Choosing Your Volvo S60
The S60 is broken into two different powertrains with three levels of output. The base T5 Dynamic trims feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that cranks out 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends its power to the front wheels – all-wheel drive is available as a $2,000 option. The front-wheel-drive T5 Dynamic is the most fuel-efficient trim in the S60 lineup and returns an estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The T6 R-Design features a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine that’s good for 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is also paired to an eight-speed gearbox, which works alongside a standard all-wheel-drive system. This combo takes only a slight hit in fuel economy with an estimated rating of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The performance-oriented S60 Polestar trim cranks the tune of the supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter motor to 362 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful production four-cylinder engines on the planet. The extra bit of oomph results in a noticeable difference in fuel economy, as the Polestar trim is estimated to get 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That sacrifice is worth it, though, because the S60 Polestar can hit 60 miles per hour in a scant 4.4 seconds, 1.2 seconds faster than the standard T6 R-Design.
As with the rest of its vehicles (and despite the S60's advanced age), Volvo offers its smallest sedan with a healthy list of safety features, which include automatic high beams, xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, driver alert control, lane keeping assist, and road sign information. However, Volvo's advanced Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving aid hasn't made the jump to the S60 yet.
The S60 is available in three trims:
If all-out performance is what you’re after in an S60, nothing but the Polestar trim will do. For everyone else, the T6 AWD R-Design offers a good blend of performance, fuel economy, and standard features, while having a few touches that make the sedan look even better. Consumers living in cold climates should opt for the Climate Package, while those wanting to get the latest safety features should look into the Blind Spot Information System Package.