2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E review

2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E evaluation

Pros

Feels safe and secure

Quick and responsive acceleration

Super/Turbo charged engine

Cons

No option for AWD

Taller people may feel crunched in the back seat

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What is Volvo’s new front drive sports sedan with a 302 hp 2.0-liter super-and turbocharged engine called? It’s the new 2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E. We think the E stands for “efficient” due to its good fuel-mileage ratings and an ultra-low emissions status, but we aren’t really sure. Regardless, the new S60 T6 Drive-E is a new model for the brand and it’s sporty and fast.

What’s New for 2015.5?

S60 T6 Drive-E Options

Interior Features

Engine and Fuel Mileage Specs

Driving Dynamics

Conclusion

2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Photo Gallery

What’s New for 2015.5?

A 2.0-liter, four cylinder engine that is super and turbocharged! Other changes include a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the adoption of fuel-saving, automatic engine stop-start technology, plus a variety of features and trim levels.

S60 T6 Drive-E Options

This week we are testing the 2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E (2015.5 are those built after June 2014) with the Platinum Package, a $3,750 upgrade. That includes Xenon headlights, auto-dimming outside mirrors, cabin accent lighting and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system. The Technology package features adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, collision warning with auto braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, also with auto braking and driver-attention warning.

The Convenience package (also included with the Platinum Package) adds power-folding mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a reverse camera, remote garage opener and a grocery bag holder. The Climate package ($1,550) includes a heated windshield and washers, heated front and rear seats, plus a heated steering wheel. An active cabin filter provides comfort and protection for driver and occupants.

19-inch, Diamond cut wheels w/sport chassis ($900) and Blind Spot Info system ($900) round out the total package. Total MSRP including destination, $47,575.

Interior Features

The cabin of the new S60 T6 Drive-E is uniquely Scandinavian with its wood and metal accents. That gives it personality in this class. The interior leather, vinyl and plastic that Volvo uses are quality materials. As we have come to expect in a Volvo, the sport seats offer excellent long-trip comfort and good support. In our more spirited driving this week, the seats kept us firmly in place in the mountain curves.

The cabin is a welcoming place up front. In the back, there is ample room for adults who are 5-foot-8, but taller passengers will be cramped on longer trips. Both rear seats fold down with a handy ski pass-through. An available fold-flat front passenger seat further increases cargo-carrying capability for longer items.

Engine and Fuel Mileage Specs

The T6 Drive-E is front-wheel drive only. The turbocharged and supercharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder power plant under the hood, pumps out an impressive 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic with a 0-to-60 mph estimated at a quick 5.6 seconds.

Fuel economy numbers are 28 mpg combined (24/35 city/highway).

Driving Dynamics

The 2.0-liter, direct-injected, four-cylinder engine, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission forms the basis of the new “Drive-E.” Whatever they call it, this 302-hp, Volvo S60 is quick and the turbo and supercharged 2.0-liter provides immediate response when you need it. During the week we tested the sedan, in a multitude of situations, it was always high on the fun to drive meter.

This car feels substantial and definitely provides the occupants with a feeling of safety. It feels solid and secure, even in the snow this week. The S60 T6 Drive-E is front wheel drive so the only complaint would be the lack of AWD. There was a fair amount of torque steer when we pushed the S60 hard. The sedan did perform well, however, in the mountain curves. There was minimal body roll as we navigated the tight corners.

The 8-speed Geartronic automatic was smooth and the paddle shifters made for even quicker shifts. It was hard not to push the envelope with the S60. The sedan just begs to driven fast and we felt secure when we did. Even with the extra power, it gets good fuel mileage and rates just 1 mpg shy of the base models combined estimate. And according to Volvo, it’s still capable of launching from 0-60-mph in just 5.6 seconds.

The S60 has a number of safety features. The Platinum Package features collision warning with auto braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection with auto braking and driver-attention warning. The Drive-E models get a more sophisticated lane-keeping assist system too. That deserves special mention because it will steer the car in the event of driver inaction.

Conclusion

For those wanting sporty driving dynamics in a mid-size sedan, the Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E is a model with considering. It comes with attractive styling, responsive handling, a comfortable cabin and a strong feeling of security on the road. It displays Volvo’s impressive safety technologies with extremely comfortable front seats. The big thing for those who like a little spark under the hood will be the 2.0-liter engine. That easily puts this sedan high on the fun to drive meter.

Do you think you would consider buying an S60?

2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Photo Gallery