Volvo S60

First generation (2000–2009)

The S60 was built on Volvo’s P2 platform, which was shared with other Volvo models like the S80, V70, XC70 and finally the XC90.

The Volvo S60 was released in 2000 (2001 model year) being the company's new generation sports sedan. The S60 is aimed to mainly compete with the BMW 3-Series (E46) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203). Unlike its rivals, the Volvo S60 continued production for 9 years with multiple facelifts. The S60 was refreshed in 2005. The exterior was updated with body-colored side moldings and bumpers with chrome linings, as well as new headlamps replacing the original with black housing. The interior received some updates as well, with new seats, trim, and an updated center console. The S60 went through a final facelift in 2008 with full body-colored bumper and door inserts and larger emblem in the front and larger spaced out "V-O-L-V-O" letters in the rear. The interior featured a new pattern upholstery which differs from its original pattern. The S60 came standard with Volvo's own radio unit, the HU-650 and an optional extra HU-850 unit. The HU-850 unit features a 225 or 335-watt power output (depending on optional external amplifier) with three presets: 2CH, 3CH and Dolby Digital Pro Logic II Surround Sound. The Four-C chassis from the S60 R became an option on some S60s. In 2005 the T5 engine was reengineered from 2.3 to 2.4 litres and received an increase of 10 bhp (7 kW; 10 PS), and a modified turbo in the D5 model also increased the D5 bhp from 163 bhp to 183 bhp.

S60 Police specification (UK & EU)

Police specification models came about through Volvo’s extensive work alongside the users of the vehicles and Police Fleet Management departments. As a result, the Police specification vehicles have a striking difference from original showroom model that sometimes the Volvo S60 is used as police cars. Firstly the suspension was up-rated to deal with the demands of Police work; this included fitting the front suspension of the D5 model variant (as the suspension was designed to deal with the heavier diesel engine). Nivomat self-levelling suspension was also fitted to the rear to ensure correct geometry of the vehicle, regardless of the weight carried. On early models, the clutch was also replaced with the stronger D5 unit.

A larger specification battery and 110A alternator was also fitted to run all the extra equipment, along with a dedicated Police fuse box in the boot. Extra wiring looms are also fitted specially for the Police radios and other equipment, including CCTV cameras. Additional electrical noise suppression has been added so as not to interfere with the sensitive electronics the police use.

The speedometers in the vehicles are calibrated from the factory and do not require recalibration unless the wheel and overall rolling diameters are changed.

305 mm (12.0 in) vented front disc brakes were also fitted alongside special brake pads (and wear indicators) specially designed to cope with high-speed pursuits.

During 2001–2004 the 2.3 litre T5 engine was used and in 2005-2009 the 2.4 litre T5 engine was used. Also beyond common speculation and myths, the engines are not chipped or modified specially for police use: they are complete factory spec but in 'exceptional cases' the speed limiter (215 km/h) may have been removed.

S60 R

First introduced in 2004, Volvo's S60 R used a Haldex all-wheel-drive system mated to a 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) / 400 N·m (300 lbf·ft) inline-5. The 2004–2005 models came with a 6-speed manual transmission, or an available 5-speed automatic which allowed only 258 lb·ft (350 N·m) torque in 1st and 2nd gears. The 2006–2007 models came with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission (which was no longer torque-restricted).

Other aspects which set the R apart from standard S60s were the large Brembo front and rear four-piston brakes, 18-inch 5-spoke "Pegasus" wheels (available as an upgrade to the standard 17-inch wheels of the same design), blue faced "R" gauges, standard HID headlights, as well as the Four-C suspension system.

Semi-active suspension with Four-C (a short name for "Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept") allows the user to select from three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Advanced. "Comfort" attempts to soften the car over bumps, while "Advanced" firms the suspension considerably and gives more aggressive throttle response - a setting Volvo implies is for use on the race track. This is accomplished through a drive by wire throttle, allowing the same pedal travel to result in different performance when the appropriate mode is selected, electronically controlled shock absorbers that can adjust themselves 500 times a second, and a complex series of sensors throughout the body of the vehicle. Volvo collaborated with high-tech system developer Ohlins Racing AB and shock absorber manufacturer Monroe for the self-adjusting shock absorbers.

The Rs had three interior color options: Nordkap (metallic dark blue), Gobi (light tan metallic) and a R-only leather option; Atacama, available for an additional charge. It was an unpainted, orangey-coloured natural leather with a baseball glove thickness and feel.

