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2019 Volvo S60 First Drive Review: A Comfortable Reunion
2019 Volvo S60: Scandinavian Luxury Meets American Craftsmanship
The completely redesigned 2019 Volvo S60 marks a significant milestone as the first Volvo sedan produced in the United States at the company's new Charleston, South Carolina plant. While maintaining Volvo's signature Scandinavian design language and safety-focused engineering, this third-generation S60 introduces new performance variants that challenge German dominance in the compact luxury segment.
Key Highlights
- First American-made Volvo sedan (Charleston, SC plant)
- Three powertrain options including 415hp T8 Polestar Engineered
- Standard City Safety system with automatic emergency braking
- Available Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving
- Starting MSRP: $35,800 (T5 FWD)
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Design: Evolution of Swedish Elegance
The 2019 S60 builds on Volvo's current design language with several distinctive elements:
Exterior Features
- Signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights
- More aggressive front fascia than previous generation
- Sharper shoulder line and tapered rear deck
- Dual exhaust (T6/T8 models)
- Available R-Design package adds sportier styling
Interior Features
- Minimalist Scandinavian design
- 9-inch Sensus touchscreen (standard)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (available)
- Driftwood inlays (Inscription trim)
- Polestar Engineered gets gold seatbelts
Powertrain Options
The S60 utilizes Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) with three primary configurations
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| Model | Powertrain | Power | 0-60 mph | MPG (city/hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T5 FWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 250 hp / 258 lb-ft | 6.3 sec | 24/36 |
| T6 AWD | 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I4 | 316 hp / 295 lb-ft | 5.3 sec | 21/32 |
| T8 Twin Engine | 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I4 + Electric | 400 hp / 472 lb-ft | 4.4 sec | 27/34 (MPGe) |
| T8 Polestar | 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I4 + Electric | 415 hp / 494 lb-ft | 4.3 sec | 26/33 (MPGe) |
Driving Impressions
T6 AWD R-Design
- Acceleration: Strong mid-range punch from supercharger
- Handling: Competent but not sporty (even with sport suspension)
- Ride Quality: Firm but compliant on 19-inch wheels
- Steering: Light effort with moderate feedback
T8 Polestar Engineered
- Performance: Instant electric torque eliminates turbo lag
- Handling: Öhlins dampers provide exceptional body control
- Braking: Strong Brembo performance with regen blending
- Sound: Optional performance exhaust enhances engine note
Technology & Safety
True to Volvo's heritage, the S60 comes packed with advanced safety systems:
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Standard Safety
- City Safety with Autobrake
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Run-off Road Mitigation
Available Tech
- Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous)
- 360° Surround View Camera
- Head-Up Display
- 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio
Competitive Comparison
| Model | Base Price | Base HP | 0-60 | Cargo (cu-ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo S60 T5 | $35,800 | 250 | 6.3s | 11.6 |
| BMW 330i | $41,250 | 255 | 5.6s | 17.0 |
| Mercedes C300 | $41,400 | 255 | 6.0s | 12.6 |
| Audi A4 2.0T | $39,400 | 248 | 5.8s | 13.0 |
Pricing & Trim Levels
| Trim | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Momentum | $35,800 | LED lights, leatherette, 9" display |
| R-Design | $40,300 | Sport seats, paddle shifters, 18" wheels |
| Inscription | $39,300 | Premium leather, wood inlays, luxury seats |
| T8 Polestar | $55,400 | 415 hp, Öhlins dampers, gold seatbelts |
The Verdict: Swedish Sophistication
The 2019 Volvo S60 successfully builds on Volvo's recent design and technology achievements while adding new performance credentials. While it may not match BMW's driving dynamics or Mercedes' prestige, it offers:
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Distinctive Scandinavian design that stands out in a crowded segment
- Polestar Engineered performance that challenges German rivals
- Superior standard safety tech that lives up to Volvo's reputation
- Made-in-America appeal with its new South Carolina production
For buyers seeking an alternative to the usual German suspects, the S60 delivers Swedish sophistication with newfound performance chops.
Klash
Last Updated On Oct, 08-2025