Completely redesigned for the previous model year and updated with the brands signature style, the 2021 Volvo S60 is a sleek and stylish mid-sized 5-seater sedan with plenty to go around.
It ticks the right boxes, but when it comes to competitors, it sits amidst some of the best in the industry, including the Germans. Saying that Volvo has upped its game to ensure their sedan is up to par and can take the fight straight to them.
As always a huge shout out to Trading Enterprises Volvo for supplying the vehicle. Need space in your garage? Sell your car faster on Dubicars.
Now that’s all out of the way; let’s check out what the 2021 Volvo S60 has to offer and if it’s worth your time.
The good
- Exterior styling
- Interior space
- Overall comfort
The bad
- Some controls require a touchscreen
- T6 model is missing in UAE
- Infotainment system can be buggy at times
Driving the 2021 Volvo S60
As with all Volvo models, there’s no variety of cylinders anymore, so you’re stuck with a four-banger motor. But that’s not a bad thing when you’ve got a turbocharger attached good for 254 horsepower. That’s enough power to get the sedan from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.
With it comes three drive modes; Eco, Comfort and Dynamic, all setup up the vehicle differently and can be switched while in motion. Eco adjusts the power and other systems to conserve fuel.
A complete opposite, Dynamic mode brings the 2021 S60 to life. Switching modes sharpens the throttle response, steering, gearbox and engine unleashing a side of the S60 many don’t know about Volvo.
Outside the 2021 Volvo S60
Volvo’s design language is some of the best in the industry, and the S60 is no different. Falling in line with the rest of the lineup, the executive sedan gets signature “Thor’s Hammers” DRL’s with adaptive headlights and smooth, muscular lines that flow towards the rear.
Our test model was fitted with the optional R-Design package, which gives the model a sportier presence. Instead of chrome trim, the pack adds gloss black trim in its place. It also adds different bumpers and a darker horizontal mesh grille.
But the pack isn’t just for show, the R-Design 2021 S60 is lower and rides on a stiffer chassis compared to the standard model.
Inside the 2021 Volvo S60
Although the S60 is the smallest sedan in the Volvo lineup, interior space is plentiful both front and back. Comfort is on par with rivals, and the material quality is excellent.
The gauge cluster is a 12.3-inch display which can be customised to the drivers liking. More importantly, there’s a 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It sounds small, but the options it carries are big.
As with the XC60 we drove a few weeks ago, the a/c control placement seems odd for a hot country.
Safety and tech
Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety, and the latest S60 is no different. We could sit here already and ramble on about the lane-keep assist, 360 camera and driver monitor alert, but for us, there’s one stand out feature; speed camera detection.
While we’re not exactly sure about how the S60 knows the exact location, it’s extremely useful to know where they are when driving in an unknown part of town. As you get closer, distance intervals appear starting with 200m. The bonus of speed limit info is also handy, but at times it can be a bit off.
You even get some form of semi-autonomous driving with the 2021 S60 with Pilot Assist. By using the cameras and sensors, all you have to do is set the speed, and the system will take care of the rest. Ideal for long distances.
Final verdict
The 2021 Volvo S60 has a lot to offer, and when it boils down to it, it does what an executive sedan should do. It’s comfortable for all, the boot is spacious, and the turbocharged engine is fast and economical, its a real winner.
But why aren’t many on the road? We’re not quite sure as they are great value for many and the build quality is excellent. Perhaps its the price or brand that puts buyers off.
We’d recommend it on our top three mid-size executive sedan’s.
Photo credit: Rajitha Perera (Dubicars)
2021 Volvo S60 price in UAE; AED 179,900.
Dubicars has new Volvo and used Volvo for sale in Dubai and Sharjah.
