This is the new 2019 Volvo S60, which is making its launch debut alongside the reveal of Volvo’s first United States manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The S60 will look to take on rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

The S60 represents a few firsts for the Swedish carmaker, as it is the first Volvo model to be made in the US. Additionally, it is also the first Volvo not to be offered with a diesel engine as announced earlier, so petrol is the only path here.


All powertrains, of which there are four of them, feature the brand’s 2.0 litre four-cylinder Drive-E engine and an Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. The first of the bunch is the T5, which comes with a turbocharger to make 254 hp/350 Nm of torque that goes to the front wheels. Further up the notch is the T6 AWD that adds a supercharger to the mix for a total of 310 hp/400 Nm and comes coupled with an all-wheel drive system.

Moving on, we arrive at the plug-in hybrid options, starting with the T6 Twin Engine AWD (340 hp/590 Nm) that is shared with the V60. Also offered is the T8 Twin Engine AWD with 390 hp/640 Nm, which can be enhanced to deliver 405 hp/670 Nm with the optional Polestar Engineered upgrade that is exclusive to the T8 powertrain.


Those that opt for the Polestar route will also benefit from new wheels, upgraded brakes and suspension, plus a revised engine control unit. Keep in mind that power outputs for the US market are slightly different – T5 at 250 hp, T6 at 316 hp, T8 at 400 hp and T8 Polestar Engineered at 415 hp.

Like the V60 and XC60, the new car rides on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, so the company’s array of infotainment, safety and driver assistance systems are all present, including Sensus Connect, City Safety and IntelliSafe.


Styling-wise, the S60 looks like a sportier version of the S90, recycling some of the cues used on the big sedan as well as the V60. At the front, we see the same face used on the V60 with an aggressive-looking bumper and six-point grille bearing the brand’s iron mark logo. This is flanked by the signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED DRLs that are part of the car’s headlamps.

As with most Volvo models, there are a few trim packages to choose from, including the Momentum, Inscription and R-Design. The Momentum is identified by the vertical slats on the grille that are painted black along with the fog lamp surrounds; on the Inscription, these items gain a chrome finish instead.


The R-Design package replaces the vertical slats for multiple flat pins instead, and the bumper is swapped out for one with an even wider lower intake. The new look also comes with smaller corner “inlets” for the fog lamps and a contrasting line that frames the lower apron and highlights the “fangs.”

Moving to the rear, we see a near replication of the S90 with taillights that encroach further into the boot lid, although the ‘Volvo’ wording is placed above them and closer to the more pronounced lip spoiler. Further down, we see the reflectors/rear fog lamps followed by exhaust integrated into the bumper. On Momentum and Inscription cars, a thin strip links these two items, while the R-Design gets a sportier frame.


On the inside, the S60 shares the same layout as the V60, with the infotainment screen taking its spot in the middle while being flanked by vertical air-con vents. To the left is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and different steering wheels depending on the selected trim package.

The centre console continues to host the gear lever, drive mode selector, electronic handbrake, engine start/stop switch, cup holders and an armrest with storage below it. This is again, identical to the V60, with different trims and seat types being applied depending on the selected package. Other notable items include an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system and air-conditioning for rear passengers.


What of T8-powered cars with the Polestar Engineered package then? Well, they are almost identical to the R-Design but there are now slats in place of the front fog lamps and there are Polestar badges at the front and rear of the car.

The interior also sees the addition of a leather cushion for the driver’s knee and a redesigned armrest as a result. That’s not all because there’s also contrast stitching on the steering wheel, aluminium pedals, a crystal gear knob and gold seat belts to match the brake calipers on the outside.


The S60 will be available via the brand’s Care by Volvo subscription service, whereby customers will only pay a flat monthly fee that covers the vehicle’s insurance and maintenance.