The 2019 Volvo S60 brings the automaker's smallest sedan up to date with a raft of design and specification improvements to kick off its third generation. There’s a choice of two gas engines or a hybrid, front- or all-wheel drive, and three trim levels.
The 2019 S60 is a completely new car, and the first Volvo ever to be built in America. There are new safety innovations and a more advanced infotainment system than the old S60, while styling elements are reminiscent of other recently-launched Volvos.
Closely resembling the larger S90, the all-new S60 is a stylish compact luxury sedan. This third-generation model offers a combination of three powertrains and three trim levels. The T5 engine can only be acquired with front-wheel drive, whereas the more powerful T6 and hybrid T8 units come with all-wheel drive as standard. Every model has an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Each S60 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, generating 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in T5 guise. A supercharger increases the T6’s output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid T8 is additionally bolstered by an electric motor. Collectively, the latter's two powerplants pump out 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, though fuel economy for the hybrid T8 has yet to be measured. The T5 returns an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon city, 36 mpg highway, and 28 combined, while the more powerful T6 delivers 21/32/25 mpg (city/highway/combined).
The S60 has always been impressively specified, and the new model has a wealth of standard safety features. It can detect and brake in response to pedestrians or animals, even in the dark, while a digital camera monitors lane markings and gently maintains position to prevent drifting out of lane.
The 2019 Volvo S60 is available in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription.
Starting at $36,795 (all prices include the $995 destination fee) with the T5 engine setup, the entry-level S60 Momentum is also available with the T6 for a $4,500 premium, while the T8 setup is unavailable. Standard features include a panoramic moonroof with opening front section, leatherette seating, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a nine-inch central touchscreen console, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and voice control.
The S60 is available in eight colors, though all but black are a $645 upcharge here. Other notable options include 19-inch wheels ($800), an exterior styling kit ($1,775), a rear diffuser with split end pipes ($595), and an active chassis with three selectable handling and ride modes ($1,000).
There are also five packages available. The Heated Front Seats & Heated Steering Wheel Package ($750) adds what the name suggests, while the Linear Lime Deco Inlay ($600) brings lime wood to the interior and increased interior illumination. The Premium Package ($2,100) includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear park assist, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, auto dimming mirrors, power retractable rearview mirrors, HomeLink, and a compass in the rearview mirror. The Multimedia Package ($2,500) adds a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Finally, the Advanced Package ($2,500) combines a surround-view camera, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, a headlight cleaning system, and fog lights with cornering.
A T5 R-Design starts at $42,895, while pricing begins at $47,395 for the T6 and $55,395 for the T8. The R-Design builds on the Momentum and adds keyless entry, a hands-free liftgate, the Harman Kardon audio system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment. This model is distinguished by sport pedals, bespoke tread plates, an R-design steering wheel and gearshift knob, and a high gloss black grille, mirror caps, and window trim. A lowered sports chassis and paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic gearbox are unique to this model.
All colors but black are still $645, 19-inch wheels are still $800, though the exterior styling kit now costs $1,520. Other options include integrated split end pipes ($340) and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system ($3,200), with an air-ventilated subwoofer and Kevlar speaker cones. The only packages available are the Advanced Package and the Heated Front Seats & Heated Steering Wheel Package, which are still priced the same as on the Momentum.
The top-of-the-line Inscription trim costs $43,895 for the T5, $48,395 for the T6, and $56,395 for the T8. The $1,000 premium over R-Design models brings a number of unique specifications including swiveling LED fog lights, four-zone climate control, chrome window trim, chrome grille accents, and a leather-clad dashboard. Other interior details include leather seats, driftwood inlays, power front seats with lumbar support, and power cushion extensions.
The options outlined above for the R-Design are also available on Inscription models, though there's also more no-cost interior color choices here. A newly-available Nappa Leather with Massage and Ventilated Front Seats group ($2,200) includes power adjustable side support front seats with backrest massage capability.
The Momentum trim for the 2019 Volvo S60 is impressively specified, though the heated seats and steering wheel pack is an option many Volvo buyers tick almost automatically. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels also provide a slightly more comfortable ride than the 19-inch alternatives.
