The new-gen S60 sedan is the first model from Volvo to be retailed without diesel engine; boasts performance upgrade package Polestar Engineered for increasing power to 415 hp
Volvo has inaugurated its first-ever production facility in the United States at Charleston in South Carolina and along came a brand new model making its global debut. The S60 holds importance for the Swedish manufacturer’s global popularity and the new generation sedan takes it one step closer in fighting the BMW 3-Series for supremacy.
The third-generation Volvo S60 sedan is also the first model from the brand to be retailed without a diesel engine and it indicates the gradual shift towards electrifying the entire range as early as next year. Lauded by Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson to be one of the most exciting Volvo cars ever made, the new S60 aims to be a potent driver’s machine that will give it a strong position in the US as well as Chinese markets.
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It will also create more growth opportunities for Volvo across the globe. As for the powertrain, customers will have the option to choose between supercharged plug-in hybrid petrol and regular turbocharged engines. The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 Twin Engine enables a combined power output of 340 hp courtesy of the PHEV system and the drive is sent to all the four wheels.
The T8 version is good enough to produce 400 hp and is made available alongside the T5 and T6 gasoline mills. Apart from the adoring exterior, the major question lies in how well the new S60 drives and in response there are several features boasting its claim as a driver’s car. It comes equipped with active chassis and different driver modes delivering “excellent control and engaged performance”.
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It also gains many proven technologies from the flagship 90 series and 60 series models, enabling it to become one of the “best sports sedans”. As we informed you earlier, the new generation Volvo S60 is also the first model to be treated with ‘Polestar Engineered’ performance handling upgrade package. Exclusively sold on the T8 Twin Engine PHEV version, it allows for upgrades to wheels, brakes, ECU and suspension resulting in increased power of 415 hp.
The 2019 S60 has a striking exterior with sharp design cues all around, making it the most serious in its bloodline. The now-signature front fascia comprises of Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps and the diagonal bar running across the sleeker grille with numerous vertical slats. Taking design influence from the recently unveiled V60 has resulted in the new S60 becoming sportier than its flagship sibling.
It has edgy character lines, sporty bumpers up front and rear complementing the overall sharp stance. The rear end is also well aligned courtesy of the C-shaped tail lamps and dual exhaust system. Since being based on the flexible SPA architecture, the new S60 shares plenty of components and tech with its 60 series siblings, the XC60 and V60.
Along with the Sensus Connect infotainment system providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the safety technologies derived from S90 make it one of the safest cars to ply on the road. Compared to the outgoing model, the new sedan comes with systems like City Safety with Autobrake for assisting the driver in avoiding potential accidents.
It is claimed to be the only technology currently available that is calibrated to recognise large animals, pedestrians and cyclists and engages auto brake to mitigate collisions. Buyers can also choose upgraded Pilot Assist system from the options list. It steers, accelerates and brakes on well-marked roads at speeds of up to 130 kmph and delivers better cornering performance.
Other notable safety systems are Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake as option. The new S60, which can be expected to launch sometime next year in India, comes under Volvo’s premium subscription service. It allows customers to access the sedan through monthly flat-fee subscription with no down payment needed.