The 2011 Volvo S60: One Good Lookin' Swede!

There is something about a Volvo that is just so divinely right. Granted, they don’t make the stupendous “drivers’ cars” that BMW does, nor do they make the technologically-loaded luxury land yachts that roll forth from the Benz factory… and let’s be honest, the beauty of a Jaguar product shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same sentence. No, they’ve typically been pretty middle-of-the-road in nearly every way excepting one: longevity. When was the last time you saw an XJS, 850, or CLK? Now when was the last time you last saw a 240-series sedan? But is this new, vastly modernized Volvo S60 an heir to the brand’s stoic Scandinavian throne, or just another pretty face?

Well, at first glance, this new S60 doesn’t really bear a whole lot of the family resemblance. Sure, the same square-shaped grille is strapped down with the same offset-angled Volvo badge thingamabob, but beyond that, it looks like a proverbial rocket ship by comparison. If the Volvos of yore looked like they’d been designed by someone with nothing more than a drafting square and a pencil, this new one looks like it was borne of watercolour. Sweeping lines, graceful curves, and aerodynamic features dominate the fluid design and instantly catapult the once-dull S60 to the top of the charts, at least in terms of appearance. But the longer you pause to take it in; the more familiar it starts to look. Although nowhere near as aggressively-shouldered as previous Volvo’s, there’s still a characteristic beltline that tapers upward into the car’s broad haunches and really exaggerates the car’s width while simultaneously giving it a sporty, wedge-like character. And the overall design is just as simple and free of contrivances as previous Volvos. There’s no flame-surfaced busyness adorning the car’s flanks, nor any of the unapologetic, dominant styling that comes with massive blacked-out grilles and overt LED lighting. Every angle and each individual line can be traced back to the same terminus at the car’s prow, and each design feature looks purposeful in its existence, combining the make for a car that looks at once spartan and beautiful.

And that’s a theme that is continued through to the car’s uniquely styled interior. Spacious in every proportion, the front seats are extremely comfortable and upholstered in fine, supple, thickly grained leather that is quite a bit different than the tightly stretched stuff you find in other European brands. In front, a dashboard that’s as curvaceous as the bodywork beyond is impressively unadorned; a welcome change for a luxury sedan. Housing just a few nicely sculpted vents, an infotainment display, and a start/stop button, its pebbly texture and asymmetrical, driver-oriented waveform won’t be to everyone’s liking, but it is as finely rendered as you’re liable to find. Likewise with the now-signature “waterfall” control stack. Containing all the controls required to operate the stereo, Bluetooth system, and HVAC, the diminutive control cluster is surprisingly easy to navigate and a substantial improvement over the spacecraft-inspired, central control-knob-fitted consoles you’ll find in various other vehicles.

Of course the biggest news is that this is, according to Volvo, their most sporting vehicle ever. And although I have yet to drive every Volvo ever, that’s probably a pretty safe statement to make. With turbine-like power delivery from the turbocharged inline six cylinder (rated at 300 horsepower) and all-wheel drive, it’s the expected picture of efficiency when it comes to crossing the vast expanses, but it’s performance in the twisties was a surprisingly revelation. Blessed with a wonderfully isolating ride under normal circumstances, I expected the big-feeling Volvo to roll through corners with aplomb, but was surprised to find the body control and suspension damping to be absolutely spot-on. Although I know journalists throw hyperbole like that around almost more often than the Leaf’s lose, but in this case it’s actually true. Nearing the first rolling corner on a favorite backroad, I really  didn’t expect the sort of planted, positive feel I was rewarded with. It’s possibly one of the best suspended cars I’ve ever driven by virtue of its ability to both cosset the occupants with a magic carpet-like ride without turning into a pitching, heaving mess when the road curves.

And it’s equally easy to drive. The big turbocharged engine provides a goodly amount of torque and horsepower, but does it in the most predictable and linear manner possible. There’s no need to spool the turbo up to a billion and a half rpm to get on the boost; simply crack the throttle a wee bit and you’ll feel the torque surge without even dropping a gear. Likewise, operating any of the various vehicle systems ranging from the extensive safety systems to the seat heaters and stereo couldn’t have been easier thanks to the well-laid out console and integrated steering wheel controls. And it feels as solid as a slab of granite. Pop the hood and everything is exquisitely laid out and perfectly engineered, just as it is underneath.

Manufactured in Belgium the new S60 is, in summation, the result of a fantastic design paired with expert manufacturing. Does it pin a newer, prettier face on the Volvo brand? Yes, of course… but it does so without sacrificing all those lovable traits that have had Volvo buyers coming back for more since the days of the Saint’s P1800. It’s not so much a “driver’s car” so much as it is a car for people that absolutely love to drive, because long after you tire of the hard-edged suspension and raucous behavior that seems to personify the archetypal “driver’s car,” you’ll find the S60 offering still more in the way of comfort, performance, and just all-around pleasantness. And the best part? It’s a Volvo, so you know it’ll still be offering that same mix for decades to come.