The entire driving experience with the new S60 is that of a finely-honed European luxury cruiser with guts to spare. The transmission swaps cogs without fault, the brakes are strong, the car seriously gives the impression of having been carved from a single piece of steel. Unfortunately though, it's not perfect. As of 100 km/h, the peaceful cabin is assaulted by unpleasant and intrusive wind noises from the doors, it would seem.
Furthermore, what also hurts the S60's chances at being perfect is its price. With an asking price of over $50,000 as tested ($45,450 for a base T6 AWD), you really have to want a Volvo over an Audi, a BMW or an Infiniti. For most, it's a very tough sale.
Last year, Volvo delivered 6,550 units, up 0.1% (397 in January 2011, up 0.3% from January 2010) over total sales in 2009. These bashful numbers are solely due to the existence of the S60, XC60 and C70 as most other models (V70, XC70, XC90 and the others previously noted) are not doing very well.
Under the scope of the radar, Volvo has introduced a “lesser” 2012 S60, namely a 250-hp, FWD T5 that retails for $7,000 less. This version may help Volvo's bottom line but I fear it still won't do.
For my final conclusion, let me put it this way: If the S60 was an Audi or a BMW, it would sell, because it is good enough.
Furthermore, what also hurts the S60's chances at being perfect is its price. With an asking price of over $50,000 as tested ($45,450 for a base T6 AWD), you really have to want a Volvo over an Audi, a BMW or an Infiniti. For most, it's a very tough sale.
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| With an asking price of over $50,000 as tested ($45,450 for a base T6 AWD), you really have to want a Volvo over an Audi, a BMW or an Infiniti. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Last year, Volvo delivered 6,550 units, up 0.1% (397 in January 2011, up 0.3% from January 2010) over total sales in 2009. These bashful numbers are solely due to the existence of the S60, XC60 and C70 as most other models (V70, XC70, XC90 and the others previously noted) are not doing very well.
Under the scope of the radar, Volvo has introduced a “lesser” 2012 S60, namely a 250-hp, FWD T5 that retails for $7,000 less. This version may help Volvo's bottom line but I fear it still won't do.
For my final conclusion, let me put it this way: If the S60 was an Audi or a BMW, it would sell, because it is good enough.
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