The Volvo S60 III 2.0 T5 Automatic, produced from November 2018 to March 2020, represents a compelling blend of performance and efficiency within the third generation of Volvo’s popular S60 sedan. Positioned as a mid-range offering in the S60 lineup, it served as a step up from the base T4 model, offering significantly more power and a more refined driving experience while remaining more accessible than the top-tier T6 and Polestar Engineered variants. This model year S60 was a pivotal shift for Volvo, moving production of the S60 to the United States (South Carolina) and marking a departure from sharing a platform with the V60 wagon. It’s built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, designed for flexibility and advanced technology integration.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S60 |
| Generation | S60 III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 T5 (250 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | November, 2018 |
| End of production | March, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 10.9-11.6 l/100 km (21.6 – 20.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 7.4-8.2 l/100 km (31.8 – 28.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 5.9-6.7 l/100 km (39.9 – 35.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 6.5-7.6 l/100 km (36.2 – 30.9 US mpg) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 7.1-8.0 l/100 km (33.1 – 29.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 161-181 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 240 km/h (149.13 mph) |
| Power | 250 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1800-4800 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1800-4800 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4204T26 |
| 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 | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1686 kg (3716.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2240 kg (4938.35 lbs.) |
| Max load | 554 kg (1221.36 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4761 mm (187.44 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Height | 1431 mm (56.34 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2872 mm (113.07 in.) |
| Front track | 1593-1603 mm (62.72 – 63.11 in.) |
| Rear track | 1593-1603 mm (62.72 – 63.11 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the S60 T5 Automatic lies Volvo’s B4204T26, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is part of Volvo’s Drive-E family, known for its compact size and efficiency. The ‘T5’ designation indicates the presence of a turbocharger, boosting power output to 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1800 rpm all the way to 4800 rpm. Direct fuel injection is employed for precise fuel delivery, maximizing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. The engine utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. Paired with the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. This transmission is designed to balance performance with fuel economy, offering a wide range of gear ratios to suit various driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The S60 T5 Automatic delivers a refined and capable driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 6.2 seconds, making it a reasonably quick sedan. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, offering strong acceleration for merging and overtaking. The eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth gear changes, and the transmission’s programming is tuned for a balance between fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Compared to the base T4 model, the T5 offers a significant performance upgrade, while the higher-output T6 (supercharged and turbocharged) provides even more exhilarating acceleration. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides good traction in most conditions, although it may exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S60 T5 Automatic typically came well-equipped with standard features including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional extras included premium audio systems, heated and ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the year and region, but generally offered packages that added convenience and luxury features.
Chassis & Braking
The S60 T5 Automatic features a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension is tuned to balance handling with ride comfort, offering a good compromise for everyday driving. Ventilated disc brakes are used on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are standard features, enhancing safety and stability. The S60 T5’s chassis is designed to be relatively lightweight, contributing to its agile handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S60 T5 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and strong performance. Fuel economy was considered competitive for its class, with combined fuel consumption ranging from 7.1 to 8.0 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 to 29.4 US mpg). Compared to rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the S60 T5 offered a unique Scandinavian design aesthetic and a strong emphasis on safety. Some critics noted that the infotainment system could be complex to navigate, and the front-wheel-drive configuration limited its overall performance potential compared to rear-wheel-drive competitors.
Legacy
The Volvo S60 III 2.0 T5 Automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The Drive-E engine family has a good reputation for longevity, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is generally considered to be robust. On the used car market, these models hold their value reasonably well, particularly those with low mileage and a well-maintained service history. Common issues are relatively minor, often related to routine maintenance items such as oil leaks or sensor failures. The S60 T5 Automatic remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a stylish, safe, and comfortable mid-size sedan.
