2022 Volvo S60 B5 AWD
Did you know that the third generation Volvo S60 is built in Charleston, South Carolina? Opened in 2018, the Charleston plant’s opening was combined with the launch of the current generation S60, making it also the first Volvo made in the USA, and at Volvo’s first US-based plant.
Volvo says that that the 2022 Volvo S60 is a true driver’s car that was designed to compete well in both North American and Chinese markets. It is also the first new Volvo to be sold without a global diesel offering, signaling the company’s industry-leading commitment to electrification and a long-term future beyond the combustion engine.
The S60 competes in a crowded Canadian luxury company sport sedan market with the likes of the BMW 3-series, the Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, just to name a few.
How does it stack up against its main European competitors, a couple of which have just been updated as recently as last model year?
Handsome Scandinavian looks, inside and out
This third-gen 2022 Volvo S60 is built on the firm’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, also used by the XC60, XC90 SUVs, and the S90 and V90 sedans/wagons.
In mid-sized sport sedan form, the S60 wears Volvo’s latest proud and confident corporate face, with classic Volvo styling cues like its front bumper design, emblem with integrated front looking radar, Dark theme grille design, rear bumper diffuser and hidden tailpipes. In the R-Design trim, the S60 presents itself as the sporty version of the S60 range.
Although it has been out for several years now, the “Thor’s Hammer” LED Daytime Running Lights still look modern and distinctive. With the Volvo S60, you get to enjoy the brand's state-of-the-art Scandinavian design language embodied in its sleek and sophisticated exterior, paired with sharp detailing. Its modern aesthetic still stands out against other cars in its class, though it is a rather traditional three-box-sedan design.
Judged on just exterior styling alone, the S60 still looks like is a successful exercise in design, having aged well over the last few years.
Inside the car, you will find a clean Scandinavian interior design with natural materials and exclusive details on the dashboard and instrument panel. Minimalism is the name of the game, with the polished accents, clean lines and tasteful applications of matte wood, chrome and piano black surfaces.
Volvo also optionally offers the S60 with leather-free interiors and a handcrafted gear shifter in genuine Swedish crystal from Orrefors.
Using an Ikea analogy sells the interior short – think Swedish high-end furniture for a much better comparison.
Interior tech
The S60 comes equipped with Volvo’s latest portrait screen format infotainment system featuring built-in Google apps and services that offer hands-free help via Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps, as well as access to native in-car apps via Google Play. In model year 2023 it will also have the ability to receive larger software updates over the air.
For the most part, this system works well, and over the last couple of years, major updates have enabled must-have conveniences such as full-screen Apple CarPlay. I do like the system’s ability to integrate seamlessly with your Spotify and Google accounts, enabling things such as Google Assistant, Google Maps.
The advanced air purifier system removes up to 95% of hazardous PM 2.5 particles from entering the cabin for better air quality both inside and outside of the car.
On the safety front, there is an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors that enable development and deployment of active safety systems such as detection of other road users, automatic braking and collision avoidance as well as gentle driver support from standstill up to highway speeds via Pilot Assist function.
The S60 is also equipped with Volvo's City Safety with Autobrake technology. This class-leading system is the only one available that takes into account pedestrians, cyclists and large animals – plus. I now features world-first auto braking technology to help mitigate oncoming impacts. Thankfully I did not have to test this system first hand during my week with the S60.
My test car was also equipped with the excellent $3,700 Bowers and Wilkins upgrade sound system, arguably one of the best systems in this vehicle class. Volvo says that each Bowers & Wilkins car audio system is configured to deliver optimum sound quality in every circumstance, with B&W engineers working alongside their Volvo counterparts from the very earliest stages of each car’s development.
How does it drive?
The 2022 S60 B5 has a lot to offer including a comfortable and quiet cabin that is perfect for long drives. In typical Volvo fashion, the driving position is ideal for adults of almost any size, and the front seats provide supreme support and comfort.
While it's great that Volvo offers two-way lumbar adjustment, it is unusual in that other cars in its class include four-way lumbar adjustment as a standard. The rear seat also provides plenty of room for passengers.
Volvo's 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engines have been upgraded to a 48-volt mild hybrid system and are now referred to as B5 and B6. The potent B5, as tested on my vehicle, packs 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the B6 replaces the previous supercharged/turbocharged setup with one larger turbo with 295 hp and 310lb-ft of torque.
The company says that the mild hybrid setup offers both smooth take-offs along with up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real world driving conditions. This motor-generator combo can switch between generating electricity for storage and supplying electricity to the engine on demand, giving the driver an extra boost when needed.
Power flows through the only transmission available, an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s smooth but not the sportiest gearbox out there in manual mode.
Embracing the trend of software selectable features, the 2022 Volvo S60 B5 boasts adaptive dampers and drive modes that can be changed directly on the infotainment screen. It makes sense why Volvo transitioned away from its hardware mode selector dial to this more simplified setup - after all, many drivers will use one setting for the majority of their time with this car.
The 2022 Volvo S60 B5 feels quick in everyday driving, but its competitors – such as the latest 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 —accelerate faster. 0-100 km/hr runs can be completed in 7.3 seconds. Respectable, but it does trail some competitors.
While the steering weight is adjustable, the steering speed isn't. I found it slightly on the slow side for a sports sedan, making it more luxurious to drive versus sporty. Fortunately, the body remains composed even in quick maneuvers. Overall, the S60 doesn’t possess the agility of sports sedan peers from Audi, BMW, or Jaguar.
Canadian drivers will also appreciate the S60 B5’s excellent permanent all-wheel-drive, which adds a level of surefootedness in all-weather conditions.
Final thoughts
The 2022 Volvo S60 B5 R-Design delivers performance and Scandinavian style in one package. With its sporty cues and energetic disposition, it's sure to turn heads while out on the road - but more than that, it also offers a smooth and well-mannered drive that'll make you feel in control no matter where your journey takes you.
