2019 Volvo S60: Up to 415 Horsepower and It’s Born in the USA [News]

2019 Volvo S60
2019 Volvo S60. [Photo: Volvo]

Volvo contends this is one of their most exciting cars yet

It’s certainly no secret that Volvo’s really been on a roll in recent years. From the major redesign of the XC90 crossover and S90 sedan to their smallest XC40 crossover, they’ve gotten into a stride. Now, after some spy shots and speculation, the 2019 Volvo S60 sedan is finally here. Slotted below the S90, this new S60 sedan comes with two distinctions: one for something it has, and one for something it doesn’t have.

As with nearly all modern Volvos, the S60 is built on the brand’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, joining the S90 as well as the XC60 and XC90 crossovers. However, the S60 is different from the others because of where it’s built. The 2019 Volvo S60 will be the inaugural vehicle built at the company’s new U.S. plant near Charleston, South Carolina.

While it shares a platform with other Volvo cars, the S60 will be the first car sold without a diesel engine offering. Volvo is doubling down on electrification by 2019, so all cars moving forward, including the S60, will have electrified versions in Volvo’s lineup.

As far as engines are concerned, the 2019 S60 will offer four choices. In the traditional engine stable, Volvo provides either the T5 or T6 gas engines, both in front-wheel drive configuration. Then there’s the brand’s signature Twin Engine T6 and T8 all-wheel drive models. Both come with a supercharged and turbocharged engine coupled to a hybrid electric system. However, the T6 puts out 340 horsepower, while the T8 puts out 400 horsepower. In that respect, the 2019 Volvo S60 puts out the same power as its stablemates.

Polestar Engineered offers up to 415 horsepower

Back in the day, Polestar used to work on Volvo’s touring cars, namely for the Swedish Touring Car Championship. However, they went on to develop high-performance variants of Volvo models, including the S60. Now Volvo has spun-off their tuning arm into a separate company – one that’s focusing on developing high-performance hybrid and electric models. However, that doesn’t mean they’re done tuning Volvos. As it turns out, Polestar is offering its know-how in a package on the 2019 Volvo S60, as well as the V60 wagon and XC60 crossover.

Polestar Engineered is only available for the hybrid T8 powertrain. That’s a good thing, however, as it bumps the power figure up to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. Not only that, but Polestar also fits a sharper suspension setup and larger brakes. They also reflashed the ECU for better performance.

2019 Volvo S60
[Photo: Volvo]

It’s still a Volvo – safety is no issue

Apart from Volvo’s Sensus Connect system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G connectivity, there’s also a full suite of safety equipment. Volvo offers their Pilot Assist system on the 2019 Volvo S60. The system includes Run-off Road Mitigation and Oncoming Lane Mitigation, as well as the plethora of driver assistance tech. That means acceleration, steering and braking assist functions that work up to speeds around 80 mph.

Volvo also carries over its Care by Volvo subscription service. It offers a flat monthly fee for zero-down access to the car rather than traditional ownership. At the end of your term, you can either finance the car to purchase or turn it in for a new car. In essence, they’re allowing buyers to trade in their cars along the same lines as their smartphones.

The updated Volvo S60 will go on sale later this year. Stay tuned to TFLcar and TFLnow for more Volvo news, views and real-world reviews!

2019 Volvo S60 Photo Gallery [Photos: Volvo]

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