2019 Volvo S60

Pros: Nicely finished interior; invigorating performance of T8 models; full complement of safety and technology features

Cons: Complicated infotainment interface, small trunk for class

CG Says: The smaller of Volvo’s two midsize sedans is redesigned on an all-new platform for 2019, gaining dynamic new styling and a host of new features. The new S60 is nearly four inches longer in wheelbase and almost five inches longer overall than the previous-generation model. Three basic powertrains are offered. The base front-wheel-drive T5 is powered by a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The T6 has standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged and supercharged version of the 2.0-liter engine that develops 316 hp. The topline all-wheel-drive T8 plug-in hybrid combines the T6 engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp. A special limited-production T8 Polestar Engineered model gets a specially tuned 415-hp version of the plug-in-hybrid powertrain, along with sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and other performance-focused trim features. Production of the T8 Polestar Engineered is limited to 20 lease-only cars for 2019, but availability is slated to expand for 2020. All S60s have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist/large-animal detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, oncoming traffic mitigation, and road-sign identification. Also available is the Pilot Assist driver assistance system that can keep the car in a chosen lane at a selected speed up to 80 mph. However, Pilot Assist is not fully autonomous and requires the driver to hold the steering wheel. The 2019 Volvo S60 is the first U.S.-built car from this Swedish-based and Chinese-owned automaker—it’s assembled in a new plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The new S60 also represents the completion of Volvo’s transition to a new brand-signature design language, a process that started with the redesign of the XC90 midsize SUV for 2016. In addition to its striking new looks, the 2019 S60 boasts classy interior trimmings, up-to-the-minute technology features, a good ride/handling balance, and satisfying 4-cylinder powertrains. It’s a compelling alternative to its European rivals.