The 2019 Volvo S60 - A Sausage by Any Other Name is Just as Sweet

"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke) 06/20/2018 at 14:49 • Filed to: Volvo, S60

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Volvo finally released their long-awaited replacement for the aging second-generation S60 today. Many fans of the Swedish brand have been patiently awaiting this moment after the massive design hits they’ve been pumping out recently, such as the S90, XC90, and XC40, and have been looking forward to how Volvo would input their new design philosophy in a smaller sedan. Well, here it is:

As expected, I believe it turned out very nicely.

It obviously takes a lot of cues from the S90, such as the Mjolnir LED headlights, flat faced grille, and the sweeping fastback style rear, although it ends off in a far more traditional boot-like saloon fashion. I see a few bits of Audi and even a little Maserati around the C-pillar and rear fender, but the rest is undeniably Volvo. Truly another striking design from the Swedes.

In the back, the boot lid is much more noticeable, and it continues on to the S90-style rear end with the controversial Volvo corporate tail lights. Everything else, however, is best defined by the term, “mini-S90,” with Volvo keeping it safe with the corporate design scheme, even leading into the interior, where it still remains as Swedish as IKEA. Monotone color schemes with aluminum or matte wood trim is available, surrounding that now famous Volvo touchscreen in the middle. Thankfully, the crystal gear selector is kept. A very smart interior, I’d say.

Power for the new S60 comes from a startling new place: both trims will be offered with twin-charged plug-in hybrid powerplants, a T6 variant with 360 bhp, and a T8 variant with 400 bhp tuned by Polestar. Those who aren’t keen on hybrid power can also choose between Volvo’s proven T5 and T6 power plants. FWD is standard with AWD also available, as well as safety technology pushed to the highest of Volvo’s standards, as expected.

The S60 marks the first Volvo to be built in their new Charleston, SC plant, marking the first Volvo to be built inside the continental US. Chief executive and president, Håkan Samuelsson, stated that the new S60 is, “one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made,” and I believe him. While Volvo isn’t one of the biggest brands in the luxury market, I feel certain that this smart new S60 might be able to change their position in this ever growing market. It’s a truly succulent Swedish sausage, that’s for sure.

functionoverfashion > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 14:57

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1. I love it.

2. A mid-sized Volvo sedan makes 400hp right out of the box. Wow.

LongbowMkII > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 14:57

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Starts at just under 36k. nice

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 14:59

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Nice write-up.

This isn’t necessarily a complaint, just an observation: Volvo seems to be doing Audi’s model of “same grille, slightly different size of vehicles.” Even to a further extreme with one set (design-wise, not physically) of tail lights for sedans, and wagons, and crossovers, respectively. They seem to be pushing VERY HARD with their recent designs (and pricing) that they want to be a premium/luxury brand. I am told that they are a premium brand, but that’s a recent development. When I picture FERD-era Volvo or earlier, premium is not the word that comes to mind.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LongbowMkII 06/20/2018 at 15:02

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ur nice

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 15:08

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Yes I’ll take one of these over an A6 or 5 series any day.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 15:11

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This or the new A4 Quattro? $40 to $50K depending on trim

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 06/20/2018 at 15:12

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If the old S60 is any indicator, this is more 3 Series/A4/C-Class/ATS speed.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 06/20/2018 at 15:14

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Volvo, hands down. The A4 has no redeeming qualities outside of that smart, German interior.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 15:20

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Agreed. I drove one recently fully loaded, fantastic if a little restrained (read: German) interior and tech. It drove well but I was telling myself this needs +100Hp and then I remembered the brilliant S4 and S5 Sportback exist. But I am skeptical of Volvo’s infotainment system which also bundles climate controls in it, and almost every review says it’s not up to scratch.

For me V60>S60>A4 but S4>v60>S60 and I cannot afford any of them new LOL.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 06/20/2018 at 15:52

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3 pedals!?