First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60 Safest and Sportiest Volvo Ever

2011 Volvo S60

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
Amsterdam Bureau
The Auto Channel

LISBON, May 30. We all have the perception that a Volvo is a safe car. But it is even getting better: the S60 is the safest of all models the Swedes have ever built. And… it’s the sportiest as well! At least, that’s what they promised during the world premiere (Click Here) of the 2011 Volvo S60 at the Geneva Auto Show in March. Because of the sporty looks, generated by strong lines, sharply shaped head lights and air intakes, I was tempted to believe Volvo right away. But the first driving event with the new S60 would have to be the proof of the pudding.

While sitting down on the driver’s seat, a sport seat indeed, you see a well executed dashboard, a new infotainment system, nicely finished details and the well-known flat center stack that is used in other Volvo models. A sport steering wheel, covered with leather, add a sporty touch. The overall impression of the interior is that the materials have a premium look and everything is well executed.

In Europe, the S60 will be available with the new 2.0T four-cylinder (matching the 5-cyilinder version) and the turbocharged T6 engine, plus the D5 and the new D3 diesel engines. Early next year, there will be a fuel efficient D2 diesel in the Drive model. In Geneva, Volvo has also confirmed a hybrid model to arrive in 2012.

In North America, the 2011 Volvo S60 will be launched with the 3.0-liter T6 turbo engine, which is a more powerful and more fuel efficient evolution of the one that is offered in the XC60.

With 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque this indeed is the sportiest model Volvo ever produced. The T6 gets standard the Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel drive with Instant Traction, that pre-loads the rear wheels with torque, so that all four wheels have optimal grip and gain speed during acceleration.

Since maximum torque is available from 2,100 rpm all the way to maximum of 5600 revs, the T6 feels really powerful and acts fast upon input from the right foot. It’s a lovely engine that makes driving the S60 a lot of fun. But that does not go without the excellent tuned underpinnings of the new Volvo.

The 4C chassis in Sport mode offers a responsive and safe feel, also when driving fast on the bending roads of our test route. There is ample movement in the body so that cornering can be done fast and feels safe. In Advance mode, the S60 is prepared for real sporty drivers..

The S60 is the first in the sedan segment with advanced stability control, an enhancement of the DSTC-system, which identifies skidding tendencies in an early stage. DSTC also has been extended with corner traction control and Sport-mode. The latter is nice for active driving, since it lets the stability control interfere at a later moment, enabling the car to be over steered somewhat more. I could enjoy that on a deserted stretch of the coastal road. But also in Normal mode the S60 feels firm and sporty, without being uncomfortable on bad roads.

The six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission well matches the engine. With new valve and lower friction, Volvo claims that it changes gears 50 per cent faster than the version used until now. It does its work without hesitation indeed, but does not feel as nice as the new DSC Powershift transmission, that Volvo offers in combination with the 203 hp strong 2.0-liter turbo engine. I am convinced such a transmission is under development to match the more powerful T6 engine.

The steering gear ration is 10 percent faster than in the previous model and reacts quicker to driver inputs. That is something that you can only confirm if you are able to compare it with the old version. But the steering provides a solid feel and good feed back of the road.

World First

The S60 will be available with the Technology Package ($ 2,100), adaptive cruise control with queue assist, distance alert, lane departure warning, collision warning with full auto brake and a world first: pedestrian detection with full auto brake. I tested the pedestrian detection system by driving up to the dummy that was ‘standing’ in the middle of the road.

During the first run, I intuitively hit the brake to avoid hitting him. The Volvo engineer who was helping the dummy on its feet again, laughed and said: “Hey, you braked….?!” So I had another go and drove towards the dummy kid and completely ignored him. The speed of 32 km/h proved to be a bit too fast and I just touched his knees. He fell backwards, but was not hurt…! The engineer explained that the combination of speed and the dark location (the dummy was positioned in the shade), resulted in the system braking a fraction of a second too late. But the next run with 30 km/h proved to be o.k.

In The Netherlands, Volvo is running a television ad with the driver being distracted by his wife. The car brakes automatically when someone crosses the road. I do not think that is a good idea as there is a potential danger. People do not realize they are distracted when driving and this video suggest you just can be an ignorant driver and the car will save you, or better the person you did not see. Volvo’s system is an excellent one indeed, but it is not magical. It helps prevent injury to pedestrians in front of the car and cuts vehicle speed from 31 mph to 16 mph, while applying full auto brake. That way, fatalities can be prevented by 20 per cent and in some certain cases up to 85 percent.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes still account for 12 percent of deaths on the road each year. Some 70,000 pedestirans are injures and more than 4,000 pedestrians are killed in the US. The incidents mainly occur in urban areas, on cross walks, side walks, median strips and traffic islands.

The pedestrian safety system is part of Volvo’s commitment to have nobody killed or severely wounded by a Volvo in 2035. This strategy is preceded by the goal not have anybody killed or severely injured inside a new Volvo model.

The new S60 T6 AWD is sporty indeed and the safest car ever built. It will be able to compete with but not beat its competitors in the premium sedan segment with good looks, good performance, a well balanced suspension and well built quality. One of the strong selling points is the starting price of $ 37,700 (destination charges: $ 850)*. But count on $ 41,400 for a well equipped model. The new sport sedan will arrive late this year.

*Warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles of complimentary factory scheduled maintenance and of wear and tear coverage, 5 yrs/unlimited miles of Volvo On Call roadside assistance.