2016 Volvo S60 – Sophisticated and Unique

If you want something different than a familiar German premium sedan, the 2016 Volvo S60 offers better performance and new exclusive models.

The standard S60 carries over from last year unchanged. However, two new models join the range and take Volvo, and the segment, into uncharted territory.

Unveiling the all-new S60 Cross Country, Volvo owns the only crossover sedan in the segment. The S60 Inscription is a long-wheelbase version and adds three inches of rear legroom.

Starting with the S60 Cross Country, it shares the same all-wheel drive underpinnings and raised ride height as the V60 Cross Country. Volvo’s Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management describes it best:

“We want to further explore the market with our Cross Country brand. We did this back in 1997 with the V70 Cross Country and it led to the birth of a whole new segment. We have included all the capability-driven benefits of the Cross Country brand in this new model, while offering a completely unique expression of adventure and all-road readiness in a distinctly sporty and stylish package.”

To further explain, Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Service says:

“The S60 Cross Country is the sole contender in the crossover sedan segment. We have identified a clear niche in the market for a more capable sedan with rugged styling cues and higher stance. The S60 Cross Country will appeal to people that are searching for an exciting and capable sedan, whilst enjoying the clear benefits that a crossover offers.”

While the S60 Cross Country looks to please those who want to go off-road, the S60 Inscription is aimed at those who prefer being on it.

The additional rear seat legroom the S60 Inscription offers puts this Volvo at the top of the segment. Those routinely carrying passengers will appreciate that fact, and those considering the next size up may also be intrigued.

This is great news, but not the only noteworthy aspect of the S60 Inscription.

Originally designed for the Chinese market, the S60 Inscription is built at Volvo’s plant in Chengdu, China. As a result, it will be the first production car to be fully built in China and sold in the United States.

Not only does the S60 Inscription have more interior space, it is also beautiful with excellent fit and finish. Since it becomes the top-of-the-range model, the S60 Inscription comes standard with premium features such as navigation, a back-up camera and power rear sunshade.

However, to compete against luxury sedan stalwarts like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS, the Volvo S60 will need more than just a nice interior. In that regard, it is available with powerful and efficient engine options.

Volvo’s new Drive-E family of engines is only in front-wheel drive models. The 2.0-litre Drive-E T5 puts out 240 hp, while the turbocharged and supercharged Drive-E T6 produces 302. Both are mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

For those wanting or needing all-wheel drive, the S60 comes with a choice of two of Volvo’s trusted powerplants. T5 models have a 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-5 with 250 hp, and a 3.0-litre inline-6 makes 300 hp in the T6 and 325 hp in the T6 R-Design. Both send power through a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

Being a Volvo, safety is standard. The S60 features the brand’s City Safety that helps avoid low-speed collisions, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake to reduce the severity of a collision, and Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake to protect those outside.

What do you think about the 2016 Volvo S60? Tell us in the comments if this is the car for you or not.