Completing the chassis package are what have become the almost ubiquitous Brembo brakes, with 330 mm rotors and four-piston calipers, along with speed sensitive power steering. Each of these systems displayed exemplary performance. Volvo is confident enough in the capabilities of the S60R to have provided the opportunity to exercise the cars on a race track, and after that experience it must be said that the S60R should now be considered to be among the top rank of European sport sedans by most objective and subjective measures, no small achievement given the inherent constraints of its basic architecture.
For those into numbers, the zero-to-100 km/h sprint is claimed by Volvo to take but 5.7 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Seat-of-the-pants impressions vary depending on how many of the electronic aids are engaged, but with everything turned off, the S60R will drift around corners with the best of them, with perhaps a bit of understeer at initial turn-in for a corner. It would take a very ham-fisted driver to upset the composure of the S60R with all possible electrons activated and doing their things. Inside, there is not a lot new to talk about over regular S60s, with special trim and colour combinations being the main features. The gauges, in particular, are unique to the R, being blue with silver surrounds, like a chronograph. And of course, as we have come to expect, the multi-adjustable front seats remain just about the most supportive and comfortable in the industry. Options include high-end audio, sunroof, and automatic transmission.