2020 Volvo S60

This Swedish beauty has an extensive list of specs on offer which is just a statement to prove it’s worth in this segment. No matter what parameter this car is examined from, it passes all those tests with flying colors. The overall build quality of the car is comparable, if not better, to BMW or Mercedes.

There are 4 trims and 3 engine options that are on offer for the S60. The trims are Momentum, Inscription, R-Design, and the Polestar Electric Hybrid. The engine options are the T5, T6, and the T8 where the drivetrain differs and the engine prowess accentuates as we move up the trim. There are a plethora of features in the base Momentum trim which are standard. 

Trims	Momentum	Inscription	R-Design
MSRP(FWD) T5	$36,050	$43.545	$43,545
MSRP(AWD) T6	$40,550	$48,045	$48,045
Key Features	2.0L I-4 Engine	302 @ 5,700 rpm Horsepower	362 @ 6,000 rpm Horsepower
	Geartronic 8-spd w/OD Transmission	instant Traction(TM) all-wheel Drive type	347 @ 3,100 rpm Torque
	240 hp @ 5,600 rpm	19" machined w/painted accents Aluminum Wheels	20" machined w/painted accents Aluminum Wheels
	258 @ 1,500 rpm Torque	Windshield wipers - rain sensing	Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated fro
	Front-wheel Drive type	Driver and passenger Lumbar support	Simulated suede/leather Seat
	ABS and driveline Traction control	Navigation system	Parking assist
	1st row regular express open/close sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
	18" machined w/painted accents Aluminum Wheels
	Front air conditioning, dual-zone automatic
	Harman Kardon Sound System
	1st row LCD monitor
	Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
	Rear Fog/driving lights
	Heated mirrors Leather Seat trim Driver Lumbar support

We Recommend.

The T6 Momentum Trim is offered with AWD drive-train is probably the best trim on offer. It’s power figures are decent enough to bring it in the running with some of the more premium vehicles and with a price that wouldn’t burn a hole through your pockets. 

The multiple engine options offered for the S60 are all the same 2.0L Inline 4 Engine with a direct-injected turbo. The T6 slaps a supercharger on the turbocharged engine and generates more power. The T6 also gets AWD to support the surplus power and torque from the engine. The T8 goes above and beyond with the addition of an electric motor on the existing T6 layout which is much cleaner and has low emissions.

The engine has been mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Driving this beauty on the road the transmission seems confused at times and struggles to find the right gear ratio. Here the transmission comes with paddle shifter that is available on the R-Design Trim.

Models	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
MSRP	$40,550	$42,750	$43,400	$41,900
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged & Supercharged Inline-4 cylinders	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	8-Speed automatic
Horsepower	316 hp @ 5700 rpm	255 @ 5000rpm	255 @ 5800rpm	247 @ 5500rpm
Torque	295 ft-lbs. @ 2200rpm	295 @ 1550rpm	273 @ 1800rpm	269 @ 1300rpm

Volvo T6 gets a supercharger on the turbocharged engine and generates the most power out of the entire line up. The winner here is clearly the Volvo. 

How Fast is it?

The 2.0L inline-four is an engine that is quick and responsive. But then again this is not really a performance-oriented car. All facts considered the engine is not laggy and it is well equipped to satisfy speed-thirst on open roads. The turbo-charges and the Supercharger equipped with our model does make it all the more capable.

Model	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
0-60 MPH	5.9 seconds*	5.5 seconds	5.6 seconds	6.0 seconds
Quarter Mile	N/A	14.3 seconds	14.7 seconds	14.7 seconds
Engine	2.0 liters Inline 4 Turbocharged	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	6.5	6.6	6.3	N/A

*2019 data used.

The Volvo accelerates slower than the BMW and Mercedes. It does have a bigger engine and makes more power but like we’ve said, it is a family sedan. The BMW proves to be the quickest of the lot followed closely by Mercedes. 

How Responsive are the Brakes?

The braking power of the Volvo is powered by the front and rear brakes by Brembo. There is a new phenomenon where most manufacturers pick up the best available parts and outsource them into their vehicles. A similar approach has been adopted by Volvo in the S60 production. With 13.2 inches brakes in the front and 12.9 inches brakes in the rear, the Volvo does give a sense of reliability while pumping the brakes.

