This tester was an early-production model and was missing the standard 18-inch wheels; instead I had to make do with the 17s, which detracted slightly from the overall look. I’d be interested to see what the larger wheels do to the road holding, but overall the S60 was balanced and poised. I can’t see larger wheels hurting it.
   2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD. Click image to enlarge |
The 3.0L I6 turbo puts out a healthy 300 hp at 5,600 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque is on tap from 2,100, all pushed through a six-speed automatic with flappy paddles and a Haldex AWD system. The shifts were slick enough and in moderate driving completely imperceptible. They weren’t as fast as some in flappy-paddle mode, but did supply the requested gear anytime I asked. The S60 surges forward with a growl from the lights and will get the 1,600 kg car from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 5.9 seconds. There is a Polestar upgrade available which boosts power to 325 hp and torque to 354 lb-ft. Sadly, all that power comes at a price. Even without the Polestar upgrade, I could only achieve 12.2 L/100 km in the S60. The EPA rates it at 13.0/9.4/11.2 L/100 km city/highway/combined, so my 12.2 is within range. I was damaged by one four-passenger trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls and back (we were all very comfortable), but still my week was mostly highway cruising so I think that 12.2 is a bit of a rough deal. At least it runs on regular!
The fuel bill aside, I enjoyed driving the Volvo immensely. It was fun when I wanted it to be, everything was easy to use and my commutes were the easiest and most stress-free of any I can remember. Plus with the heated steering-wheel, mirrors, seats and windscreens (front and rear), I was able to successfully weather a brief cold snap without succumbing to frost-bite.
I’ll miss the S60, and my little climate-control-button-man friend; I named him George.
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Pricing: 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD Platinum
Base Price (S60 T5): $39,750
Base Price (S60 T6 AWD Platinum): $52,100
Options: Climate Package (heated rear seats, heated windshield, steering wheel) – $1,350, Technology Package (adaptive cruise, collision warning with full auto brake, City Safety, pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto brake, road sign information, active high beams, lane departure warning, driver alert control) – $1,500, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): $1,000, Active Dual Xenon Headlights with headlight washers: $1,000, Urbane Wood Inlays: $400
Freight and PDI: $1,715
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $59,165
Competitors:
Audi A4/S4
BMW 3 Series
Infiniti G37/Q50
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
