Overview
The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription represents a specific chapter in the mid-size luxury sedan’s history, characterized by its focus on increased rear-seat comfort and premium appointments. Developed to cater to markets demanding more legroom, the Inscription trim was built on the long-wheelbase version of the S60 platform, which was primarily manufactured at the Chengdu plant in China for global distribution, including the North American market. This model year served as a bridge between the traditional Volvo design language and the brand’s transition toward its newer modular platforms.
Under the hood, this specific configuration utilizes the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, a hallmark of Volvo’s engineering during this era. Paired with an all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle emphasizes stability and all-weather capability. The Inscription trim distinguishes itself from the standard S60 through additional chrome exterior accents, upgraded interior materials, and a notable 3.4-inch increase in wheelbase, which significantly improves rear-seat passenger space. By 2016, the S60 was well-regarded for its focus on occupant safety and ergonomic seat design, maintaining Volvo’s reputation for building vehicles that prioritize long-distance comfort over aggressive track performance.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S60 Inscription AWD |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Generation | 3rd (P3 Platform) |
| Trim | Inscription |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Executive |
| Vehicle Class | Compact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Volvo P3 |
| Assembly Plant | Chengdu, China |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Production Start | 2015 |
| Production End | 2018 |
| VIN Identifier | YV1 |
| Base MSRP | $38,700 |
| Destination Charge | $995 |
| Total MSRP | $39,695 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Volvo Modular Engine |
| Engine Name | B5254T12 |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-5 |
| Displacement | 2.5 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 mm x 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 5.9 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-30 |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft @ 1800-4200 rpm |
| Redline | 6500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 20 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 28 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 23 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 10.2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 409 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 385 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.6 s |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 s |
| 0-100 mph | 17.5 s |
| Quarter Mile | 15.2 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 122 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.84 g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 14.8 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 182.5 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.4 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 82.5 |
| Height (in) | 58.4 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 113.5 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.2 |
| Rear Track (in) | 62.0 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.3 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3700 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4630 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 3300 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 930 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 93.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 12.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 37.1 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 7-inch Sensus |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Standard |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon |
| Speaker Count | 12 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Yes |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 years / Unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / Unlimited miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Skövde, Sweden |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Haldex AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription is widely regarded for its exceptional seat comfort and high-quality interior materials, making it a strong contender for buyers prioritizing cabin refinement over sporty handling. Reliability for this model year is generally considered solid, though owners should remain attentive to the maintenance of the turbocharger system and the electronic components within the Sensus infotainment interface. Common issues to monitor include potential oil consumption in higher-mileage examples and the occasional glitch in the electronic parking brake or climate control sensors. In the current used market, the Inscription trim offers significant value for those seeking a quiet, composed, and safe luxury sedan, provided that the service history confirms consistent oil changes and adherence to Volvo’s recommended maintenance schedule.
