2015 Volvo S60
Fuel Sipping Sweede. A powerful yet efficient sedan.

- Likes
- Acceleration
- fuel-economy
- materials quality
- interior design
- Dislikes
- Front-drive handling dynamics
- turning radius
The 2015 Volvo S60 T6 is down two cylinders from last year's model, but up in both power and efficiency, thanks to its innovative twin-charged engine. Though displacing only two liters, this new four-cylinder, part of Volvo's Drive-E family of motors, manages to put out 302 horsepower at a relatively low 5,700 RPM, thanks to having both a turbo and a belt-driven supercharger.
The benefits of the new engine include scalability, fuel-efficiency and emissions reduction. Volvo says the Drive-E motor in the 2015 S60 T6 produces 30 percent fewer harmful emissions than last year's 6-cylinder. EPA ratings are also up, to a laudable 24 mpg city/35 highway. That's diesel territory, and especially impressive in a 3,500-pound sedan making over 300 horsepower.
The smaller engine actually adds some sportiness to the staid S60 driving experience. Power comes on early and continues in a smooth, nearly unremitting surge till just shy of redline. Thanks to the supercharger working at low revs, there's little noticeable lag. It's a cliche to say that small, forced-induction motors try to "feel" like big V8s, but if a driver of the 2015 S60 T6 weren't told what's under this Volvo's hood, only the sound would give away the unique nature of its powertrain. At full throttle, a faint whine accompanies the initial spool of the supercharger, which is replaced by the swish of the turbo as the transmission upshifts.
Our silver-metallic test car came very well equipped, with just about every bell and whistle you'd expect on a $47,000 luxury sedan. The optional "platinum" package added a navigation system with real-time traffic, Volvo premium sound, Homelink, and a rear park assist camera. The 2015 S60 also lives up to Volvo's reputation for safety, winning the Insurance Institute's Top Safety Pick + award.
Warranty/Service: 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 4-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance; 12-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty; 4-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance; 12-month/5,000-mile no-charge first scheduled maintenance
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Specs
Base Price: $38,150
As Tested: $38,150
- 24 / 35 mpg
- EPA
- 5.4 sec
- 0-60
- 302 hp
- Horsepower
- 140 mph
- Top Speed
- Vehicle : Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive, 5-Passenger, 4-Door Sedan
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo and supercharged DOHC direct injected 4
- Horsepower: 302 hp
- Torque: 295
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: 3,500 lbs
- Wheelbase: 109.3 in
- Length: 182.5 in
- Width: 62.1 in
- Height: 58.4 in
- Turning circle: 39 ft
- Brakes: 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS
- Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut front; multilink rear
- Traction: traction and stability control standard
- 0-60 mph: 5.4 sec
- 60-0 mph: 108 ft.
- Top Speed: 140 mph
- EPA City: 24 mpg
- EPA Highway: 35 mpg
- Combined MPG: 28 mpg
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Safety: Driver and front passenger airbags, whiplash prevention system, inflatable head protection curtain, city safety crash avoidance system
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