Solid, practical, quiet, and unassuming, the Volvo S60 brings to mind the qualities you might want in a good neighbor. Capable and comfortable, if not exciting, it is an upstanding citizen of compact European sport sedans, with a lower price but less country-club status than similar models from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. If you're looking for fun, spirited performance or styling pizzazz, however, shop elsewhere.
A freshening for 2015 brings subtle updates and a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that reflects the brand's future. Volvo's familiar five- and six-cylinder engines will disappear from its lineup over the next few years, and if the engine in our tested S60 T5 is any indication, they will not be missed.
As you'd expect from the brand, safety is a big part of the S60's package. It protects its passengers with a long list of advanced features, including the standard City Safety system, which can automatically brake the car to avoid or reduce the severity of a low-speed collision. Crash-test results are excellent as well.
The 240-hp, 2.0-liter engine and eight-speed automatic transmission bring a marked improvement in drivability, fuel economy, and refinement over many past Volvos. Power is generous and smooth, with a well-integrated turbo that makes the car very responsive and provides effortless power throughout the broad power band. We also measured a good 25 mpg overall.
Inside, you'll a well finished and reasonably quiet interior, with a simple, clean design and very comfortable front seats. Handling is fairly nimble and definitely secure, although the car doesn't really live up to its sports-sedan expectations. The ride is so firm that it borders on being stiff, which is an unfortunate trait that has become something of a Volvo trademark.
While the S60 starts at an approachable $33,300, our mid-level Premier Plus model didn't come cheap at $39,920 -- and that's without navigation. Adding the Blind Spot Information System will set you back another $900, but it also brings cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a lane-departure warning system.
Oddly for a brand that has built a reputation for safety, a backup camera is standard only on upper trim levels; it's an expensive option on lower-trim versions. Rounding out our list of gripes is the coupe-like, form-over-function styling, which limits rear visibility and contributes to a cramped rear seat. And while the infotainment system has the basics covered, it's not particularly easy to use.
All in all, the much-needed update helps the S60 stay competitive, although it's not particularly outstanding in a field brimming with newer models that pack more flair and cachet.