Review: Volvo Mk.2 S60 (2010-18)

Review: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 (2010-13)

Overview

Released in December 2010, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase I (Mk.2-I) S60 was a mid-size sedan. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the Volvo S60 range initially consisted of the D5 and T6 variants, with the T5 following in March 2011. In October 2011, the range was further expanded with the D3 and T4 variants, with limited-run S60 Polestar Performance Pack variants following in December 2011. In June 2013, the factory-produced Polestar was released.

AWD system

The Volvo S60 D5, T6 and Polestar variants were fitted with a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 95:5 front:rear torque split. The clutch also had a pre-tensioning function such that torque could be directed to the rear wheels when sensors detected that it may be required, i.e. before wheel slip actually occurred. When the coupling’s clutch plates were engaged, 50 per cent of the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volvo Mk.1 S60 , the Mk.2 S60 was 26 mm longer (at 4628 mm), 42 mm wider (1865 mm), 51 mm taller (1484 mm) and had a 61 mm longer wheelbase (2776 mm). Visually, the Mk.2 S60 could be identified by its extended C-pillar which created a more coupe-like profile.

Suspension

Like its predecessor, the Volvo Mk.2 S60 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. For the Mk.2 S60, however, the suspension was tuned to be firmer for greater body control.

As an extra-cost option, the S60 could be specified with Volvo’s ‘Four-C’ suspension which consisted of electronically-controlled dampers that could adjust to driver behaviour and road conditions to vary damping at each wheel. Furthermore, the driver could select from ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Advanced’ drive modes.

Steering

The Volvo S60 had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance; the steering wheel required 2.58 turns from lock to lock and the S60 had a turning circle of 11.9 metres. Compared to the Volvo Mk.1 S60 , the Mk.2 S60 had a 10 per cent faster steering ratio, while the steering column had thicker tubing and stiffer bushes for greater feel.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo S60 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, a rollover sensor, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The S60 was also fitted with Volvo’s ‘City Safety’, a radar-based system which provided automated braking at speeds of up to 30 km/h to prevent collisions with the car ahead. The electronic stability control system also included a torque vectoring function which could brake an inside wheel (‘torque vectoring brake’) while cornering to effectively transfer torque to the outside wheel.

Optional safety equipment included radar-based cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and pedestrian detection, which used a radar and camera to provide automated braking if a pedestrian was detected to cross in front of the car.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2011 Volvo V60 D3 received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating. Based on data supplied by Volvo, Euro NCAP concluded that a similar level of safety performance could be expected from Mk.2 S60 models fitted with five-cylinder turbo-diesel engines. In the frontal impact test, there was a slight risk of serious leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, the S60 received maximum points though rib compression readings in the latter indicated marginal protection of the chest.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection score of 36.34 out of 37.

Features: Volvo S60 D3, T4, D5 and T5

Standard features for the Volvo S60 D3, T4, D5 and T5 included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), a five-inch colour display, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, rear fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, power retracting and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, a power-operated park brake, anti-glare rear view mirror, trip computer and an immobiliser. From October 2011, the five-inch colour display was increased to a larger, seven-inch unit.

Features: Volvo S60 T6

Compared to the T5, The S60 T6 was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound system, satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour display, power adjustable front seats with memory functions, DVD player and front parking sensors. From October 2011, the T6 was fitted with directional headlights, blind-spot warning system, front parking sensors, proximity key, an alarm system and rear lip spoiler.

S60 R-Design

The Volvo S60 T5 and T6 were also available in R-Design editions. The R-Design edition included 18-inch ‘Ixion’ diamond-cut alloy wheels with lowered and firmer suspension settings, contoured sports seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, sports pedals, ‘watch-dial’ instruments and ‘R-Design’. Visually, the R-Design editions could be identified by their more aggressive front bumpers with black grilles and rear diffusers.

From October 2011, the S60 T5 R-Design was also fitted with satellite navigation, directional headlights, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, autonomous braking, pedestrian detection, ‘queue assist’ and a blind spot warning system. The ‘queue assist’ function which operated if the S60 braked to rest and there was a stationary vehicle in front of it. If the vehicle ahead began to accelerate within three seconds, the S60 would automatically accelerate (maintaining a safe distance behind). If the S60 was stationary for longer than three seconds, the driver would need to press the ‘resume’ button to enable the autonomous acceleration.

