2013 Sports Sedan Comparison: BMW 335 vs Audi S4 vs Mercedes C350 vs Cadillac ATS vs Volvo S60
Fourth Place – Volvo S60 T6 R-Design Platinum
Who saw this coming? A loud, sporty Volvo? Getting over the notion that Volvo produces a performance sedan in the first place is hard enough, but the fact it beat the Mercedes-Benz may blow some people’s minds. What’s more, after adjusting the scores for price, the S60 almost beat the Cadillac ATS. So, just what makes this car so special? Well, two things; its presence and that engine.
Unlike the prim and proper square Volvos from the past, the new S60 is as sleek as it is safe. Painted in rebel blue, the Volvo has the looks to back up its performance. Although we quite like this paint job, it may put off some potential customers. Thankfully, the T6 AWD R-Design is available in other colours for those a little more introverted.
SERIOUS LEVELS OF POWER
Under the hood resides a real monster. All R-Design S60s now receive the Polestar tune which means the 3.0L inline-6 produces 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That is the most torque in this group. There is noticeable initial turbo lag with this engine, but once it spools up the S60 pulls like a cheetah on redbull; it is the second fastest feeling vehicle in a straight line after the Audi. Like the ATS, the S60 makes do with a 6-speed automatic transmission that may be down a gear or two to the competition, but is still more responsive than the C350’s 7-speed automatic.
The S60 is let down though on the chassis front. At all times, the front-wheel drive bias of this vehicle is felt despite it being all-wheel drive. Step hard on the gas in a corner and the front wheels will spin before more power is sent to the rear ones, at which point, the S60 suddenly wants to hang the tail out. The non-adjustable suspension is the roughest ride by far and feels like a radio flyer wagon on a cobblestone road. The steering also feels the most artificial of the group.
See Also: 2013 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design Review – Video
The interior is finished with nice materials, but feels dated. The same can be said of the archaic telematics system, which looks like an early prototype of MyFord Touch that’s even harder to use thanks to strange control knobs, odd functionality and plenty of tiny, tiny buttons on the dash.
The S60 truly is a great effort from Volvo that may just be a generation away from becoming a serious challenger in this market segment.
Fast Facts:
- ENGINE: 3.0 L turbocharged inline-6, 325 hp and 354 lb-ft
- TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
- FUEL ECONOMY: 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway
- PRICE: Base price – $44,100. As tested price – $50,065
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Gallery: Volvo S60 T6 R-Design Platinum
