2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Audi, BMW and Mercedes are not the only ones to be premium. Volvo has made a name for itself in recent years, especially with its diesel engines. Those who love subtle understatement and decent driving performance will be happy to use the S60 D5.
By Stefan Zaumseil
185 hp sounds powerful and that's exactly how the freshly approaching Swede gets down to business. A maximum torque of 400 Nm is on par with the sports version S60 R - unfortunately the top diesel D5 is not available with all-wheel drive. If you want to let go of the reins, you should keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The 185 hp and up to 400 Nm of the full-sounding five-cylinder tug uncomfortably at the front axle and take away a piece of the usual aplomb.
Hidden athletic genes
The 2.4 liter turbo-diesel hangs powerfully on the gas and acknowledges every pedal stroke with a powerful rumble - the whirring of the turbocharger makes the whole thing a real symphony. Not bad for a diesel. This also applies to the objective driving performance: 0 to 100 km / h in a measured 8.4 seconds and a top speed of over 230 km / h make the Volvo a real piece of sports equipment. The emission class Euro4 and a particle filter are a matter of course. In everyday use, the average consumption levels off at around 7.5 liters of diesel.
Externally, the 1.6-tonne S60 does not show its sporty genes. The suit fits, nothing pinches - typically Volvo. Elegance and styling are important to the Swedes, but a little more chic would look good on the dashboard. But the Scandinavians are on the right track here. The space is well known. The seats are comfortable and offer good lateral support. In combination with the height and length adjustable steering wheel, a good seating position can be set even for tall drivers; but people up to 1.70 meters also get along perfectly. Only in the rear is it a bit narrow for the heads of tall Central Europeans due to the coupé-like, flat sloping roof line.
High loading sill
With 424 liters, the trunk is in the middle of its vehicle class (Audi A4: 445 liters, BMW 3 Series: 410 liters) and can be increased to 1,034 liters by folding down the rear seats, which can be divided in a ratio of 60:40. However, the very narrow opening and the comparatively high loading sill (66.1 cm) make it unnecessarily difficult to transport bulky luggage. The standard safety equipment with six airbags, driving dynamics control, side impact and whiplash protection system is exemplary.
In addition to the powerful engine, the smooth-running six-speed manual transmission with short gearshift travel as well as the precise steering and stable brakes contribute to sporty driving. In addition, the suspension setup is comfortable, but not too soft and thus a successful compromise between sporty and comfortable. The electronic damper system Four-C, which costs 1,500 euros, is a useful addition for even more agility. This technology, controlled by a microprocessor, by evaluating the speed, rotation speed and vertical movement of the wheels, steering angle or centrifugal forces, ensures perfect suspension settings at all times - sporty or comfortable, as desired.
Long list of surcharges
The basic “Kinetic” version of the Volvo S60 D5 costs at least 31,390 euros. At least the equipment line «Momentum» for 33,890 euros with cruise control, light / rain sensor, automatic air conditioning and surround sound should be. The list of additional equipment is extensive and catapults the vehicle price slightly above 40,000 euros. The six-speed automatic transmission (Geartronic) for a surcharge of 2,000 euros and the technology package with bi-xenon headlights, parking aid and multifunction leather steering wheel for 1,250 euros are particularly interesting.
