Automobile Alley
THE 2020
VOLVO S60 is full of options as it blends style with safety THE 2020 VOLVO S60 SEDANS ARE DESIGNED TO SEAT FIVE PASSENGERS QUITE COMFORTABLY. Base pricing starts out around the mid $30s; however, if you tend to gravitate towards all of the factory options, you’ll quickly reach the mid $60,000 plateau. It’s also offered in their fuel sipping plug-in hybrid model. Competing in the category with other luxury four-door models, S60 is frequently crossshopped with the: Audi A4, BMW-3 Series and the Genesis G70 sedan, as S60 certainly helps to round out Volvo’s brand identity in order to reach a broad customer base. Being that the product mix is somewhat lengthy regarding the S60s, let me to try and help define this complexing assortment a bit further. This sedan is offered with the following factory monikers: their Premium S60 Momentum version has a base starting price of $36,050. The Sporty R-Design retails for $43,545 as does their Luxury Inscription model for the same price point. From there, they offer their Performance Polestar Engineered model with an MSRP of $65,445. Their highly refined Plug-in Hybrid has a sticker price of $$56,045 and is sold in two versions. S60 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, while all-wheel-drive is optional. Depending on the precise engine and/or hybrid arrangement with the S60 line-up, horsepower ranges from 250 to a commanding 415 out14 | CROSSROADS | FEBRUARY 2020
put rating. When it comes to fuel mileage, of course it too depends on the engine and other variables. The broad spectrum ranges from 21-mpg/city on the low end, to 34-mpg/ highway, when equipped with the gasoline turbo engines. Keep in mind that these turbo models are recommended to operate on premium grade fuel from the factory. The plug-in electric hybrid has a driving range of some 22-miles on just battery power plus all S60s share Volvo’s unique global product based architecture. As expected, safety technology was high on the list of engineering and development within this platform. The vehicle’s infotainment system is cutting edge however, getting accustomed to the large center dash tablet-style screen requires a learning curve for the driver. Its intuitive touch screen interface control combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment apps, as any tech savvy motorist would welcome this artful gizmo. This premium mid-size car design also sets the stage for their wagon version as well. City Safety technology with the Autobrake feature assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions. It’s the only system on the market today that recognizes pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals that you might encounter on the road. City Safety is seamless to the driver and again, engages auto braking to help mitigate oncoming collisions. The car’s optional Pilot Assist system tends to
function as an automatic co-pilot of sorts. Its blueprint is to support the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked road surfaces. Pilot Assist is intended to operate for speeds up to 80-mph with the touch of a single button. S60 also includes Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering assistance safety systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert system further raised the bar when it comes to automotive safety. Overall handling, road dynamics and breaking is certainly more than adequate. S60’s outer design character has a conservative appearance with suggestive supple modern layout cues. Sound deadening peripherals constitute a totally silent interior with comfortable seating and high end interior materials, all of which are flanked with plenty of telltale luxury appointments throughout. Sales of Volvos in general have been gaining traction globally - that in itself of course is in the plus column! All listed pricing excludes the factories $995 shipping and destination charges. In the near future, fully electric/ battery powered Volvo’s are planned in the product mix.