The small trunk lid spoiler that was standard on the S60 R created a 20% increased downforce at the rear wheels at high speeds compared to the standard S60s. The S60 Rs have a 0.29 Drag coefficient, compared to the standard S60's 0.28, due to the larger lower front bumper spoiler to support the secondary intercooler.

Another Volvo factory option for only the S60 R was a body kit which included front bumper splitters, side skirts and a rear valance, color matched to the body. The body kit was only available with certain body colors and in certain markets.

The S60 R continued the tradition of "R" cars for Volvo beginning in 1995 with the introduction of the 850 T-5 R.

Second generation (2010–present)

The second generation S60 began production in Ghent, Belgium on May 17, 2010, with an expected annual production of 90,000 vehicles. Official photos were released in November 2009, and the car was publicly unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. It debuted as a 2011 model in North America. The second generation S60 also arrived with the 5th generation Haldex AWD system. More differences in the second generation S60 include the new large Volvo iron symbol, parallel to the grille LED day running lamps and larger spaced letters in the brand name on rear.

The engine range of the S60 and V60 comprises four petrol engines and three diesels. The engines available are the T3, T4, T5 and T6 petrol engines and D3, D5 and 1.6D DRIVe diesel engines, the latter of which has Stop Start Technology to increase the efficiency of the engine. The 2.4-litre D5 plug-in hybrid version, fitted with a five-cylinder diesel engine and a 50 kW electric motor, was scheduled for sale in Europe by November 2012.

The Volvo S60 and V60 come with Volvo's City Safety system as standard, which is the same system fitted to its sister the XC60. This system stops the car in the event of impending collision in 'City Traffic' below 19 mph (31 km/h). Also, a new safety feature named "Pedestrian Detection" (available on both the V60 and S60) detects people in front of the car and automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not react in time. The new sedan shows off Volvo's completely new design language already seen in the Volvo XC60 concept. It rides on the same platform as the XC60. The goal of this new design was to target younger demographics.

2013 T5 Engine Update

In 2013, the T5 engine was revamped before the launch of the Drive-E arrival. Among the tweaks to the T5 power plant is a boost in engine compression to 9.5:1 from 9.0, engine torque peaks at 4200 rpm and engine management changes provide faster gear changes and upshifts when the 6-speed automatic gearbox is in the sport mode. Output remains the same over 2012 at 250 bhp and 266 lb ft of torque, although there is a provision for overboost from the turbo which bumps the torque number to 295 lb.-ft. The changes in compression ratio helps the S60 T5 deliver an extra mile of mpg in the city and combined cycle. Front-drive versions are rated at 21 city/30 highway for a combined of 24, while the AWD model is 1 mpg less across the board. Volvo also says the T5 AWD is good for a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.6 sec., while the front-drive version is 0.2 sec. quicker.

2014 model year update

Changes include all-new exterior panels from the A-pillars forward including a new hood, front fenders and fascia; a wider grille with a larger Ironmark is flanked by new headlights while a larger, wider lower front intake gains bright accents and horizontally mounted LED daytime running lights; new integrated exhaust pipes at rear, a new Adaptive Digital TFT Display instrument cluster for select models (R-Design versions include unique blue instrument dials), new paddle shifters on T6 AWD and R-Design models (optional on T5), Advanced Quick Shift (AQS) option on all T6 engines and activated when the transmission is set to sport mode or when using paddle shifters, IntelliSafe with Pedestrian Detection and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake and Cross Traffic Alert became part of the Technology Package, a new radar-based Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles behind the car while still informing the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car, Cross Traffic Alert with radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space.

North America models went on sale as 2014 model year vehicles in late 2013. Early models include S60 T5 (base, Premier, Premier Plus, Platinum), T6 (AWD, Premier Plus, Platinum, R-Design AWD, RD Platinum).

S60L

The S60L, also marketed as S60 Inscription, is the top of the line, long wheelbase model of the S60. It has been lengthened by 8cm compared to the standard model to give additional legroom for rear passengers. It is also manufactured in Chengdu, China, and is the first consumer automobile manufactured in China to be sold in the United States.

S60L PHEV

The Volvo S60L PPHEV (Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept car was unveiled at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Volvo Cars announced that the S60L PPHEV will be manufactured at the Chengdu plant and is scheduled to be launched in China in the first half of 2015.

