2019 Volvo S60 - What to expect?

It was in June 2018 when Volvo first unveiled the third-generation S60, and since then the midsize sedan has created a particular hype in the market. It will be the first Volvo car ever to be manufactured in the United States, and its global distribution is about to begin. The car will soon arrive in Malaysia with the initial batches expected to be CBU imports, in typical Volvo Cars Malaysia style. However, in the future, like the rest of the Volvos, this one too will roll out of the company’s Shah Alam plant for both domestic consumption and export (Thai market).

Once launched, the Volvo S60 would rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. Also, this great driver’s sedan, as the company calls it is available in four variants - Momentum, R-Design, Polestar Engineered, and Inscription. Though nothing is confirmed yet, Malaysia is most likely to skip the Polestar trim that combines a plug-in hybrid mill with chassis and styling upgrades - for performance with a twist. It is the T6 AWD trim that’s most likely to arrive here. Though there’s no official statement from Volvo as to when the 2019 S60 would be made available in Malaysia, however, getting you prepared, here is what to expect from the midsize sedan.

Gorgeous looks

We already adore the way Volvo design its cars. The S60 is a mixed bag of all the exquisite design elements and more. One would be able to identify it as a Volvo in an instant by just looking at the unique front grille. In fact, the black inserts on the grille make the S60 even dynamic and sturdy looking. While the shape of the grille remains the same, its boundary receives a chrome treatment. On looking closely, you’d find a dotted grid-like pattern inside the grille that adds to the premium-ness of the car.

Complementing the stylish grille are the full-LED headlamps with integrated distinctive T-shaped LED DRLs. The design of the headlamps is pretty sleek and perfectly blend with the overall low-slung stance of the sedan. The front bumper is painted and is expected to get some chrome treatment as well. And it would also have sporty fog lamp casing on either side.

The side profile like the front of the upcoming Volvo S60 would be very sleek and sporty, thanks to the gorgeous set of 18-inch 5-double-spoke matt black diamond-cut alloy wheels. There is some glossy black casing around the windows that gives the car a touch of dynamic exclusivity. What attracts us the most is the stretched-out appearance of the car when looked from the side. Coming to the rear, the LED taillights look super stylish and would act as a signature element of the S60. There would be a large sporty bumper, boot lid integrated rear spoiler with ‘VOLVO’ spilled across, and fully integrated tailpipes done in stainless steel with chrome finish.

Interior

As of now, Volvo Malaysia has not released the official S60 specs sheet, thus leaving us wondering as to what to expect. However, with the information available at the global level and the kind of impression it has made from its looks, we are pretty sure the interior would be no less. Adding to the sporty character of the sedan, the cabin is most likely to feature a black theme. There might be some chrome bits here that keep things elegant and premium looking. The seats would be wrapped in Nappa leather and be power-adjustable with memory function. The top variant might also offer seat ventilation function. Talking about the steering wheel, it would be a three-spoke unit, hand-stitched and covered in fine Nappa leather and features a number of controls.

The 12-inch instrument cluster in the Volvo S60 comes in four graphic modes would show relevant information, including actual road signs, navigation, and telephone. On the dash would get an elongated, and unique touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, and AUX, etc. We would most likely get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support as well. Other features we are hopeful about are - Volvo On Call, navigation, CleanZone, humidity sensor, speech function, high-performance sound, cruise control, a 12-volt outlet in the boot area, auto-dim inner and outer mirror, and more.

Engine

We have no clue as to what would power the new S60. At the global level, the sedan is available in several engine options. However, here in Malaysia, we are expecting to arrive in T6 AWD guise. So, a non-plug-in hybrid 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Drive-E turbo engine offering 310 hp and 400 Nm. This unit would be paired to an Aisin-made 8-speed conventional automatic gearbox.

Looks promising, doesn’t it? Stay tuned with Zigwheels to know more about the soon to arrive 3rd-gen Volvo S60.