Price Car Volvo S60

Volvo S60 Design

The 2011 Volvo S60 is redesigned, with freshened styling, more power, and new features. This premium-midsize car comes in a single T6 trim level with standard all-wheel drive. Due in calendar 2011 as a 2012 model is the sporty T6 R-Design.

The sole powertrain teams a 300-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This replaces turbocharged 5-cylinder engines of 208 and 257 horsepower. Volvo offers a choice of two standard suspension configurations: Dynamic Chassis, or the softer-riding Touring Chassis. Optional is the FOUR-C Active Chassis, which enables drivers to select Comfort, Sport, or Advanced suspension settings via dashboard buttons. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

Volvo S60 Interior

Blind-spot alert and lane-departure warning are available. Volvo's City Safety accident-avoidance system is standard. It automatically activates the brakes at low speeds to avoid or reduce the severity of an imminent collision. Newly available on the 2011 Volvo S60 is Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This accident-avoidance feature uses sensors to detect pedestrians who might step in front of the vehicle. If this happens, the system can apply full braking force at speeds up to 22 mph. A navigation system is available. The S60 T6 R-Design has specific trim, performance suspension tuning, and sport bucket seats.

The Upscale Midsize Car Class is incredibly competitive, and the new S60 is up against tough competition. If you want a car that focuses mainly on sporty driving, be sure to check out the BMW 3-Series. Although the current 3-Series has been around for some time, reviewers continue to rave about its dynamic performance. However, the 3-Series is not cheap, and a base 335i costs almost $3,000 more than the S60. But, if you’re willing to lose some power in favor of the BMW’s driving dynamics, you can pick up a base 328i for $33,150; over $4,000 less than a 2011 Volvo S60.

If rear-wheel drive and power on a budget is what you’re looking for, be sure to check out the Infiniti G37. With 28 more horsepower than the S60, the G37 also starts at more than $4,000 less. The Infiniti offers more trunk space than the S60 and is available with a six-speed manual transmission that should appeal to driving enthusiasts who enjoy changing gears the old-fashioned way.

The Audi A4 is also worth a look. It starts at $31,450 and comes equipped with a fuel-efficient 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is optional. According to the EPA at 25 miles-per-gallon combined the front-wheel drive A4 tops the 21 mpg combined Volvo.

If your interest in the S60 stems from its newfound sporty nature you should also check out the Audi S4. It may cost an extra $8,000 over the S60, but its 333 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, standard all-wheel drive and sport sedan persona cater to the same sport minded consumers that Volvo is trying to attract with the new S60. Those seriously interested in sporty driving will enjoy the S4’s extra power, six-speed manual transmission and available seven-speed automated manual transmission, and rear biased all-wheel drive system.