Written by: Calvin Chan

Photography by: Calvin Chan

Volvo sends their seasons greetings from the frosty winters of Sweden with their revamped 2014 S60 T6 AWD. A new exterior design and a refined interior launch Volvo into the competitive ring against its German competitors. With a BMW 3-series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class lurking around every street corner, Volvo aims to conquer the luxury sport sedan market with sophisticated elegance and poise. Loaded with more technology than ever before and with a myriad of safety awards around its belt, the new 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD shows that the Germans have something to be worried about. 

 

Three S60 trims are available; the T5 showcases a turbocharged 250hp inline-five cylinder engine, the T6 holds the turbocharged 300hp inline-six cylinder engine, while the top of the line R-design model gets a T6 engine with an aggressive boost up to 325hp. Our T6 test vehicle was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts strikingly quick and relatively smooth. The steering is precise and the all-wheel-drive constantly ensures maximum traction even in the most slippery of conditions (it's even good enough for Van Dammes splits check out the viral stunt on YouTube). Shifting into sport mode speeds up the gear changes and throttle response, and though the S60 doesn't have the feral roar of a 335i or an S4, it glides through gears and can bullet from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, faster than a C350 4MATIC.

 

New to the 2014 S60 model is a more muscular front hood and grille with new LED daytime running lights. The front headlights have changed to a shape that resembles an Audi Q5 at some angles, and the front Volvo badge has also been enlarged for a bit more Scandinavian presence. While not as visually striking as its German counterparts, Volvo shows that sometimes simple is good. You may not fall in love with the conservative exterior of the S60, but step inside and it's an entirely new chapter.

 

While the interior has not changed much since the previous model, Volvo has paid careful attention to detail with minor refinements. Volvo has taken hints from BMW M gearshifters and features a new piano black gearshift knob with Volvo’s first-ever paddle shifters also available as well. There is also an optional heated steering wheel and heated windscreens to help traverse the winter season. A nifty feature in the S60 is that the vehicle remembers your heated wheel/seat settings when you turn off the car, and will resume the same settings when you turn it back on. Saves you that extra button pushing when rushing to work on those winter mornings. 

 

However, what I love most about the interior upgrades is the new Adaptive Digital Display that comes standard in the T6 model. It is a fully customizable instrument cluster with three different themes (Elegant, Eco, and Performance) that showcase the cars' functionality. Elegant mode will present the traditional speedometer with bold lighting. Eco mode will display the car's fuel consumption and fuel economy with a rewarding green light that flashes when our driving is economically efficient.  Performance mode is my personal favourite as it gives the S60 a sporty atmosphere with red light illumination and a tachometer that replaces the traditional speedometer. There are also side gauges that show your power delivery and how much power is available.

 

When it comes to the Sport Seats that come standard on the T6 model - we're speechless. Simply put, they are the most comfortable seats in the automotive industry. The ergonomic support and side bolstering rival the cream of the crop of luxury sedans and the level of leather cushioning put you in a state of somnolence.. thank goodness for all that safety technology.

Speaking of safety technology this is where Volvo shines above the rest. I would not be surprised if Volvo in Swedish meant “guardian angel”. With more safety technology and safety awards than one can imagine, this S60 turns into a rolling cushion. Blind Spot Detection, Lane Changing Aids, Front/Rear Park Assists, Lane Departure Warnings, and a Collision Warning System that uses cameras and radars to determine if you are approaching a vehicle too quickly and will provide a visual and audible warning to the driver. If needed, the system will autonomously brake the car to prevent any frontal collision that is about to occur. There are even cameras on the car that detect speed limit signs on the road and display them on the instrument cluster. 

 

The 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD stickers at a base price of $47,550. Though it’s a tad cheaper than the $53,800 BMW 335i xDrive, $53,000 Audi S4, and $52,800 Mercedes-Benz C350 4MATIC, expect the price to ramp up quite a bit if you want all the gimmicks and tricks that Volvo has to offer. Our fully loaded test vehicle was priced at $57.350, which sure makes it tempting to snatch a lightly-optioned, better looking, and faster 335i xDrive instead for the same price. Yet, Volvo marketing have added some incentive to its products through their European Delivery program. Once you purchase any new Volvo they will pay for two round-trip tickets to their Volvo factory in Gothenburg, Sweden and a one night hotel stay. They will give you a VIP tour of their Volvo factory and allow you to explore Scandinavia in your new car for up to 15 days before they deliver it to your home garage. A new car and a vacation all at the same time - make it your resolution for 2014.

Volvos have always seemed to fly under the radar with its conservative looks and large price-tags. However the new and refreshed 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD keeps its safety heritage while also showing a side of sportiness and finesse. During the holidays while our test vehicle sat in the mall parking lot surrounded by BMWs, Mercedes-Benzs, and Audis, it was a nice change to approach a car that sets itself apart from the mainstream vibe. Why hop on the bandwagon when a Volvo awaits you in Sweden?

Specifications:

型号 Model: 2014 Volvo S60 T6 AWD
廠方建議售價 Base Price: $47,550

Price as Tested: $52,100 (Platinum Trim plus options)
軸距 Wheelbase(mm): 2776
長闊 Length/Width/Height (mm): 4628/1865/1484
引擎 Engine: 3.0L inline-six turbocharged
最大馬力 Horsepower-HP: 325/5600rpm
最高扭力 Torque-LB-FT: 354/2100rpm
波箱 Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Geartronic
擺佈 Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
前懸 Suspension-Front: MacPherson strut
後懸 Suspension-Rear: Multi-link
煞制-前 Brakes-Front: Vented disc
煞制-後 Brakes-Rear: Vented disc

循跡操控系统 ABS/Traction Control: Standard/DSTC

油耗 Fuel Consumption (City/Highway)- L/100 km: 11.7/8.0
輪胎尺碼 Tires: Michelin Alpin