Optional Teknik packs

Optional ‘Teknik’ packs were also available; for the D3, T4 and T5, the Teknik pack added satellite navigation with seven-inch colour display, directional headlights and a rear view camera. For the T6, the Teknik pack added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, directional headlights and a rear parking camera.

From October 2011, the Teknik pack included a power adjustable front passenger seat, directional headlights, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, autonomous braking, pedestrian detection, queue assist, a blind spot warning system and ‘watch dial’ instruments.

S60 Polestar Performance Pack

The S60 Polestar Performance Pack was introduced in December 2011 as a limited-run of fifty vehicles. Solely available in Australia, these Polestar -modified vehicles were based on the T6 R-Design but had a more powerful engine due to an integrated Polestar software upgrade. The Polestar variants were also fitted with 19-inch Heico alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, a Heico quad exhaust system and unique rear air diffuser. Furthermore, the sports suspension consisted of 15 per cent stiffer springs, 20 per cent stiffer bushings and monotube rear dampers; it also lowered the ride height by 15mm.

From April 2012, Volvo could apply Polestar tuning software to the S60 T6 R-Design, increasing peak power by 18 kW to 242 kW and peak torque by 40 Nm to 480 Nm.

S60 Polestar (factory production)

From June 2013, the S60 Polestar was available as a factory production vehicle. Compared to the T6, the factory-produced S60 Polestar had a new twin-scroll Borg Warner turbocharger, Polestar engine management software, a 2.5-inch stainless steel high-flow exhaust system and 3.5-inch tail-pipes. As such, the S60 Polestar could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Fitted with 19-inch Polestar alloy wheels with 235/40 R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, suspension changes for the S60 Polestar included two-way adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers, stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, reinforced top mounts, a reinforced carbon fibre strut brace and upgraded toe link arms. Furthermore, the S60 Polestar had 336 mm by 29 mm ventilated front brake discs and 302 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs.

Visually, the S60 Polestar could be identified by its unique front splitter, rear diffuser and spoiler, unique door trims, black mirror covers, sill plates and Polestar badges; inside, there was also a Polestar gearshift knob.

Brochure

• Brochure: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 (October 2011)

Technical specifications

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 (October 2010)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 (January 2011)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 (October 2011)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 Polestar (June 2013)

Related links

• Press Kit: Volvo Mk.2-I S60 (December 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: The all-new Volvo S60 – sculpted to move you (February 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: S60 and V60 R-Design – a sharper and more exciting drive (September 2010)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo S60 – model year 2012 (May 2011)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo S60 – model year 2013 (August 2012)
• Volvo Newsroom: The world-first production version of the Volvo S60 Polestar (April 2013)

Review: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 (2013-18)

Overview

Released in October 2013, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase II (Mk.2-II) S60 introduced a revised range whereby the D3 variant was replaced by the D4, and the D5 variants were discontinued. As per the table below, the Mk.2-II S60 range also consisted of Kinetic, Luxury and R-Design editions, while T6 variants were fitted with a higher output ‘Polestar optimised’ engine.

In 2015, the Volvo S60 T6 and Polestar were discontinued.

Drive-E engines

In May 2014, the Volvo S60 range was revised as the D4 and T5 variants were fitted with new turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, respectively, that were mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions. Rather than use common-rail injection with a conventional single pressure sensor, each injector in the ‘Drive-E’ diesel engine had a chip which monitored injection pressure – up to 2500 bar – for more precise fuel flow (Volvo’s ‘Intelligent Accuracy Refinement Technology’ or ‘i-ART’).

Styling and interior

Visually, the Volvo Mk.2-II S60 could be identified by its new headlights, wider grille, daytime running lights, larger iron-mark badge, Tech Matte black ‘front wing’ and integrated tailpipes (except for D4 variants); the radar cover was also painted gloss black radar so that it was no longer visible within the grille. The R-Design editions, however, had unique front masks which included high-gloss black grille stripes, a ‘silk metal’ iron mask, R-Design emblem and daytime running lights in the outer corners; other changes included a rear diffuser with aero fins and unique tailpipes.

