Geely’s Volvo Cars launched its S60 mid-size premium sports saloon as it inaugurated its first US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s also the first Volvo model line in years not to offer diesel engines.
The S60 is the first Volvo car made in the US.
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“The new S60 is one of the most exciting cars we’ve ever made,” said CEO Hakan Samuelsson.
“It is a true driver’s car that gives us a strong position in the US and China saloon markets, creating more growth opportunities.”
The lack of diesel follows the automaker’s commitment to electrification and a long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine. From 2019 all new models will be electrified.
Two turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid petrol engines will be available: The T6 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340hp, and the T8 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid with 400hp.
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By GlobalDataThe T5 and T6 I4 petrol engines will also be available at launch in some markets.
The S60 will be available through Volvo’s new premium subscription service, Care by Volvo, which offers car access with no down payment via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership.
“The active chassis and drive modes deliver excellent control and an engaged performance that makes this a driver’s car,” said Henrik Green, head of research and development.
“It also brings the acclaimed technology from our 90 series and other 60 series cars into this segment, making it one of the best sports saloons on the market.”
The S60 shares the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the redesigned V60 estate, launched earlier this year, as well as the 90 series cars and XC60 SUV.
City Safety with Autobrake assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions and is claimed to be the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. In a claimed world first for the mid-size saloon segment, City Safety now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.
Optional Pilot Assist, which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80mph, has been upgraded with improved cornering performance. The S60 also includes Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering-assistance systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake further enhances safety for people inside and outside the car.
The tablet style Sensus Connect infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G.
Electrified versions will offer a performance handling upgrade called Polestar Engineered.
This is available only on the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid and upgrades the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit, boosting combined output to 415hp.
