The Volvo S60 II facelift, specifically the 2.0 D4 (190 hp) Automatic variant, was produced from 2015 to 2018. This model represents a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation S60 (introduced in 2010), falling within the broader P24 platform family shared with other Volvo models of the era. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the S60 lineup, the D4 Automatic aimed to balance fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and comfort for everyday driving. It served as a key volume seller in European markets, where diesel engines remained highly popular, and also saw moderate sales in other regions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S60 |
| Generation | S60 II (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 D4 (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 113 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 5000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4204T14 |
| Engine displacement | 1969 cm3 (120.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1605-1746 kg (3538.42 – 3849.27 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2060-2200 kg (4541.52 – 4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 454-455 kg (1000.9 – 1003.1 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 67.5 l (17.83 US gal | 14.85 UK gal) |
| Length | 4635 mm (182.48 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1899 mm (74.76 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2097 mm (82.56 in.) |
| Height | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2776 mm (109.29 in.) |
| Front track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Rear track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 124 mm (4.88 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.3 m (37.07 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S60 D4 Automatic is Volvo’s D4204T14, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of Volvo’s VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) family, designed for modularity and efficiency. The D4204T14 utilizes a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. Fuel is delivered via a modern common-rail direct injection system, enabling precise fuel metering and contributing to both performance and reduced emissions. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing gas flow for improved combustion. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was chosen for its smooth shifting and efficiency. It features a wide gear ratio spread, aiding both acceleration and highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 190 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque provided by the D4 powertrain deliver adequate performance for most driving situations. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 7.2 to 7.6 seconds, making it competitive with other diesel-powered sedans in its class. The automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving experience, particularly in urban environments. Compared to the higher-output D5 variants or the petrol-powered T5, the D4 Automatic prioritizes fuel economy over outright speed. The eight-speed transmission helps keep the engine within its optimal torque band, providing responsive acceleration. However, drivers seeking a more engaging experience might find the automatic transmission less involving than a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S60 D4 Automatic typically came well-equipped, reflecting Volvo’s reputation for safety and comfort. Standard features included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, and a suite of safety technologies such as City Safety (Volvo’s automatic braking system), lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional extras included a premium sound system, panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Trim levels varied by market, but generally offered increasing levels of luxury and technology. The D4 Automatic often served as a stepping stone between the base-level trims and the more premium D5 or T5 models.
Chassis & Braking
The S60 II utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The D4 Automatic, being a mid-range variant, typically featured standard brakes with ventilated discs on all four wheels. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) were standard safety features. The suspension tuning was generally geared towards comfort, but the S60 still offered reasonably composed handling for a front-wheel-drive sedan.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S60 D4 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and comprehensive safety features. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy under hard acceleration. Compared to the more powerful D5 variant, the D4 offered a more affordable entry point into the S60 range, albeit with slightly less performance. Against competitors like the Audi A4 TDI and BMW 320d, the S60 D4 Automatic offered a compelling combination of value, safety, and fuel economy.
Legacy
The D4204T14 engine, in various iterations, proved to be a reliable and durable powerplant. While diesel engines have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, the D4 remains a relatively dependable unit when properly maintained. The eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission is also known for its robustness. On the used car market, the S60 D4 Automatic represents a good value proposition, offering a comfortable and efficient driving experience at a reasonable price. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with diesel engines, such as diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration and injector servicing.
