Review and Test Drive: 2017 Volvo S60

By Jonathan Spira on 30 March 2017
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Having most recently driven a Volvo in the heat of a desert, it was refreshing to drive the 2017 Volvo S60 in a climate that it was certainly more familiar with, namely winter in New York. While the S60 is one of Volvo’s oldest models, it has aged well and its elegant appearance belies the fact that the current generation of the S60 was introduced in 2010.

For 2017, Volvo has simplified the S60 lineup. The Swedes have discontinued the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, leaving a pair of 4-cylinder powerplants, one turbocharged, and another that’s both turbocharged and supercharged.

DRIVING THE 2017 VOLVO S60

The black leather sport seats with contrasting white stitching were – as expected – ergonomically perfect and extremely comfortable. Little adjustment was required to attain a comfortable driving position. There’s ample room in the front but the rear is somewhat tight for a sedan this size. Still, four adults would still be quite comfortable.

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Volvo uses rich, soft-touch materials, understated metals, and creamy leather – all very Scandinavian – to cosset its passengers, be they in the front or rear.

The S60 is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-charged four cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car, which takes about eight seconds to get to 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill, won’t astound anyone (Volvo leaves that to the Polestar edition that is both turbocharged and supercharged) but this is not intended to be a sports sedan.

In a combination of winter driving conditions ranging from ice to extreme cold, the Volvo remained firmly planted and under control. I never felt it lacked ability to reach highway speed when entering via an on-ramp. Ride quality was excellent on smooth roads and decent on rough and those unpaved. It handled off-ramps and corners with aplomb but I wouldn’t recommend pushing it.

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