Volvo has been among the leaders of slipping out of various major auto shows in favor of independent vehicle reveals, and this time it has a very good reason. The introduction of the all-new S60 coincides with the inauguration of Volvo's first-ever American manufacturing plant. The new sedan continues in Volvo's modern evolution, enjoying a trickle-down of sporty styling and cutting-edge technology from the XC60, V60 and 90-Series models that preceded it.
With the new-generation S60 and new plant, Volvo says it's reinforcing its commitment to the US market. The Charleston, South Carolina factory joins other major Volvo plants in Europe and Asia and will manufacture for both domestic US sale and international export. It will begin production of the S60 in Autumn 2018 and will serve as the sole production site of the mid-size sedan. In 2021, it will also start building the next-gen XC90 SUV.
Like other new 90- and 60-series Volvos that have been flowing down the pipeline, the new S60 is built atop Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). It also shares safety technologies and Sensus infotainment with these other vehicles, and its looks have fallen in line, complete with Thor's Hammer LED headlamps.
The S60 becomes the first Volvo vehicle to be sold without a diesel engine option, the result of Volvo's intensified focus on hybrid and electric powertrain technology. The flagship powertrain is the T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid, an all-wheel drive with 400-hp combination of turbo/supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and rear electric motor. Below that, Volvo will offer the 316-hp T6 AWD with turbo/supercharged four-cylinder and the 250-hp T5 turbo-four front-wheel drive.
The new S60 comes equipped with a variety of standard and available safety systems, including the City Safe with Autobrake System, designed to avoid collisions by recognizing not only vehicles but pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Pilot Assist can perform steering, acceleration and braking functions on well-marked roads up to 80 mph (129-km/h). Cross Traffic Alert with Autobraking is also available.
Volvo will offer three primary trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The base-level Momentum comes standard with features like panoramic moonroof, "Thor's Hammer" LED headlamps, Sensus infotainment, and City Safety with Steering Support. The sportier R-Design includes a perforated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, a leather gear shifter, leather sport seats and various cosmetic updates. The luxury-oriented Inscription trim brings chrome accents, four-zone climate control, power front seats with lumbar support and cushion extensions, and driftwood inlays.
Prices are as follows (USD):
Momentum | R-Design | Inscription | |
T5 FWD | $35,800 | $41,900 | $42,900 |
T6 AWD | $40,300 | $45,400 | $47,400 |
T8 Plug-In Hybrid | Not Available | $54,400 | $55,400 |
Destination Charge | $995 | $995 | $995 |
Along with traditional purchase and lease options, Volvo is adding the S60 to its Care by Volvo car subscription program, which launched last year with the XC40. The comprehensive vehicle subscription combines car payment, insurance, maintenance and service into one monthly fee. The Web/app-based 24-month subscription option will only be offered with T6 AWD and T8 Plug-In AWD powertrains and will start at $775/month.
Ordering began today, and Volvo plans to begin deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Volvo will also offer a high-performance Polestar Engineered S60 variant, available only with the T8 Plug-In Hybrid powertrain. This limited edition model will include a boost to 415 hp, improvements to suspension, braking and engine control, and interior and exterior updates. It will be available exclusively through the Care by Volvo app beginning on June 28. Volvo has not yet announced pricing.
Source: Volvo