Model	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
Front (in.)	13.2	12.3	13	13.8
Rear (in.)	12. 9	11.8	11.8	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3907	3772	3602	3500
60-0 (ft.)	N/A	123	131	123

Volvo sports the brakes from Brembo which should be an additional benefit. The BMW and the Jaguar show the best braking performance. The stopping distance for the Volvo is not available.

How Is The Ride & Handling?

To put it in simple terms the Volvo is designed as a family luxury sedan. It does not feel as exciting as the BMW or Mercedes competition from behind the steering wheel. The steering is not as responsive as the other competitions mentioned earlier. Although the drive feels stable and smoother in comparison.

There are three drive modes that are mated with it. The modes do change the engine output which goes from fuel-efficient to power-efficient with a turn of the drive mode knob. There is also an individual drive mode which can be customized according to preferences.

Volvo is a family and eccentric youth-centered brand. They have a very loyal fan base who love it for its safety, reliability, and fuel-efficiency with no compromises on luxury and comfort. The 2.0L turbocharged Inline 4 is not only snappy but also fuel-efficient. It is one of those rare breeds of cars that gives you a bit of everything you need from your everyday vehicle.

Model	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
MPG (City)	21	25	23	24
MPG (Highway)	32	34	33	34
MPG (Combined)	25	28	26	28
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.)	15.9	15.6	17.4	16.6
Range (City/Highway)	331/509	390/530	400/574	398/564

The BMW and Jaguar here are clearly the most efficient vehicles from the line up. Considering the power figures it’s evident that the Volvo gets a power upgrade which does some damage to its fuel efficiency numbers. 

As the doors of the car open the view of the interior is one that gives off a very minimalistic feel. The interior of the car is tasteful and has plush premium materials used all around. The seats feel very comfortable to sit in and provide the best structural support for the optimum driving position. The comfort is not just limited to the front but extends all the way to the rear seats. The rear passengers get the best leg-room on offer in this particular segment.

The steering wheel is comfortable to the touch and has the same premium feel to it. It has telescopic adjustment options that further enhance comfort for a better drive experience. The steering is also equipped with steering mounted control to ease the infotainment interaction.

The glove box has enough space to hold all important documentation and a few essentials. The door sills can easily store a large bottle of water on either side. There is a storage space under the hand-rest which is amply spaced and houses 2 USB ports. The cupholders in the front are well hidden under a slab that can be pulled open. There is a foldable armrest for the rear passengers which houses 2 cupholders. There are 3 USB ports in the rear as well.

Model	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	37.0/56.1/42.3	40.3/42/55.1	40.9/55.3/41.7	37.0/56.8/41.5
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	37.0/54.5/35.2	37.7/55.1/35.1	37.1/55/35.2	37.0/54.7/35.0

The cabin space in all these cars is almost identical. The Mercedes and BMW offer good seating comfort. Here the Mercedes does outshine due to its pristine luxury and interior design. But the Volvo is minimalistic and offers a very subtle yet premium feel.

What creature comfort does it offer?

The fact that it is a luxury car is prominent due to the number of features available.

• Automatic climate control
• Leather seats
• An eight-way power driver seat (with adjustable lumbar)
• Driver memory settings
• Power-folding rear headrests
• A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• A 60/40-split folding rear seat

How good is the Infotainment setup?

The infotainment system in the center console is like a 9-inch tablet in portrait mode. The user interface developed by Volvo is interactive and very simple to get accustomed to. It is powered by Harman Kardon surround sound system. The touch input is quick and does not lag which makes it very immersive. The infotainment can also be controlled by buttons placed right under the console. Volvo has also kept an option available for all potential audiophiles which are the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. The premium sound system will cost you $3250 which is acceptable for the studio-like feel in the cabin.

What are the noticeable infotainment features?

The Info-tainment system does offer a few features to ensure entertainment on a drive.

