VOLVO INSCRIPTION
Luxurious long-wheelbase S60 defined by details
Volvo has been on a mission to prove that it can build sporty and stylish cars that are built in China with all the meticulous detail of their Swedish ancestry. And it seems to be working.
The Volvo S60 is an example of no details left unattended with all the enlightened and delicate design elements and occupant conveniences for which this brand so thoroughly completes.
The S60 is a midsize sedan sold in frontor all-wheel drive. For 2016, the engine choices are a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder or a 250-hp, turbocharged 2.5liter five-cylinder engine, both with an eightspeed automatic transmission for all. In 2017, the powertrain lineup will be two four-cylinder engines: the current turbocharged 2.0liter and a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter.
Pricing for the 2016 S60 starts at about $35,090. There’s also a high-performance Polestar S60, starting at about $60,000, and an S60 Cross Country starting at about $44,000. Pricing includes the basic warranty of four years or 50,000 miles with roadside assistance and free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
New for 2016 is the long wheelbase S60 Inscription, today’s test car. The Inscription starts at almost $40,000 and was $45,925 as tested.
The Inscription has a wheelbase stretched by 3.1 inches, which went to back seat legroom. Volvo says there’s room now for occupants to cross their legs. With a curb weight of 3,528 pounds, the stretch added 95 pounds, but with no feel of mass.
The S60 Inscription Platinum tester had the immaculate appeal and presence of full luxury, but with even more refinement throughout the cabin. Where some of the Euro brands cut corners in the back seat, the tester was fully fettled, including its full leather upholstery — not just “leather trimmed.”
The interior has a crisp, tailored appearance with fine stitching, brushed metallic trim elements and a natural appearing wood grain.
Most cars today are a global melting pot of materials, textures and electronic partnerships. Cover the name badge on the steering wheel and identifying the car’s maker becomes a worthy “Jeopardy” challenge.
But even for those who have never been in a Volvo, the S60 cabin owns a Scandinavian presence of light colors, natural elements and sturdy construction. The wood veneers appear to be artfully crafted with bookmatched graining.
The steering wheel fits the hands fully (confidently) and is wrapped in neatly stitched glove leather. Even the appealing grain of the dashboard plastics is unlike others in this entry luxury segment. There was not a misaligned panel or a ragged seam. And all the controls, buttons and switches felt robust and durable.
The center console is busy with the shifter, cup holders (with a roll-top lid) and a small armrest cubby. The visors are deep but do not slide or have extenders, which are always handy.
The exterior styling is contemporary without exaggerated swoops and angles. Sightlines are unobstructed over the hood, at the side mirrors and over the shoulder. The turning circle is enabling at 37.1 feet.
The back seat area is elegantly comfortable at the window seats but with a narrow, kid-class center position. There is good footroom and legroom (36.5 inches) with the longer wheelbase, but roominess depends on how far rearward the front occupant pushes back the seat. There is good door storage, side sunshades and a padded, pulldown armrest with can holders and room for a slim tissue box.
Trunk space of 12 cubic feet is not huge, but it is easily accessed with a modest liftover. There’s also a ski pass-through and seatback releases. The Platinum trim (a $3,000 package) adds a nifty lift-up grocery bag panel to corral items and to hang a bag or two. Why don’t more makers include this smart extra?
The Inscription’s turbocharged 2.0-liter and the eight-speed transmission gave strong and immediate acceleration, with plenty of kick for passing power. EPA fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg city, 37 highway and 29 mpg combined, on 87 octane. I was averaging 25 mpg, but with heavy use of the Sport mode. The engine also has auto stopstart at idle.
There is sporty engagement for the driver, but the suspension may be too stiff for the non-sporty driver. While the spring rates seemed compliant, the shock absorbers felt stiff and kicked up some ride harshness.
It is somewhat astounding to experience how thoroughly Swedish this car seems and yet to know that it is built in China with just a slim percentage of parts from Sweden.
For Volvo, the China connection seems to be working.