James Riswick says to get the S60 T5, the model (like ours) with the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 good for 250 hp. Mike Monticello, on the other hand, would prefer the T6 with its 300-hp, turbo inline-6. It's not an easy decision.
I relate to both statements. James is right; the T5 should be great for most people. But Mike's got a point about it being a bit unrefined. Plus, who wouldn't want 325 hp and 354 lb-ft from the R-Design (or T6 Polestar upgrade)?
One other aspect to consider: the T6 comes with all-wheel drive. There have been a few times recently when I've been accelerating out of a corner in our S60, and its front-drive layout is all too obvious and cheapens the overall experience of the car.
The T6 would solve that. Then again, if I really want a sport sedan, am I going to buy an S60? At that point a BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G would make more sense.
Our S60 T5 charms because it's sporty enough, but also comfortable. Sigh. It's tough. But put me down for the T5.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
BigFordFan150 says:
04:58 PM, 02/ 1/12
I would have to take that R for a drive. I love Volvo and the S60 is so unique. Bit more cool then the G37 or the 335. But then i really like a good RWD based car.
ddark13 says:
05:24 PM, 02/ 1/12
i test drove a T5 when the dealer had no T6's in stock. the engine reminded me of vw's 2.5 5cyl engine (not a good thing) and felt like it had closer to 200 hp
motorstreet says:
05:32 PM, 02/ 1/12
The fact that the T5 gets optional AWD for 2013 only makes the choice more difficult. I think the T5 is a great car for less than $35000, but I would have a hard time choosing it over a Regal GS or Cadillac ATS. I really like the T6, but I don't know if it's worth the extra cost. I drove my neighbor's S60 T6 R-Design and I think it's a great car. I the S60 is great looking and I like the uniqueness and rarity compared to the A4, C-Class, G37, and IS. The T6 is definitely a better engine, so I would probably choose that version.
legacygt says:
05:55 AM, 02/ 2/12
The post states that the FWD cheapens the feel of the car." The T6 would solve that." Do we know that? I don't know about the S60 but many FWD that add AWD maintain a FWD bias that is never truly overcome.
tjpark01 says:
07:48 AM, 02/ 2/12
The AWD architecture is more important than the power. If you occasionally like to hoon the car, a FWD vehicle doesn't inspire any feeling like you are controlling the car, it's more like physics is controlling you. Sure you can do it, you can also cut a steak with a butter knife, but that doesn't make it enjoyable.
montgom616 says:
07:54 AM, 02/ 2/12
AWD in LA? LOL!
The T5 is very nice. Lot's of low end torque.
Volvo is going to now sell the S60 T5 with AWD as an option.
If you need AWD, you may need to learn how to drive. ;-)
cdp8 says:
09:56 AM, 02/ 2/12
I haven't driven the new S60 but I owned a V50 AWD with the T5 and I currently own a XC70 T6 AWD. Both engines have had HP & torque increases over the versions I drove/drive. Get the T6. Inline smoothness coupled with copious amounts of torque and a wonderful exhaust note equal many miles of driving pleasure. The T5 is rough, raucus and loud; it has nothing going for it when compared with the T6 other than purchase price and fuel economy.
justinlink says:
11:28 AM, 02/ 2/12
"AWD in LA? LOL!"
Weather isn't the point of AWD on the T6. While it's certainly a benefit, putting 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque (let alone 325 hp and 354 lb-ft) through only the front wheels of a car does not make for a great ride. A heavy foot would constantly overwhelm the front tires. Even with the HiPer Strut system Buick employs for the GS, there is still noticeable torque steer with 270 horses. Having AWD in the T6 eliminates torque steer, and even adds some different driving dynamics, like a tendency toward lift-throttle oversteer.
Rounding out the line-up with a T5 AWD is probably for sales purposes, and to appeal to the Northeast and Northwest audiences who want AWD and don't want to pay $38,000 to start. But in the T6 and R-Design, it's all but a necessity.