• 9-inch Touch screen
• Volvo's Sensus smartphone app integration
• Wi-Fi capability
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
• Voice commands
• Harman Kardon Sound System
• Satellite radio
• An auxiliary audio jack
• A USB audio interface
• HD Radio

What about the Cargo carrying capacity?

There cannot have been more emphasis laid on the fact that this is a family-centered vehicle. This statement is further cemented with the fact that the S60 offers ample space in the trunk. The S60 can hold a pair of large and small-sized suitcases placed one over the other easily. That's more than enough space to carry everyday baggage and a week’s grocery together.

Model	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
Cargo Volume (Cu-ft.)	13.8	13	12.6	14.7

The Jaguar has the best cargo space in this lineup. Although Volvo does offer enough space which ranks second. For your everyday requirements, Volvo has enough room in the trunk.

The S60 gives off a baby S90 vibe if you see one rolling down the street. Walk up close the personality of the S60 becomes evident. It has original design cues and character. The style of the S60 can be differentiated from the grill and the air vents in the front. The thor hammer style LEDs housed within the headlights just give it that extra pizazz of a premium luxury car. Also, it’s like an homage to the nordic gods to bless their brand, probably not, but it is a good thought.

The design is tasteful and does have a Scandinavian touch. It has a muscular body style and demands the presence needed on freeways to make way through. The sides are tastefully sculpted and add to the overall muscularity. The rear houses the dual exhaust layout with the signature Volvo sedan look over the trunk.

Model	Volvo S60 T6 Momentum	BMW 330i XDrive	Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic	Jaguar XE S AWD
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3907	3772	3602	3500
Length (in)	187.4	182.5	184.5	183.9
Width (in)	80.3	71.3	71.3	72.8
Height (in)	56.6	56.3	56.8	55.8
Ground Clearance (in)	5.9	5.4	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	113.1	110.6	111.8	111.6
Track Width (in) F/R	61.2/62.1	60.3/61.9	61.5/60.9	62.8/62.4

The design style of all these cars is simply amazing. All of them have their own cues that define their character very well. The S60 turns out to be the longest, widest, and heaviest out of all the vehicles.

What are the design highlights on the outside?

The designs and features on the exterior are what give the S60 its own persona.

• 18-inch wheels
• Sunroof
• Xenon headlights
• LED running lights
• Headlight washers
• Heated mirrors
• Rearview camera

Well, here we are, this is probably the biggest reason why Volvo has been popular for its safety even before the regulation mandated safety requirements. The let down here is that the 2020 model has not been crash-tested yet. There aren’t many physical changes when compared to the 2019 model. Taking the ‘19 model into consideration, it has received the highest NHTSA & IIHS ratings.

What are the on-board Safety Features?

Volvo does care about anybody and everybody in the cabin of their vehicle. Which is why they have a number of active features onboard.

• Blind-Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Engine Immobilizer
• Front And Rear Head Airbags
• Front Fog/Driving Lights
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• 4-Wheel ABS
• Traction Control

Volvo S60 vs BMW 330i XDrive

The BMW is a vehicle that has been the most sold out of the line up we have today. The popularity of the BMW is immense. But when compared to the Volvo then you have a dilemma. There is better seating comfort in the Volvo. The S60 also generates more power comparatively.

Volvo S60 vs Mercedes-Benz C300 4-Matic

Mercedes is a pure luxury offering and has a long list of features for creature comfort in the cabin. But from an overall performance standpoint it's the Volvo that does better. The Volvo makes more power all the while delivering better MPG numbers.

Volvo S60 vs Jaguar XE S AWD

The Jaguar does have some flare to its name, but the design language and the tech used in the vehicle seem somewhat outdated. The Volvo offers better tech, performance and comfort than the Jaguar. The design of the Volvo seems a little more appealing than its counterpart.

Volvo has outperformed all expectations and is serious about creating a space for itself in the market. The S60 out performs on every spectrum of testing on every parameter to be tested. The interiors and the comfort is extremely good. The performance numbers are best in segment. 

You would expect it to burn a hole in your pocket, but this is comparatively the most pocket friendly vehicle in the segment. If all of these statements don’t answer the question, let's make it simple. Yes the Volvo S60 is a vehicle worth every penny you spend on it.