I was really sad to hand over the S60’s key fob. The CR-Z was kind of fun and the Legacy seems pretty cool so far, but the Volvo was a total class act.

Geely bought Volvo from Ford last year, but they’re still made in Sweden. (For now anyway. Chinese Volvos start production in 2013.) The new S60 was developed while Volvo was still under the Ford umbrella, and the goal was to build a global sport/luxo sedan to better compete with Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. Volvo has been pretty intent on burying the boxy look they were known for in the 70s, 80s and 90s, and this all-new S60 may be the most curvaceous Volvo yet. 

This car has a ton of electronics to make it safer. It has a camera up front scanning for pedestrians, another one to help you back up and guide you in parking. There's also something to warn you if you’re about to swing into another vehicle in your blind spot. I have to admit I ignored all of this gadgetry and just drove the thing. (I did try out the “City Safety” feature in New York two years ago and it is pretty cool.)

First, the drivetrain. It’s a turbo inline six producing 300 hp. The six speed auto sends power to all four wheels via a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. It’s definitely biased toward the front, with a 95/5 front-to-rear torque distribution, but it felt totally planted an unflappable at all times. The motor provides plenty of oomph when you want it and the tranny shifts smoothly.

The new chassis is super stiff with a suspension tuned somewhere between sport and luxury. It delivers a great ride on the potholed streets of Seattle and holds itself together nicely when pushed through corners. Overall a very confidence-inspiring ride--super solid with a semi-sporty feel.

Let’s talk about the interior. First of all, the seats. Volvo seats will ruin you for other cars. Seriously. I jumped into the Acura TSX wagon for a bit one day, which has decent seats, but they just didn’t compare. The back seat is roomy and comfy.

The S60 also has a really nice dash layout, with the first key fob/start button setup that I actually liked (or maybe I’m just getting used to them). I love the center console design Volvo is using these days. It also has computer controls that actually made sense to this luddite. And the stereo is top notch. If you’re gonna be stuck in gridlock in a car, this would be at or near the top of my list. Just a pleasant place to hang out.

Gas mileage isn’t anything to write home about at 18 city/25 highway (and I definitely got numbers on the lower end of that spectrum), but that shouldn’t be surprising for a 3,800 pound AWD car with 300 hp. If you want better mileage, opt for the FWD version with the 2.5 liter turbo inline five and you’ll get 20 city/30 highway. But Volvo really needs to get that plug-in hybrid V60 over here. 

In addition to the gee-whiz safety gadgetry, Volvo also has decades of safety research built into every aspect of the car. Sure, everyone from Toyota to Hyundai is getting top marks with the IIHS these days, but Volvo isn’t just in it for test scores in a controlled environment. I doubt there is a safer car on the road today.

From a value perspective I really think a lot of people should take a closer look at this car. The FWD version I mentioned above comes it at just over $30k, which puts it in reach of people who maybe didn’t think they could afford Euro luxury. And the car I got to drive has specs and features that compete with BMWs and Mercedes that cost a lot more. 

To be honest my only real beef with the car is the looks. Specifically the front (it looks fine from the rear). The S60 has a nose only a mother could love. It's a pretty big car but they tried to make it look small (and for the most part they were successful). But they ended up with too much front overhang plus a weird grille/headlight treatment. From some angles it just looks kind of goofy.

So is this the most civilized car in the world? Tasteful interior, awesome seats, unflappable manners, plenty of get up and go when you want. This is not a look-at-me car. Your neighbors are not going to know that you are packing 300 hp or that you dropped $47,000. Is that good or bad? If you are looking for the brand cachet that comes with a BMW or Mercedes maybe that's bad. But I’m guessing to the typical Volvo buyer and a bunch more folks this is good. 

What’s New: Everything!
Turn Ons: Solid, safe, awesome seats, plenty of power, unflappable road manners.
Turn Offs: Funny looking nose, gas mileage not the greatest in the 300 hp version.