Volvo’s Top of the Range S60 R Design
A few months back we drove the 2020 S60, Volvo’s all-new luxury sedan. This month we compare it to the top of the range S60 R Design.
The first thing I noticed looking at this car is the “wow factor”. It was totally black, including black wheels, black interior, and came with dark tinted windows. It looks far more sporty and stylish than the previous model I drove. In fact, it’s probably the best looking Volvo sedan I’ve ever driven.
The S60 R Design I drove has the T5 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which provides 254 horsepower and 350Nm of torque.
Standard features in the R Design include 19-inch wheels (compared to 18-inch wheels on other S60 models), LED headlights, sunroof, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, large instrument panel display, four-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, driver-seat memory functions, split-folding rear seats with power-folding headrests, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The R-Design has various exterior elements giving it a sportier look over other S60 models.
Acceleration was smooth and swift. Steering is precise. The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is standard and came in useful when the last S60 I tested got engulfed in soft sand. I was able to easily free myself while numerous other drivers in standard two-wheel drive cars got stuck and needed police assistance – including our own Gulf Insider photographer.
The interior is beautifully crafted with top quality materials used throughout. There’s a 9-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, and an auxiliary audio jack.
Being a Volvo there is, of course, plenty of advanced safety features which include forward collision warning, full-speed automatic emergency braking, run-off road mitigation, lane-keeping assist, a road sign reader, a drowsy driver warning system, and remote vehicle controls.
Rear seat passengers have access to AC vents and power points. There’s also a fancy pull out armrest seat divider in the back with cup holders
All trims are eligible for the S60 and may also include front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning system with automatic braking and steering assist, and an automated perpendicular and parallel parking system. Also available on those trims are a 14-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system and the Multimedia package that includes a navigation system.
Overall, this is a very good looking and practical car, and, what makes the S60 even better is its highly competitive price.
