Volvo S60 2019 Review

Today, the selection in Malaysia's D-segment luxury sedan market is not lacking, but there are not many models that strike the right balance between performance, eco-friendliness, and luxury. As a plug-in hybrid version under the brand, the 2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design not only claims a "4-second acceleration" performance but also offers the advantage of low fuel consumption. For consumers who pursue driving pleasure and care about daily costs, this is undoubtedly quite tempting. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle to see whether its static performance aligns with its luxury positioning, whether its dynamic performance truly balances performance and comfort, and how the plug-in hybrid system actually performs.

First, let’s look at the exterior. The overall design style of the 2019 S60 T8 R-Design leans towards sporty but not ostentatious. The front features Volvo's signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, paired with a blackened vertical waterfall grille, resulting in high recognition. The side profile of the car is sleek, with a waistline running from the front to the rear enhancing the muscular feel. The 19-inch dual five-spoke alloy wheels and 235/40 R19 tire specifications further highlight the sporty vibe. At the rear, the "Viking Axe" LED taillights look very distinctive when lit, while the dual exhaust layout hints at its performance identity. Compared to the regular S60, the R-Design kit, with its blackened trims and sporty body kit, makes the whole vehicle look younger and more energetic.

Stepping inside, the interior exudes a sense of luxury and technology. The dashboard adopts a Nordic minimalist design, complemented with large areas of soft materials and metallic trim, providing a pleasant tactile experience. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and 9-inch central touchscreen are the key features, and the central screen comes with Volvo's Sensus smart system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The operation logic is clear, and it responds quite swiftly. The seats feature R-Design exclusive sports seat designs, offering excellent support. They are electrically adjustable with lumbar support, ensuring comfort even during long journeys. Additionally, the cabin comes equipped with practical features like four-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and more, guaranteeing convenience and comfort in daily use.

In terms of space performance, although the official dimensions for the T8 version haven't been provided, based on the 2776mm wheelbase of the T6 version in the same class, both the front and rear seating spaces are quite roomy. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, there is still about two fists-width of legroom remaining in the rear. Headroom is also adequate, ensuring even passengers as tall as 180cm won't feel cramped. As for storage space, the door pockets, central armrest, and cup holders all provide ample capacity. The trunk’s regular volume can meet daily needs, but due to the presence of the battery pack, it is slightly reduced compared to the fuel version of the S60.

The dynamic performance is the highlight of this car. The 2019 S60 T8 R-Design is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system, with a combined maximum output of 413PS. The official 0-100km/h acceleration takes only 4.4 seconds. In actual driving, the torque output of the motor is very direct during the initial start, and the power response is quick. Even with a light press on the accelerator, you can feel a noticeable push-back effect. When switched to Sport mode, the engine and motor work together to deliver even stronger acceleration performance, making overtaking very reassuring. The gearbox is an 8-speed automatic, with smooth gear changes and hardly any noticeable jerks.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers precise direction control with minimal play, and the steering is clear. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension, calibrated for sporty performance without being overly stiff. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, offering good stability. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most minor vibrations, maintaining body stability and ensuring comfort.

As a plug-in hybrid model, fuel consumption performance is worth noting. The official combined fuel consumption is 3.18L/100km. In our actual test, the pure electric mode can travel about 50km in urban conditions, fully meeting daily commuting needs. During long-distance drives, the engine and motor work in tandem, with fuel consumption being approximately 6L/100km, showing a significant advantage compared to fuel-only vehicles in the same class. Moreover, the vehicle supports both fast and slow charging options. In fast charging mode, it takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge, while slow charging requires about 6 hours.

In terms of ride comfort, the in-car noise control is quite effective. Whether driving at low speeds or cruising at high speeds, wind and tire noise are not prominent. The energy recovery system offers adjustable levels, and even at the highest setting, the drag sensation is not abrupt, ensuring a comfortable everyday driving experience. The comfort of the seats is also commendable; the balance between support and cushioning in the sporty seats is well-executed, ensuring comfort even during long drives.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design lie in its powerful performance, low operating costs, and impressive luxury features. Compared to plug-in hybrid models from its BBA competitors in the same class, its price is more affordable, and it offers richer features, giving it a higher cost-performance ratio. This car is suitable for consumers who value both driving pleasure and sustainability, as well as daily usage costs, especially young families or professionals. It ensures comfortable and economical daily commutes while also delivering robust performance when needed.

In conclusion, the 2019 Volvo S60 T8 R-Design is a D-segment luxury sedan that balances performance, environmental considerations, and premium features. Its performance is well-rounded without obvious drawbacks. If you are looking for a luxury sedan that meets daily usage demands and occasionally allows you to unleash some driving passion, this car is worth considering.