The 2020 Volvo S60 marks the Swedish automaker’s confident return to the compact luxury sedan segment. Designed to take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the S60 brings a distinct flavor of Scandinavian elegance, cutting-edge safety, and dynamic performance. We got behind the wheel of this sleek machine for a first drive, and here’s everything you need to know.
Exterior Design: Clean, Confident, and Modern
The 2020 Volvo S60 carries a bold yet understated design language. It looks sharp, with smooth lines and a planted stance. The signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights immediately grab attention, while the sleek front grille and chiseled bonnet add to its premium appeal.
At the rear, the C-shaped taillights and dual exhaust setup give it a sporty edge. The overall silhouette is balanced and elegant, giving it a timeless design that doesn’t scream for attention but turns heads nonetheless.
Interior: Minimalism Meets Luxury
Step inside the S60, and the cabin exudes a sense of calm and refinement. Volvo’s typical Scandinavian interior philosophy is evident – clean lines, soft-touch materials, and a clutter-free dashboard layout.
The centerpiece is the vertically oriented 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which controls everything from navigation and media to climate control. The digital instrument cluster is crisp and informative, while the minimalist switchgear enhances the clean aesthetic.
The front seats are incredibly comfortable – well-bolstered and supportive, perfect for long highway drives. At the rear, space is decent for two adults, though the sloping roofline slightly compromises headroom.
Performance: T5 Engine Delivers a Punch
In India, the 2020 S60 comes with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (T5) that produces 190 hp and 300 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The car feels smooth and eager, especially in Comfort mode, where the power delivery is linear and refined.
Switch to Dynamic mode, and the S60 wakes up with sharper throttle response and sportier handling. The steering feels precise, and the suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and sportiness. It’s not a razor-sharp corner carver like the BMW 3 Series, but it offers plenty of grip and confidence, especially for spirited everyday driving.
Ride and Handling: Well-Mannered on Indian Roads
The S60 is underpinned by Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, the same one that underlies the larger S90 and XC90. This provides a rigid foundation for excellent ride quality. The car soaks up most road imperfections with ease, and cabin insulation is top-notch.
High-speed stability is excellent, and the S60 feels well-planted even when pushing the limits. The steering could offer a bit more feedback, especially for enthusiasts, but for most buyers, it delivers a confident and comfortable drive.
Features and Tech: Loaded Yet Simple
Volvo has always focused on quality over quantity, and that shows here too. The S60 is equipped with:
- A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Wireless charging
- Panoramic sunroof
- 4-zone climate control
Safety is, of course, a Volvo hallmark. The S60 offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, collision mitigation, and multiple airbags, earning top safety ratings worldwide.
Fuel Efficiency: Decent for Its Segment
The S60’s petrol engine is fairly efficient for a car of this size and performance. Expect around 12-14 km/l in real-world conditions, depending on driving style and road conditions. It’s not the most frugal option out there, but it compensates with refined performance and premium feel.
Price and Rivals: A Strong Value Proposition
The 2020 Volvo S60 was launched in India at a price of around ₹45.90 lakh (ex-showroom). It undercuts most of its German rivals while offering a comparable – if not better – package in terms of comfort, safety, and luxury. Its main rivals include:
- BMW 3 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Audi A4
- Jaguar XE
While the S60 might not be the top choice for those seeking outright performance, it scores high for buyers prioritizing luxury, tech, and safety in a uniquely designed package.
Verdict: A Refreshing Take on the Luxury Sedan
The 2020 Volvo S60 may not follow the German playbook, but that’s precisely its strength. It brings something fresh to the table – minimalist Scandinavian design, world-class safety, a refined ride, and great everyday usability.
For buyers looking beyond the usual suspects in the luxury sedan space, the S60 is a compelling, smart, and stylish alternative. It may not be the loudest or fastest, but it certainly knows how to make a lasting impression.