The sports sedan market is a fascinatingly diverse landscape, ranging from practical, front-wheel-drive family cars with a sporty trim to high-performance, track-ready machines. In this broad spectrum, the sweet spot lies in sedans that offer a compelling blend of everyday usability and engaging driving dynamics. These are cars that can comfortably handle family duties but still deliver an exciting experience when the driver seeks some spirited driving. The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-design aims to occupy this desirable middle ground, promising a taste of sportiness within a luxurious and practical package. But does it truly deliver on this promise, or is it merely a standard S60 dressed up in sporty attire? Let’s delve into the details and explore the merits of the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design.
Striking Design: The Exterior of the 2019 S60 R-Design
First impressions matter, and the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design immediately captivates with its visual appeal. Even in its base form, the S60 is an attractive sedan, but the R-Design package elevates its aesthetics to another level. Opting for the R-Design trim brings a host of sporty enhancements, including black exterior accents, unique R-Design wheels, and distinctive seats. Crucially, it also includes a lowered and stiffened suspension compared to the standard S60 models. The combination of these styling elements, especially when paired with the vibrant Fusion Red paint, achieves a delicate balance between sporty aggression and sophisticated luxury. This is a tightrope walk that Volvo executes remarkably well, at least in terms of visual presentation.
Interior Comfort and Scandinavian Simplicity
The same design philosophy extends to the interior of the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a cabin that is undeniably refined and comfortable. Volvo has long been praised for its exceptional seats, and the S60 R-Design continues this tradition. Like the exterior, the interior successfully balances comfort and support. The R-Design seats manage to be both plush and supportive, providing comfort in all the right areas. They offer a wide range of adjustments and feature effective heating. These seats are designed to hold you securely during spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for long road trips. And aesthetically, they are quite pleasing to the eye. Volvo’s commitment to seat design is evident, and hopefully, this level of quality will continue in future models.
From the driver’s seat, the 2019 S60 R-Design exudes an aura of upscale modernity, spaciousness, and distinctiveness. It manages to differentiate itself positively from competitors in the segment. Forward visibility is excellent, and the ergonomics are typically Volvo – well-thought-out and intuitive. The interior materials convey genuine quality, reinforcing the sought-after Swedish simplicity and solid build. One notable drawback is the sometimes slow responsiveness of the infotainment interface. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the high-resolution Sensus Connect center screen mitigate this issue somewhat.
As a sedan, the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design excels in practicality. The overall packaging is well-executed, offering ample space without feeling overly large. Being a true sedan, unlike some “coupe-like” competitors, the rear seats provide generous headroom and legroom, comfortably accommodating adults. This practical aspect adds to the S60 R-Design’s appeal as a versatile daily driver.
Driving Dynamics: Performance and Handling of the S60 T6 R-Design
The crucial question remains: how does the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design perform as a sports sedan? The answer is nuanced. It positions itself as a balanced option between the standard, luxury-focused S60 and the high-performance Polestar Engineered T8 variant. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex picture.
Engine and Performance: Twin-Charged Power
Understanding the powertrain options is key to appreciating the S60 T6 R-Design’s performance. The T6 engine distinguishes itself from the base T5 and the top-tier T8 Polestar Engineered. While the T5 utilizes a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, the T6 enhances this with compound forced induction, adding a supercharger to the turbocharger. This twin-charging approach boosts the T6’s output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. While not reaching the T8 Polestar Engineered’s impressive 415hp and 494lb-ft, it’s a significant step up from the T5. Furthermore, the T6 R-Design AWD weighs considerably less than the Polestar Engineered model, resulting in a more favorable power-to-weight ratio. Positioned between the T5 and T8 in power, yet closer to the T5 in weight, the T6 variant promises a compelling performance experience.
In practice, the T6 powertrain delivers ample power. Switching the Drive Mode selector to Polestar Engineered mode sharpens the throttle response noticeably, creating a sensation of increased power, even if the actual output remains unchanged. The car accelerates briskly through the gears, providing sufficient thrust for everyday driving and highway merging. The twin-charged engine produces some enjoyable boost sounds, adding a touch of auditory excitement. However, the engine lacks ultimate refinement and can feel somewhat uninspired in normal driving conditions. The exhaust note is also underwhelming, lacking the desired sporty growl that could enhance the driving experience, especially in such a well-insulated cabin.
Transmission and Gear Shifts
The transmission performs adequately in typical driving scenarios but shows limitations when pushed harder. While upshifts and downshifts are reasonably quick, even when utilizing the paddle shifters, gear changes can feel somewhat sluggish and the transmission’s reactions can be delayed. However, this aspect is likely to be noticeable primarily to driving enthusiasts who demand sharper responses. For the average buyer, the transmission’s behavior will likely be perfectly acceptable, even if it’s not the most predictive or lightning-fast. This characteristic hints at the S60’s more mainstream origins.
Steering and Handling Prowess
The steering is another area where the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design presents a mixed bag. The car handles competently, especially for a 4,000+ pound all-wheel-drive sedan. However, the steering feel is less than ideal. In Eco and Comfort modes, it is predictably numb, which is not necessarily a drawback for everyday driving. Switching to Polestar Engineered mode adds noticeable weight to the steering, requiring more effort to turn the wheel. Despite the added heft, the steering remains devoid of genuine feedback from the front end. The increased weight doesn’t translate into more information reaching the driver’s hands. On-center feel remains vague, albeit with slightly more resistance.
Interestingly, the lack of steering feel doesn’t significantly detract from the car’s ability to handle winding roads. The weight, all-wheel-drive system, and inherent Volvo stability contribute to a planted and secure feeling. The lowered suspension effectively controls body roll in corners while maintaining a ride quality that avoids harshness. Despite the steering’s lack of communication, the overall handling and composed nature of the chassis inspire driving confidence. Ultimately, if a comfortable and relaxed driving experience at a brisk pace is a key attribute of a good sporty sedan, the S60 R-Design delivers.
Conclusion: The Verdict on the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design
The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design presents itself as an attractively styled vehicle with premium appointments, high-quality materials, and decent driving dynamics. With a sticker price around $55,000, it represents a worthwhile proposition. Overall, the S60 T6 R-Design successfully embodies a premium feel and achieves its intended goals. It offers a satisfying level of sportiness, ample luxury, and the reassuring solidity and safety expected of a Volvo. While a greater sense of tactile engagement would be welcome, it might deviate from Volvo’s established approach. The 2019 S60 T6 R-Design may not be a dedicated, hardcore sports sedan, but it convincingly projects the image and feel of one within the more approachable segment of sporty sedans. It strikes a good balance, catering to both the sporty and luxury aspects. For many considering a Swedish sedan in this category, the S60 T6 R-Design will likely be just right. Perhaps not the Goldilocks of the entire sports sedan segment, but certainly the Goldilocks within the Volvo S60 range, delivering the right amount of Swedish spice.
