Jötunn Slayer: The Swede takes on the German Giants
For years, all my family owned were Volvos. At one point there were three parked in the driveway. We never really thought of them as anything overly remarkable. But my dad had a mechanic who knew his way around them and at the time, that was enough. Not to mention that reputation for safety. As an emo-haired mostly-pimple-free teenager with a recently acquired driver's license, the boxy Volvos of yore would be ideal for such a fledgling driver. So when I got the chance to get behind the wheel of a new Volvo, I had some apprehensions from my teenage days. But like my father, those wily Swedes once again captured the heart of a Wylie.
As you step in and acquaint yourself, the cabin feels large and spacious, like a trendy Nordic open-concept house which I could never afford. Thanks Toronto. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with the bulging bolsters hinting at the sporting intentions of the 'R-Design' badge. The steering wheel just thick enough and, if the climate package has been added, will also feature some ever-appreciated heating. As a manlet, (editor's note: we're the same height. I resent this) the extending seat cushions are not really needed for one of my stature, but we imagine would be appreciated by the taller crowd. The optional Heads Up Display provides vital information, including speed limits, current speed and navigation directions. The driver’s display can be set up for navigation as well, but also features live traffic information too. Altogether, the interior is as inviting as a Swedish sauna minus the elderly towel-garbed clientele...who might be the only ones who could actually afford the S60.
Put your foot down the turbos under the hood whisper sweet nothings into the cabin while the throaty rear pipes open up with an angry grunt. Getting up to speed feels both effortless and exciting. But you don’t need to drive fast to enjoy the S60 though. A calm, gentle ride is just as enjoyable as a spirited one. The suspension is soft, comfortable with a forgiving steering feel. But pop it into 'dynamic' mode and the sporty nature becomes immediately apparent. But however you choose to drive the S60, its a rewarding experience.
First revealed in 2018, this third generation is a stunning departure from the previous model. The sharp angles hint at a return to the S60's once-boxy form, but updated with curves that could make your girlfriend (ed: or boyfriend. we don't discriminate. much) jealous. Up front are newly designed LED headlights dubbed ‘Thor’s Hammer,’ carried across to most of Volvo's lineup. Fitted with 18-inch matte black, diamond-cut alloy wheels on all four corners, the R-Design is equipped with what we think is the most attractive set of shoes across the S60 range. The R-Design also features more accent pieces in black, giving the sedan a sportier, more aggressive look. Just based on aesthetics alone, the S60 doesn't just hold a candle to the competition. It's a flamethrower.
S60 buyers can choose from 3 optional packages, all adding to the already high comfort level in the car. The Climate Package is virtually a must-have in Canada, which includes the lovely aforementioned heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and even heated fluid-dispensing nozzles on the wiper blades. The Vision Package adds some tech that pretty much makes parking a breeze with a 360 degree view camera and parking assist pilot. It'll also add folding mirrors and blind spot monitors. The Convenience Pack adds the fantastic pilot assist, which uses the adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping to aid you where you’d like. Not included in the packs is the crisp 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System. If you want to feel like you're smack in the middle of the Gothenburg Concert Hall, there is no subsitute. But that said, the standard 14 speaker Harmon Kardon system is nothing to scoff at. Both will most certainly deliver aural pleasure.
The Volvo S60 starts just above $52,000. Our tester, with all the options fitted, rang in at just $63k. The S60 is no bargain, but it's not meant to be. The car has the comfort, design, driving dynamics and sound to command such a price, if not more. The elegant design, stellar safety, driving dynamics and luxurious cabin are a far cry from the Volvos I grew up around, and if this is what we can now expect from the Swedish car maker, I wouldn't be surprised to find a Volvo in my driveway once again. Assuming I could afford it.
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