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2019 Volvo S60 First Drive: Familiar Comfort Meets Swedish Innovation
- 2019 Volvo S60: Swedish Luxury Refined in South Carolina
The completely redesigned 2019 Volvo S60 represents both continuity and change for the Swedish automaker. As the first S60 built in Volvo's new Charleston, South Carolina plant, this compact luxury sedan carries forward Volvo's signature design language while introducing new performance variants that challenge German dominance in the segment.
Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
Volvo's evolutionary design approach means the 2019 S60 immediately reads as a Volvo, with key signature elements:
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Exterior Highlights
- "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design
- More aggressive front fascia than previous generation
- Sharper shoulder line and tapered rear deck
- Available R-Design package adds sportier styling cues
- Polestar Engineered models get unique badging and wheels
Powertrain Options
The S60 utilizes Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) with three primary powertrain configurations:
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\T5 FWD
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4
- Power: 250 hp / 258 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
T6 AWD
- Engine: 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I4
- Power: 316 hp / 295 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
T8 Twin Engine
- Powertrain: 2.0L Turbo/Supercharged I4 + Electric
- Power: 400 hp / 472 lb-ft (Polestar: 415 hp)
- EV Range: 22 miles (EPA)
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (Polestar: 4.3s)
Diving Impressions
During testing in Santa Monica, California, two versions stood out:
T6 AWD R-Design
- Ride Quality: Firm but compliant, even with optional 19" wheels
- Steering: Direct but light on feedback
- Performance: Strong mid-range punch from supercharger
- Interior Noise: Well-isolated cabin with minimal wind noise
T8 Polestar Engineered
- Acceleration: Instant electric torque fills turbo lag
- Handling: Öhlins dampers provide exceptional body control
- Braking: Strong Brembo performance with regen blending
- Sound: Artificial engine note through speakers
Interior & Technology
The S60's cabin represents Volvo's minimalist luxury at its best:
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| Feature | Standard | Available |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | 9" Sensus Touchscreen | 12.3" Digital Instrument Cluster |
| Audio | 10-speaker system | 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins |
| Seating | Leatherette | Nappa Leather, Ventilated |
| Safety | City Safety Collision Avoidance | Pilot Assist Semi-Autonomous |
Competitive Comparison
How the S60 stacks up against segment leaders:
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| Model | Base Price | Base HP | 0-60 | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo S60 T5 | $35,800 | 250 | 6.3s | 24/36 |
| BMW 330i | $40,250 | 255 | 5.6s | 26/36 |
| Mercedes C300 | $41,400 | 255 | 6.0s | 24/35 |
| Audi A4 2.0T | $39,400 | 248 | 5.8s | 27/36 |
Safety & Driver Assistance
True to Volvo's heritage, the S60 comes packed with safety tech:
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Standard Safety Features
- City Safety with Autobrake (ped/cyclist/large animal detection)
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Run-off Road Mitigation
Pricing & Trim Levels
| Trim | MSRP | 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: A Worthy Alternative to German Luxury
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:
- Distinctive Scandinavian design that stands out in a crowded segment
- Polestar Engineered performance that challenges M Performance and AMG
- Superior standard safety tech that lives up to Volvo's reputation
- Made-in-America appeal with its new South Carolina production
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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