New Volvo S60 

Volvo says that its new sedan and wagon duo will deliver a knockout punch in the premium mid-size market. We know what you’re thinking – of course they’d say that. But we did drive it last month in Sweden and first impressions are that this is no Scandinavian to give the flick.

What’s better is that the expected volume seller we drove is more affordable than first thought.

Both the S60 sedan and V60 completes a generational update across Volvo’s entire stable. The duo are the last vehicles to arrive on its Scalable Architecture Platform (SPA) that also underpins the XC90, S90, V90, XC60 and electro super coupe, the Polestar 1 (that Australia isn’t fit for, apparently). It’s doesn’t seem like long ago that the XC90 arrived with its impressive new design language and gear, but that now becomes the oldest model in the Swedish maker’s lineup.

Arriving here in August, the S60 T5 and T8 will be the first models to go on sale, followed by the V60 which will mirror the S60’s spec. All models are all-wheel-drive and come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The T5 is powered by a 187kW, 350Nm 2.0-litre petrol turbo four-pot and the T8 knocks on the doors of Germany’s performance equivalents, packing a twin-motor plug-in hybrid electric version of the same engine which produces a total output of 311kW and 680Nm.

Entry model is the T5 Momentum which starts at $54,990. To keep things simple, all V60 wagon variants ask a $2000 premium. It comes equipped with considerable safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision warning and mitigation, front and rear parking sensor with reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert.

Standard inclusions for the base grade are 17-inch alloys, nine-inch infotainment display with DAB+ and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry and automatic opening boot, LED headlights and climate control.

Mid-spec Inscription grade add styling enhancements inside and out, 19-inch alloys, four-zone climate control, head up display, 360-degree birds-eye view camera, automated parking assist, LED headlights with active bending beams, driftwood interior trims and heated front seats.

R-Design T5 variants gain a boost in power and torque from 187kW, 350Nm to 192kW and 400Nm. Along with the exclusive R-Design styling pack, the model has unique 19-inch alloys, adaptive dampers and a 230v power outlet in the rear.

Volvo Australia managing director Nick Connor said the additions will reinvigorate the sedan and wagon market in Australia, and compared the two entrants to “staid,” unadventurous models from the usual European premium crowd.

“Sedan and wagon vehicles have always been popular with Australian car buyers,” he said. “With the addition of our S60 and V60 vehicles we intend to reinvigorate those body styles.”

“We are confident that with their very distinctive look and competitive pricing the S60 and the V60 will make an immediate impact with buyers who are looking for something very different from the staid models in the luxury segment today.”

 

Volvo S60 and V60 Australian Pricing (plus on-road costs):

S60 T5 Momentum –   $54,990

S60 T5 Inscription –    $60,990

S60 T5 R-Design –      $64,990

S60 T8 R-Design –      $85,990

 

V60 T5 Momentum –   $56,990

V60 T5 Inscription –    $62,990

V60 T5 R-Design –      $66,990

T8 R-Design –             $87,990