By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
For 2015 the Volvo S60 sedan follows last year’s significant styling revisions. It introduces an exciting new DriveE powertrain technology with an all new engine and new transmission that deliver enhanced fuel economy, reduced emissions and increased driving pleasure. Combined with S60’s traditional virtues of leading edge safety, superb luxury and dynamic handling results in an even more appealing and diverse S60 lineup.
Developed in house at Volvo’s R&D department in Sweden, two versions of the innovative DriveE 2.0 liter four cylinder engines make their debut for 2015 on front wheel drive S60 models. The new class leading S60 T5 DriveE features a turbocharger and direct injection to develop 240 horsepower and 258 lbs.ft. of torque, with mpg ratings of 25 city, 37 highway and 29 combined.
The next level of performance debuts in the S60 T6 DriveE. Employing both a turbocharger and a supercharger for the 2.0 liter engine increases output to 302 horsepower and 295 lbs.ft. of torque, while producing mpg ratings of 24 city, 35 highway and 28 combined.
An all new standard eight speed Geartronic automatic transmission contributes to the increased efficiency of this new engine family. Quiet, smooth shifts help to reduce noise at higher speeds while additional gears allow these engines to operate at peak efficiency for optimal performance and maximum efficiency. Also new is the start/stop feature, which automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal.
In keeping with its character as the sportiest and most dynamic Volvo, the S60 was the first carline to receive paddle shifters. Standard on T6 DriveE and RDesign models and available on all T5s, paddle shifters let the driver shift manually with both hands on the steering wheel.
The front of the S60 was redesigned last year, sporting all new exterior panels from the A pillars forward including a new hood, front fenders and fascia. A wider grille with a larger Iron mark is flanked by new headlights while a larger, wider lower front intake gains bright accents and horizontally mounted LED daytime running lights. At the rear, new LED light guides on the taillights and integrated exhaust pipes contribute to the more powerful road presence and self confident stance.
Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces with any unnecessary clutter removed. This is evident in the exterior and interior of the S60. Inside, the attention to detail, the authentic materials, such as wood and leather, and the easy to use controls contributes to the in command driving experience.
Instrument clusters help the driver stay informed of the S60’s dynamic capabilities. The base T5 features a contemporary analog cluster. An adaptive digital display is standard on T5 Premier and Platinum trim levels plus all T6 and RDesign models. The easy to read Thin Film Transistor design allows drivers to select from three different themes: Elegance, Eco and Performance.
Available on all S60s is the Blind Spot Information System Package. This package includes BLIS, front and rear park assist, Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Merge Aid. The system is based on radar technology installed behind the rear wheels and will detect traffic from a longer distance than the previous BLIS system. This advanced technology has a much larger detection area proving the capability of informing the driver of rapidly approaching vehicles. LCMA utilizes two levels of LED lights mounted in the A pillar. While CTA uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor traffic when backing out of a parking space, warning the driver of approaching traffic via a visual alert and audio signal.
New Sensus Navigation, standard on Premier and Platinum trims and all T6 models, integrates all navigation functions into the car. The system is easy to use, without taking one’s attention from traffic. Unlike using a smart phone as a navigation device, the navigation screen is displayed on the standard in dash 7 inch monitor. Sensus Navigation has improved graphics including 3D imaging, improved voice recognition, new routing options and built in apps.
The base manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $39,000.00 for the 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E model, the one I drove included the Platinum and blind Spot Information System Packages in addition to Metallic Paint, Heated Front Seats, and 19 Inch BOR Diamond Cut Wheels, and it came in at $46,525.00, which includes a $925.00 destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
