Volvo Launches All-New S60 And V60 Compact Executive Cars

Volvo is on a roll… innuendo intended. Their widely utilised Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), first seen in their flagship SUV, the XC90; and followed progressively with the likes of their flagship S90 and V90 Sedan and Estate models, and the XC60 SUV. The introduction of the S60 and V60 Compact Executive models closes the loop within Volvo’s mainstream car lineup, which utilises the SPA underpinnings.

Design elements which have graced the likes of the S90 and XC60 have also trickled and evolved well in both the S60 and V60 cars. Key features, like its signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlamp design, which incorporates the front turn signal lamps, have subtly evolved, and now extend out of their respective headlamp clusters.

The waterfall grille, seen on the ‘Momentum’-badged cars have also been tweaked slightly, and encourage a little more play of light. The sportier R-Design variant gets what Volvo’s Vice-President of Design, Jonathan Disley (unofficially) calls the “Chocolate Bar” grille. R-Design trim models also receive a more pronounced front bumper, lending to an impression of added width.

The S60 and V60 side profiles, unlike the larger-grander S90 and V90 flagships, have a little more emotive play in them, with two sets of pen strokes, which forms the car’s waistline, and characteristic thick shoulders. Volvo’s design team had also made the expensive decision to move its rear door hinges, just simply so that they could achieve a deeper concave curvature between the doors, and in-turn visually pushing out the wheels; resulting in a greater play of light on the fenders.

Boasting clean Scandinavian interior design cues, first introduced in the 90 series cars, natural materials like open pore wood surfaces are available, and blend well with the clever use of metal and quality plastics. Like the 90 series cars, the S60 and V60 are equipped with a 12.3” adaptive driver display, and a portrait style 9” infotainment touch screen. Volvo’s connectivity and infotainment system – Sensus – comprises an intuitive touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications such as Spotify and TuneIn. Smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Sleek airblade air-conditioning vents feature attractive knurled jewel knobs, which are inspired by the crowns of expensive watches. The interior is further highlighted by a large panoramic glass roof, that fills the cabin with natural light.

Passenger room has also been improved upon, thanks to a wheelbase which is 10cm longer than the previous car. This translates to 240% more knee clearance for rear passengers. The added space for rear passengers has also been helped by thinner-more elegant front seats, which do not compromise on front passenger comfort.

Cargo room for the S60 sedan is at 392 litres, while the V60 estate adds a little more versatility, and boasts 529 litres.

Two 2.0 litre engine options are available. Momentum trim cars are equipped with a 187bhp, 300Nm unit, capable of 7.1 seconds to 100km/h for the S60, and 7.2 seconds on the V60. R-Design cars are equipped with the higher-powered 250bhp, 350Nm engine, and are capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.4 seconds for the S60, and 6.5 seconds for the V60. Gear changes are through an 8-speed automatic transmission for both engine options, and R-Design cars also benefit from All-Wheel Drive.

Volvo has also announced a plug-in hybrid variant S60, which will possibly arrive on our shores within the first quarter of 2020. The PHEV will deliver an impressive 400bhp from its T8 2.0 litre engine, while delivering its drive through all four wheels.

City Safety, standard on all Volvo models combines automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios, keeping passengers safe. City Safety, according to the Swedish manufacturer is the only system on the market that detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals… the last bit would be a rarity here. The system is also able to brake automatically to help reduce the impact and effect of a collision.

In a step closer to a full autonomous car, Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver assistance system supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 130km/h, and is able to work around corners.

Power: 187bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 300 Nm @ 1,400 – 4,000rpm
0-100 km/h: 7.1 secs

Power: 187bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 300 Nm @ 1,400 – 4,000rpm
0-100 km/h: 7.2 secs

Power: 250bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,800rpm
0-100 km/h: 6.4 secs

Power: 250bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,800rpm
0-100 km/h: 6.5 secs

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