With bold Scandinavian design that is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces – without clutter – is evident in the midyear 2015.5 Volvo S60.
Major news is the debut of two versions of the innovative Drive-E 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on front-wheel drive S60 models. The new class-leading S60 T5 Drive-E features a turbocharger and direct-injection to develop 240 horsepower.
Stepping up to the next level of performance is the S60 T6 Drive-E that employs both a turbocharger and a supercharger for the 2.0-liter engine increases output to 302-hp.
An all-new standard eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission for the front-wheel-drive 2015 S60 T5 contributes to the increased efficiency of this new engine family. All-wheel-drive S60s, whether a T5 or T6, remain with the six-speed automatic transmission
Also new is the start/stop technology that is more useful in the city with its multiple stop signs and lights, but not so significant in the suburbs or country.
Acceleration from 0-to-60 mph is done in mere six-seconds. Standard Haldex AWD with Instant Traction provides the best possible grip on wet, slippery or completely dry roads.
All S60 variations offer up to 3,500-lbs of towing capacity and can hold 12.0 cu. ft. of cargo in the trunk. To give drivers in cold climate extra comfort; three-spoke steering wheels can now be specified with electric heating.
Cars with automatic transmission can get paddle shifters that give the driver the opportunity to shift gear manually with both hands on the wheel. Cars equipped with a rain sensor can now also get an electrically heated windscreen for rapid de-icing on cold winter days.
The new Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake system is equipped with an advanced sensor system that scans the area ahead. If a cyclist heading in the same direction as the car suddenly swerves out in front of the car as it approaches from behind and collision is imminent, there is an instant warning and full braking power is applied.
During a week of testing a front-wheel-drive 2015 S60 T5 with a 2-liter, 240-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine, the powertrain provided a fuel (regular unleaded) consumption that averaged 34.8 miles per gallon. That was with two adults aboard in wintry weather in combined city and highway driving. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the turbo four-cylinder at 29 mpg city and 37 mpg when driven strictly on highways.
Two major elements remain the same. Engines are turbocharged (that explains the 'T'), whether inline four-, five- or six-cylinders, and a sleek, tapered front and rear design remains in place.
The $33,750 tested S60 T5 came with multiple luxury features including power front seats with memory for the driver, pushbutton start and stop, leather and metal steering wheel (manual tilt and telescope), four express power windows, power and heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power door locks, and a 160-watt, eight-speaker, high-definition sound system. Although there is a seven-inch touch screen for climate and sound controls, manual knobs remain for control of volume and the search for AM-FM-satellite radio stations.
By the middle of the 2015 model year, new and standard on all Volvos is or will be a "connect infotainment system, on-call telematics and on-call smartphone app. This is an auto industry first. With the free smartphone app (iOS), Android, Windows phone) an owner can access a status overview of the vehicle and recent trips, determine the vehicle’s current position, perform remote start functions, and more.
During the test week, the bolstered seats felt confining at first, but after driving 100 or more miles, one could sense their efficiency. They kept the body comfortable. Leg room in front is good for people up to six feet and two or three inches in height. In the rear leg room is in short supply at an official 33.5 inches. Leather seats, heated front and rear, are options. A heated steering wheel, windshield and windshield washer nozzles also are optional.
Options can seriously affect the cost of this sedan and easily raise the $33,750 asking price to $45,000. For information, visit www.volvocars.com.
The suspension system of struts in front and multilink in the rear proved adequate. The test car rolled over minor road imperfections with ease. It is a well-insulated vehicle as road and engine noises were minimal. It was fairly easy for the driver to carry on conversations with other vehicle occupants.
Standard features include automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, cruise control, automatic halogen headlamp washers and remote keyless ignition and vehicle entry.
There is memory (includes exterior heated mirrors, driver's seat and radio) for three drivers, reading lamps front and rear, map lights, cruise control, air conditioning and redundant sound controls mounted on the steering wheel. The sound system includes compact disc player, DVD player with WMA and MP3 capability, USB and auxiliary inputs.
In the rear seating area there is a pull-down armrest and a pass-through to the 12-cubic-foot matted and lighted trunk. The pass-through is for storage of longer items, such as skis. The rear seatbacks also fold flat for additional storage capacity.
The sleek, streamlined exterior is bolstered with a rear spoiler and sport dual tailpipe tips in the rear, stylish wheels on the sides and a revised front grille which retains the iconic diagonal Volvo bar and logo.
While updating its appearance and powerplants, Volvo adds to a reputation for safety with its City Safety System, which is standard equipment on the S60. The CSS brakes the car automatically when a crash ahead is imminent with another vehicle or stationary object. CSS helps at speeds less than 31 mph.
This standard equipment can be augmented by the company’s optional pedestrian detection system. The system detects pedestrians (at least 31 inches tall) and applies full brake force automatically to avoid hitting one or more of them. A camera placed in front of the rear view mirror does the detecting. The impact can be avoided at speeds of 22 mph or less. The optional system is in a package that also includes electronic beeping warnings for driver inattention, lane departure and an impending “higher speed (in excess of 22 mph)” collision, but ask at a dealer for more precise details.
Otherwise, Volvo’s major standard safety devices, in addition to the CSS, include the mechanicals or electronics of a four-wheel antilock braking system, traction and stability control, airbags in front and front sides and inflatable overhead curtains for the two rows of seats, seatbelts and headrests (whiplash reducing types in front).
Brakes are discs front and rear and are capable of stopping this vehicle, from 60 to 0 mph, in 120 feet or less. All-season P215 tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Warranty coverage is four years or 50,000 miles. Volvo offers free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Roadside assistance is four years (unlimited mileage during that time).
FAST FACTS
Vehicle:
2015 Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E
Type: compact four-door, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan
Price: $33,750
As tested: $45,175 including $925 delivery
Engine: 2-liter, 240-horsepower, turbocharged inline four-cylinder
Transmission: eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission
Fuel: regular unleaded
Economy: 25 miles per gallon city, 37 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined per EPA
Towing: 3,500 pounds if properly equipped
Weight: 3,433 pounds
Suspension: struts front, multi-links rear, stabilizer bars
Leg room: 41.9 inches front, 33.5 inches rear
Wheelbase: 109.3 inches
Length: 182.5 inches
Width: 62.1 inches
Height: 58.4 inches
Ground clearance: 5.4 inches
Trunk: 12 cubic feet
Turning circle: 37 feet
Assembly: Sweden
Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles, free scheduled maintenance three years or 36,000 miles, roadside assistance four years and unlimited mileage