Volvo goes BMW-, Audi-hunting with the 2013 S60 (pictures)
With its good looks, surprising performance, and excellent value, should Audi and BMW be worried about the Volvo S60? I think so.
2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD
With its good looks, surprising performance, and excellent value, should Audi and BMW be worried about the Volvo S60? I think so.
Sleek Swede
The S60 features a handsome design both inside and out that is modern with hints of classic Volvo design (such as the crossbar that slants through the sedan's grille).
2.5-liter, turbocharged inline-5
Our S60 T5's turbocharged five-cylinder engine outputs 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. More powerful 300-horsepower and 350-horsepower models are available in the T6 and R-Design models, respectively.
Available all-wheel drive
All-wheel drive is optional on the T5 and standard on the T6.
Standard stability control
Stability control is standard on all S60s and uses a combination of bias braking, engine power reduction, and torque vectoring to keep the sedan between the lines when rounding a bend.
Supple ride
The Volvo's suspension offered a good balance of control when cornering and suppleness for soaking up bumps.
Minimal cabin
The S60's cabin may not be as well-appointed as a competing BMW or Audi, but it's by no means an unpleasant place to find oneself for a long commute.
Selectable steering
You can adjust the steering feel on the Volvo S60, from heavy and direct to light and easy.
Steering-wheel controls
The S60's steering wheel is home to buttons for controlling the cruise control system and the audio source and volume.
Instrument cluster
The S60's instrument cluster is simple, bordering on dull. However, it is easy to read and manages to integrate a pair of customizable displays in the centers of the two gauges.
Physical buttons
Users interact with the infotainment system using this bank of physical buttons and knobs.
Premier leather
The Premier package adds leather trim to the seats and doors, a power moonroof, and keyless entry and start.
SiriusXM is standard
The S60 comes standard with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a trial subscription. Digital HD Radio is also standard and requires no subscription.
What's playing?
I enjoyed this view, which showed what artist was currently playing on every SiriusXM radio station.
'My S60' menu
From this onscreen menu, you can enable or disable the standard City Safety collision prevention system or the DSTC stability control system.
Fuel economy monitor
At the end of the week, the S60's average fuel economy settled at 20.6 mpg -- just shy of the EPA's estimated 23 combined mpg.
Hands-free calling
Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard on the S60 with address book sync.
Audio sources
Available digital audio sources include a single-disc CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming, and USB connection. An analog auxiliary input is also standard.
iPhone 5-friendly
We hooked up the new iPhone 5 and found that the Volvo S60 was Lightning connector-friendly with a USB adapter cable.
Safety tech
Many driver aid and safety features are available for the S60, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and driver alertness monitoring.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?