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2012 Volvo S60 Review
What's New for 2012
Interior
By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating: 7.6
The 2012 S60 adds dose of style and pizzazz to Volvo's reputation for class-leading safety. While it competes with some formidable opponents such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the 2012 Volvo S60 offers a score of performance and safety features at an attractive price. With athletic driving characteristics, standard 6-speed transmissions and the choice of an efficient 5-cylinder engine or powerful turbocharged inline-6, the S60 proves that safety and dynamic performance are not mutually exclusive.
You'll Like This Car If...
If you are looking for a premium midsize sedan with exceptional safety, athleticism and a sleek design that refuses to blend in with the crowd, the Volvo S60 is a smart choice.
You May Not Like This Car If...
If you are looking for a European-built sedan with a prestigious pedigree and exhilarating performance, the BMW 3 Series or the Audi A4 might be a better fit.
What's New for 2012
Following a major redesign in 2011, the Volvo S60 adds two new model grades to the lineup for 2012, including an entry-level T5 trim with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and an R-Design variant boasting a 325-horsepower turbocharged engine and a sportier design. The 2012 S60 also adds a rear-seat entertainment system with headrest-integrated LCD displays to the list of options.
Driving the S60
Driving Impressions Seeking to increase the S60's visceral appeal, Volvo engineers created a chassis, suspension and steering system designed to give cars like the 3 Series and A4 a run for their...
money. The front suspension is McPherson strut and the rear a multi-link, but it is the tuning that sets the S60 apart from other Volvo sedans in the handling department. The front struts have thicker piston rods than the larger S80 sedan, the bushings are stiffer and the springs are both shorter and stiffer, resulting in more ability to handle lateral loads. These efforts are most notable in the standard version of the three chassis setups available, which Volvo calls "Dynamic." Those seeking a gentler, boulevard ride should opt for the no-extra-cost "Touring" suspension, while those seeking a more custom-tailored driving dynamic will prefer the T6 model's available 3-mode FOUR-C variable chassis system. The road-hugging Haldex all-wheel drive system is standard-issue on the T6 and R-Design trims while the entry-level T5 gets front-wheel drive. The result of the engineering efforts is a level of fun-to-drive that exceeds any Volvo sedan we've driven. We had the opportunity to drive it on dry pavement, wet pavement, rain-slick gravel roads and even a racetrack, and in all situations the S60 was predictable, stable and unflappable. Braking is sure, traction is never an issue, and the steering is precise.
Favorite Features
Rear-Seat Entertainment
Whether you're aiming to entertain younger passengers or sufficiently distract a backseat driver, the available rear-seat entertainment system's dual DVD players, 7-inch displays and wireless headphones will do the trick.
Front Camera System
The front-grille-mounted camera that offers a 180-degree field of view is especially effective in helping prevent accidents when emerging from limited-vision areas like a parking garage.
2012 Volvo S60 Details
Interior
The beauty of the S60's interior design is in its simplicity. Discernible controls combined with a contemporary layout make for an upscale, user-friendly cockpit. Materials are top-notch and comparable to the offerings from the category's heavy-hitters. Steering-wheel-mounted switches plus redundant controls located on the center stack put you in charge of the infotainment system and its Sensus connectivity interface, which includes a 7-inch high-resolution display. The comfortable, ergonomic front seats provide excellent support while the rear seats feature an uncommonly supportive design with aggressive side bolstering along with ample leg room for rear-seat passengers
Exterior
Arguably the best-looking Volvo sedan ever built, the S60's charismatic style blends modern automotive architecture with a hint of Volvo's unmistakable, classic design. The T5 model rides on standard 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels while the T6 and R-Design wear18-inch alloys. In addition to 10 exterior color choices, the 2012 Volvo S60 offers a variety of distinguishing style add-ons, highlights of which include a Sport Appearance Package with unique front and rear bumper accents and door sills, a pair of stainless steel exhaust tips and a performance-based rear spoiler.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
On the safety front, all 2012 Volvo S60 trims feature "City Safety," which helps prevent low-speed rear-end collisions, Ready Alert Brakes that prepare for panic braking situations by moving the brake pads closer to the rotors, Fading Brake Support to help diminish the risk of brake fade caused by excessive heat, and power-folding rear headrests for optimal visibility when backing up. Of course, as a luxury vehicle the S60 is fitted with a wide variety of convenience and comfort features, these include a USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability, a 7-inch "Sensus" infotainment screen and a power driver's seat with 3-position memory.
Optional Equipment
The headline-grabber in S60 safety options is "Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake." The camera- and radar-enabled system identifies pedestrians in front of the car and, if necessary, applies the car's full braking power to avoid a potentially fatal collision. Pedestrian Detection isn't the only high-tech safety feature the new S60 offers, either. Driver Alert Control helps determine if you're too tired or too distracted to pilot the car properly, and Blind Spot Information System helps you avoid colliding with vehicles that are beside you in your blind spots. The S60 also offers niceties like parking sensors, a rear backup camera and adaptive cruise control that can detect the distance and speed of the vehicle ahead and adjust the S60's speed accordingly. The top-of-the-line 12-speaker audio system features a digital 5x130-watt amplifier with circuits from Sweden's Anaview, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories.
