2015 Volvo S60
Changes for the 2015 Volvo S60:
Volvo offers new powertrains, features, and technologies for the 2015 S60. Front-wheel-drive versions debut a new family of powerful yet fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines, along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, electric steering, and a new Sport Package. Park Assist Pilot and Lane Keeping Aid systems are new, and the Blind Spot Information System is upgraded for 2015.
Halfway through 2015, the S60 also gets standard Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call technology. Platinum models gain equipment this year, too, including a new Harmon/Kardon premium audio system, active HID headlights, keyless access with push-button starting, and every safety feature Volvo has in its arsenal.
Model Lineup:
Volvo offers multiple versions of the 2015 S60. First, buyers decide whether they want a less powerful T5 model or a more powerful T6 model. Then they determine whether to get front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. If buying the S60 T5, the next choice to make is between base, Premier, or Platinum trim. The S60 T6 comes standard with Premier trim, and can be upgraded to Platinum trim.
Not confused enough? Note that Volvo designates S60 models with front-wheel drive as Drive-E models, while the S60 T6 with AWD is the R-Design model.
Engines and Transmissions:
Volvo’s new Drive-E powertrains are available, for now, only with front-wheel drive. In the S60 T5 Drive-E, this turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 240 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. In the T6 Drive-E, the engine is both turbocharged and supercharged, and makes 302 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
Each of the Drive-E engines is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, automatic stop/start technology, and new Eco+ functionality with Eco-Coast and Eco-Climate functions. The T6 Drive-E adds paddle shifters and Advanced Quick Shift technology.
Switching to S60 models with all-wheel drive, the T5 AWD continues with an aging, turbocharged, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine making 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The S60 T6 R-Design AWD has a turbocharged, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine generating 325 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Advanced Quick Shift. The T6 R-Design AWD also includes Corner Traction Control with Torque Vectoring technology, and standard Sport Chassis suspension tuning.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the S60 T5 Drive-E returns 29 mpg in combined driving while the S60 T6 Drive-E gets 28 mpg. If you require AWD, prepare to spend more time at gas stations. The S60 T5 AWD gets 23 mpg while the S60 T6 R-Design AWD is rated for 22 mpg.
Safety Ratings:
When it comes to crash protection, it doesn’t get safer than a 2015 Volvo S60. The NHTSA gives the S60 a 5-star overall rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the S60 a “Top Safety Pick” while giving it a “Superior” front crash prevention rating.
Technology Highlights:
The S60’s new Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call technology includes improved voice recognition technology and cloud-based services including Automatic Collision Alert, access to popular applications, and mobile Wi-Fi connectivity. A free 6-month subscription to service comes standard.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
July 25, 2014