The S60L PPHEV shares the same electric-drive technology as the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, but instead of the diesel engine of the V60, the S60L PPHEV has a 2-liter, four-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engine from Volvo Cars’ new Drive-E engine family. The 50 kW (67 hp) electric motor is powered by a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers an all-electric range of up to 50 km (31 mi). The petrol-powered engine produces 177 kW (237 hp) and 350 N·m (258 lb-ft) of torque. The driver can select via three buttons among three driving modes: Pure, Hybrid or Power. In the default hybrid mode, the CO₂ emissions are about 50 g/km, corresponding to a fuel consumption of 2.0 L/100 km (140 mpg_‑imp; 120 mpg_‑US). By selecting Pure, the car runs in all-electric mode, and the Power mode combines the capabilities of the engine and motor to deliver 225 kW (302 hp), 550 N·m (405 lb-ft) of torque and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds.

Volvo unveiled the production model, the S60L T6 Twin Engine PHEV, at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. Sales of the S60L T6 PHEV, limited to the Chinese market, began on 22 April 2015. The production model has an all-electric range of 53 km (33 mi).

S60 Cross Country

A new model known as the S60 Cross Country saw a limited American release in the autumn of 2015 (as it was for the 2015 model year in Europe), with each dealership getting one car. This variant is similar to the Volvo V60 Cross Country, as it is a raised sedan variant of the S60.

Volvo S60 Polestar performance concept (2012)

The Volvo S60 Polestar performance concept is a version of Volvo S60 T6 AWD with Volvo T6 inline six (B6304T4) engine rated 508 PS (374 kW; 501 hp)@6500rpm and 575 N·m (424 lb·ft)@ 5500rpm, modified cylinder head and combustion chambers, modified inlet manifold and air intake, special manufactured conrods, Garret 3171 turbocharger, Ferrita 3.5" stainless steel exhaust system, Reinforced M66C (close ratio) manual 6-speed gear box, Haldex E-LSD in rear, Haldex Gen4 XWD, 265/30R19 tires, 9.5x19-inch Polestar Rims, Chassis lowered by 30mm, Öhlins 3-way shock absorbers, reinforced anti-roll bar front and rear, track width increased 20 mm front and 40 mm rear, Polestar-tuned EHPAS steering, stabilising X- members (front and rear), modified control-arms with uniballs front and rear, reinforced bushings in sub-frame and control-arms, modified engine mounts, 380 mm ventilated front brake discs with Polestar-Brembo 6 piston calipers, 302 mm ventilated discs rear brake discs with Polestar-Volvo calipers, brake cooling air intakes from front, lowered front splitter and larger rear spoiler to reduce high speed lift, carbon fiber diffusor, body 20 mm widened front and rear, Polestar designed seats with increased support, Alcantara on all functional areas (steering wheel, gear knob, and seats) to ensure maximum grip, centre console lowered for optimised gear-lever ergonomics.

The vehicle was unveiled in Gothenburg CityArena.

2013

The 2013 Volvo S60 Polestar is a limited (50 units) version of Volvo S60 T6 AWD for Australian market, based on the S60 Polestar performance concept. The inline 6 cylinder engine is rated at 258 kW and 508Nm. It includes new Borg Warner turbo, new intercooler, 2.5" stainless full-flow exhaust system with 3.5" tail pipes, Polestar Öhlins 2-way adjustable shock absorbers, upgraded springs (60N/mm front, 65N/mm rear. (80% stiffer than stock)), upgraded stabilizers front and rear, upgraded rear tie blades, upgraded top mount in front and rear, upgraded toe link arms in rear, strut brace with carbonfiber enforcement, Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/40R19 tires, 8x19-inch ET51 bespoke Polestar rims, Polestar-tuned AWF21 six-speed automatic gearbox with a launch control system, a Polestar-tuned Haldex 4WD system, modified transmission software for faster shifts and launch control, modified AWD software for more rear torque, front 336x29 mm ventilated discs with Jurid 958 performance brake pad, rear 302x22 mm ventilated discs with HP2000 Brembo performance brake pads, new Polestar front splitter corners, new Polestar rear spoiler, new Polestar diffuser, Polestar door trims, Polestar badge on front grille, Polestar badge on boot, Polestar gear shift knob, Polestar badge on engine, Polestar limited edition plate on door sills and steering wheel, Black outside mirror covers. Delivery began in June 2013.