Under the Hood
The 2012 Volvo S60 offers a variety of power plants to suit your performance and budget requirements. The available inline 6-cylinder engine offers less than 3,000 cc of displacement, but with turbocharging, it whirs out 300 horsepower in T6 form while the high-performance R-Design model pumps out 325 horsepower. All three S60 engines possess sufficient low-end torque for brisk acceleration. A bonus is that both the 5- and 6-cylinder engines require only "regular" grade gasoline, and the base T5's fuel economy (20 mpg city/30 mpg highway) is laudable in the luxury class.
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 cylinder
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque at 1,800-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 cylinder
300 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,100-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 cylinder
325 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg
Pricing Notes
While the S60 offers styling and performance with great emotional appeal, it is still the cold, hard rational aspects of superior safety that make the 2012 Volvo S60 stand out among the crowd of mid-size luxury-brand sedans. With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting under $32,000, the S60 is priced under competitors like the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS 250, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. On the resale value front, though, the A4 offers better numbers, as does the BMW 335i. Be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price in the "What should I pay for my new car?" section on our homepage to see what consumers are typically paying for their S60s in your area.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volvo S60 vehicles for sale near you.
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2012 Volvo S60 Consumer Reviews
Based on 41 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.
Review this car-
ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Solid, powerful, fun!
By Jo (MD) on Thursday, May 30, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Uses regular gas. Is very sporty."
Cons: "Bland dashboard and gauges. Gas mileage not great"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"After many years of Japanese cars, I had to break free. The s60 won me over, over the German high end offerings, and all the others. If you want comfort, power and safety, this is your car. Someone described the seats as sitting In a comfortable baseball glove, and I concur. Best seats ever! Great stitching and details make them even better. Power is great, love the turbo. The navigation is just ok. Not great. Wouldn't buy it again, unless volvo improves it. The dashboard is rather bland......dials and gauges are just basic and rather boring. However, the overall value feels great. I love to drive this car! This black metallic S60 gets a lot of attention. And a lot of baths. Black cars are gorgeous, but they need constant work. Worth it? Yeah!!!!!"
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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Great Car So Far
By Jhatch (LA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,500
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Gas Milage , ride"
Cons: "No spare tire, phone won't work if radio off"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"Had this car for 6 months and can't say many things bad about it. It drives Great gas millage on hwy at 74mph 33.5. Only thing so far I don't like you can't turn radio off and still use bluetooth phone and not much internal storage. I also own another Volvo an XC90. The S60 so far has impressed me with it's ride and overall comfort. We will see if it last but so far I really like it alot. I resently rented a Toyota Camery and the Volvo S60 has it beat hands down as far as ride and comfort."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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Volvo S 60 T5
By chaps (FL) on Sunday, May 05, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Great value, luxurious, excellent gas mileage"
Cons: "interior storage"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I've owned a BMW 3 series and test drove the Mercedes C250 and this car is so much better. It's very luxurious and had so much more value than either the MB or BMW. I drove it on the autobahn and it is near the standard of the German cars. My only real complaint and it is small is that there is no real stroage cubbies in the cockpit. Other than that, the driving dynamics are excellent as well as the overall ownership experience. We utilize the dealer in Pensacola and they are awesome."
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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Love it!
By Sarah (MD) on Thursday, April 18, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Smooth drive, awesome handling. Quick even in an automatic. The seats are like sitting on a cloud. Would buy this car over any 1 or 3 series BMW! Actually went to the lot to buy an Audi A4 and saw the Volvo in the showroom and decided to test drive and immediately loved it! Volvo makes a great car and finally designed a good looking car too!"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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Addendum to "On the Fence"
By Platinumpixie (PA) on Saturday, February 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,100
overall rating 8 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"My car has been repaired; it needed a new fuel pump. I've had no issues since the repair about a month ago."
1 person out of 3 found this review helpful
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Bad Bad Quality, Last Volvo for me
By moh (CA) on Tuesday, January 08, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000
overall rating 1 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Cons: "Poor Quality"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
""I am (was) a repeat Volvo customer. So is (was) the rest of my family. My 2012 S60 with 12K miles is peeling paint!!!! The factory says that the paint is only under warrantee for 1 year and My car is outside the warrantee period!!!!! They say the paint damage is caused either by rain, sprinkler water or acid rain (acid rain in san francisco bay area!!!). It cost $8600 to repaint the car. If you plan to buy a volvo consider how much it cost to repaint, volvo does not pay, you do for their poor quality."
22 people out of 27 found this review helpful
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Available S60 Models
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Volvo S60 Sedan
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