Inside, the Mk.2-II S60 received Volvo’s Adaptive Digital Display, new sports seats, illuminated gearshift knob, white instrument back-lighting and chromed dials. The Adaptive Digital Display used an active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) panel to provide the driver with personalised information and had three selectable themes: Elegance, Eco and Performance.

Safety equipment

Like its Mk.2-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volvo Mk.2-II S60 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, a rollover sensor, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Volvo’s ‘City Safety’ system was also fitted as standard, although it now operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h (previously 30 km/h).

As before, extra-cost safety equipment included:

• Lane Departure Warning;
• Lane Keeping Aid;
• Forward Collision Warning;
• Road Sign Information; and,
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Queue Assist.

For the Mk.2-II S60, however, Active High Beam Control was introduced and the Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Blind Spot Information systems were upgraded –

• Active High Beam Control: enabled full beam headlights to be kept on without dazzling other drivers by partially shading the headlight beam with an integrated projector module mechanism;
• Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB): for the Mk.2-II S60, CWAB included Cyclist Detection; if a cyclist – riding in the same direction as the car – suddenly veered in front of the car as it approached from behind and a collision was imminent, a warning tone would sound and full braking power would be applied;
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): for the Mk.2-II S60, functionality was extended to monitor vehicles up to 70 metres behind; and,
• Cross Traffic Alert (CTA): an extension of the BLIS, CTA used rear-mounted radar sensors to alert the driver to crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space.

Features: S60 Kinetic, Luxury and R-Design

Standard features for the S60 Kinetic included 17 x 8.0J ‘Sadia’ alloy wheels, Sensus sound system with eight speakers, a CD/DVD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and a seven-inch colour screen, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, leather upholstery, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, daytime LED running lights, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows, power heated mirrors with folding function, electrochromatic rear view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, aluminium centre console inlays, 12 volt power outlet, a trip computer and immobiliser.

The S60 Luxury was further equipped 18 x 8.0J ‘Titania’ alloy wheels, Volvo Navigation System (VNS) with voice control, low-speed directional cornering lights (Volvo’s Active Bending Lights, or ABL) and headlight washers. Unlike the R-Design editions, the Luxury editions also featured a power adjustable front passenger seat, keyless entry and drive, an ‘Urbane Wood’ centre console inlay and Volvo Guard Alarm with interior motion sensor.

The S60 R-Design was distinguished by its 18 x 8.0J ‘Ixion’ alloy wheels, lowered Sport chassis, Sensus Premium sound system with ten speakers and Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, R-Design sport seats with perforated leather upholstery, steering wheel gearshift paddles, illuminated gearshift knob, charcoal headlining, sports pedals and R-Design floor mats. The R-Design editions were also fitted with a rear spoiler.

2014 Volvo Mk.2-II S60 Polestar

The Mk.2-II S60 Polestar was released in Australia in April 2014. In addition to the styling changes that were shared with the Mk.2-II S60 range, the Mk.2-II S60 Polestar was fitted with a Brembo braking package which included 370 mm ventilated floating front brake discs with six-piston calipers.

2014 Volvo Mk.2-II S60 T4 Sprint Edition

Released in November 2014, the S60 T4 Sprint Edition was based on the T4 Kinetic but distinguished by its 19-inch ‘Bor’ black diamond cut alloy wheels, sports suspension, R-Design style front sport seats in off black leather and rear spoiler. Furthermore, the S60 T4 Sprint Edition was available in Black Sapphire, Ice White, Electric Silver and Power Blue paint finishes.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 Polestar (April 2014)
• Brochure: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 (October 2014)
• Brochure: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 (October 2015)

Technical Specifications

• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 (October 2013)
• Technical Specifications: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 (January 2016)

Related links

• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo Mk.2-II S60 (October 2013)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo S60 – model year 2014 (November 2013)
• Volvo Newsroom: Volvo S60 – model year 2015 (April 2014)
• Volvo Newsroom: The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar (November 2013)
• Volvo Australia: Volvo S60
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.2 S60/V60