The 2019 Volvo S60: The Swedish Sedan Breaks New Ground
On the day of its American manufacturing plant's inauguration outside Charleston, South Carolina, Volvo Cars pulled back the curtain on the 2019 S60, a luxury sedan with distinctive flair. This unveiling not only showcased the latest member of Volvo's illustrious fleet but also underlined the brand's steadfast dedication to the U.S. market. Indeed, the birth of the new S60 in the U.S. marks a significant milestone—it's the first Volvo vehicle crafted on American soil.
The Volvo S60: A Bold New Entry
According to Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, the 2019 S60 stands as one of the most thrilling entries in the brand's lineup. With its driver-focused design and performance capabilities, this new vehicle underscores Volvo's ambition to make headway in the sedan markets of the U.S. and China, opening up a pathway for further growth.
Electrification at the Heart of Innovation
The 2019 S60 carries the distinction of being the first Volvo vehicle to forego a diesel engine entirely, a testament to Volvo's leadership in embracing electrification and moving beyond the conventional combustion engine. It's a bold move that aligns with the company's earlier promise in 2017 to electrify all its new models from 2019 onwards.
Performance with a Conscience
The S60's impressive T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid is proof that environmental responsibility doesn't have to come at the expense of performance. Boasting a power output of 400 horsepower—the combination of a turbocharged and supercharged engine producing 313 horsepower, and a rear electric motor contributing an additional 87—the S60 doesn't skimp on power. Other models like the T5 FWD and T6 AWD are also on offer with their respective MSRPs: $35,800, $40,300 and $54,400 for the T5 FWD, T6 AWD and T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid respectively.
Accessible Ownership
The 2019 S60 offers various purchasing options—traditional purchase, lease, or via Volvo's premium subscription service, Care by Volvo. The latter brings the experience of owning a car closer to owning a smartphone, with no down payment and a straightforward monthly flat rate. With a well-equipped S60 T6 AWD Momentum available at $775 a month, and the S60 T6 AWD R-Design at $850 a month, owning a Volvo has never been more accessible.
Safety in Focus
As with its siblings, the 2019 S60 shares Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, top-tier safety technology, and infotainment system. Among its notable safety features are the City Safety with Autobrake technology—capable of recognizing pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals—and the Pilot Assist system, offering steering, acceleration, and braking support on well-marked roads up to 80 mph. Additional safety enhancements include Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and the optional Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake.
Keeping Connected
The S60 features Volvo Cars' Sensus Connect infotainment system. Fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G standard, it ensures drivers are always connected. The system uses an intuitive tablet-style touch screen interface for effortless navigation between car functions, connected services, and entertainment apps.
Polestar Engineered Trim Level
The S60 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid will also come with a Polestar Engineered trim level—an exclusive offer developed by Volvo Cars' electric performance arm, Polestar. This high-performance variant, which boosts the S60 T8's combined output to 415hp, includes exterior and interior design upgrades, and enhancements to the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension, and engine control unit. The availability of this variant, however, will be limited and accessible exclusively through the Care by Volvo app from June 28.
Final Thoughts
The 2019 Volvo S60 stands as a confident stride forward in the automaker's pursuit of electrification and a demonstration of their continued commitment to safety. It encapsulates the Swedish automaker's balance of design, technology, and performance, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a luxury sedan that doesn't compromise on either power or eco-consciousness. While it's too early to predict the long-term impact of this U.S.-born Volvo, one thing is clear: the 2019 S60 signals a bold new chapter in Volvo's American journey.
-Ed
2019 Volvo S60