2014

In 2014, the S60 Polestar was offered in Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. Based on the S60 Polestar Concept car and the Australian S60 Polestar, it includes Polestar Öhlins shock absorber system Polestar 8x20-inch ET53 bespoke rims with 245/35R20 tyres, new twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo, new intercooler, 2.5" stainless full-flow exhaust system with 3.5" tail pipes, AWF21 automatic gearbox with paddle shift system, Polestar transmission calibration for faster gearshifts, launch control and curve-hold functionality; Polestar Haldex calibration for more rear torque dynamic distribution, Polestar calibrated stability control system, front 371x32mm ventilated and floating brake discs with Polestar/Brembo 6 piston brake calipers, rear 302x22 mm ventilated brake disc. Delivery was set to begin in June 2014 to the local markets.

2015

This version makes 345HP and 369LBs Torque. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder is here and kicks out 20 additional horsepower and 15 lb-ft more torque compared to the same engine S60 R-Design. That’s a respectable output bump coming by way of massaged engine management software, a stainless exhaust with 2.5-inch pipes, new twin-scroll Borg Warner turbochargers and new intercooler. Polestar also did work to the transmission with new calibration for quicker gearshifts and launch control capabilities. The Haldex four-wheel-drive system also has Polestar tuning for more rear torque distribution, and the stability control system has been massaged. The chassis is firmer with a suspension that features Ohlin shock absorbers with 80 percent stiffer springs sitting on 20-inch wheels that would normally come wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires from the factory. Brakes get a nice upgrade with 14.6-inch front discs (replacing 13.2-inchers on the R-Design) with six-piston Brembo calipers and 11.8-inch rear discs. Thinking back to our long-term S60 R-Design, the brakes were the weakest part of the package, getting cooked after one or two hot laps around a track. Visual changes include new front and rear splitters, rear spoiler and diffuser. Inside there’s a nice, thick-rimmed steering wheel and upgraded seats with suede inserts, suede door inserts and blue accent stitching throughout. The hard numbers, according to Volvo, are a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (up from 130).

Sales and marketing

† Combined total for S60 and V60. ‡ Includes 67 sales of the S60L long-wheelbase version.

Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP V60:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

British land speed record

On 14 and 15 October 2000, the first-generation S60 T5 broke 18 British land speed records (including the highest average speed over a 24-hour period for a Production Car class D (2000-3000cc) at 135.10 miles per hour (217.42 km/h) at the Millbrook Proving Ground, in Bedfordshire, UK. A joint project by Volvo and Prodrive and covered by Channel 4's Driven and Car magazine.

The car was standard except for safety modifications such as a roll cage, exterior cut out switch, a modified fuel tank and additional head support to allow the drivers (BTCC drivers Anthony Reid, Rickard Rydell, John Cleland and Alain Menu as well as various Car journalists and Channel 4's Mike Brewer) to rest their neck during the 2-hour gaps between pit stops. Each pitstop included a driver change, refuel and tyre changes due to the extreme stresses being placed on the front outside tyre.

The following records were broken:

S60 in motorsport

The S60 has been raced in a range of championships across Europe, North America and Australia.

Europe

Volvo regularly entered the S60 in the Swedish Touring Car Championship, where it finished 2nd in the drivers' championship twice and won the manufacturers' title once. The S60 continued to be raced after the formation of the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, a merger of the Swedish and Danish touring car championships. Thed Björk won three consecutive titles from 2013 to 2015, driving an S60 prepared by Polestar Racing.

From 2002 to 2007 there was an S60 one-make racing series as a support series to the Swedish Touring Car Championship known as the S60 Challenge Cup, using 26 factory-modified S60s.

An S60 was driven by Robert Dahlgren in the Swedish round of the 2007 World Touring Car Championship.

North America

The first generation S60 made its competitive debut in 2006, racing in the Speed World Challenge GT class. The second-generation model was introduced for the 2009 season. In 2010, its programme was expanded to include the SCAA Pro Racing World Challenge, where it won both the drivers' championship, for factory driver Randy Pobst, his fourth, and manufacturers' championships in the GT class. The programme was expanded again in 2011 to include the Pirelli World Challenge.

Australia

Volvo competed in the V8 Supercars Championship with two rear wheel drive V8 B8444S powered S60s between 2014 and 2016 with Garry Rogers Motorsport highlighted by a debut victory at the Adelaide 500 and third for Scott McLaughlin in the 2016 series.