Volvo S60 To Get 250-HP T5 as Base Engine

I've never driven one, so I can't comment on handling prowess, but dropping a cylinder and losing the rear diff doesn't automatically make it an also-ran. I realized long ago that not everyone has the same needs/wants in a car as I do. This car might deliver exactly what a large segment of the population is looking for.

Anyway, I still like the overall look of the S60, but that nose needs to take a step back, literally.

"That’s a pretty nice way of saying this car cant compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, and MB…I guess there moving down stream to compete with Acura, Saab, Hyundai and Lexus."

This car has more features, more power, and a higher price tag than the car it replaces. I'm not sure how you can consider that "moving down stream." Plus, it's base T5 trim has more power than the base 328, A4, and C300, and you know that options we might take for granted as being standard in mainstream cars are extra cost options in all of these. And it's Volvo... as much as they would like to be, they've never been in the same tier with Audi, BMW, or MB. They're in a strange position in between mainstream and premium, kind of like Acura, Saab, and Buick. I just don't get the "moving down stream" comment.

This car, stylewise, looks better to me than almost any Audi or BMW.

I have not driven a recent model Volvo, but in the past they always seemed to feel more American than European. And, like Subarus, they are an acquired taste.

The last Volvo I drove turned me off immediately with light, loose, numb steering that reminded me of a malfunctioning Dodge Dart from about 1970. So much about the car was attractive and comfortable, but even a ten mile drive was tiring because keeping it between the lines was entirely visual, with no assist from the feel of the steering. I hope they addressed those issues in the new S60.

I doubt the S60 T5 will be a 5-cylinder. The European V60 T5 is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo.

The T5 engine in the V70, XC70, V50, S40, S60 etc is a great engine, it is not missing any cylinders.

The Volvo can easily compete with the BMW, Audi. The T5 or 2.5T easily has more torque than the NA engines of its competitors. In our family we car pool and the last person to leave always gets the BMW 320I with 2.2l engine, the Volvo 2.5T and SAAB 2.0T are long gone! The BMW 3.0 litre six has more KW but you need to keep the engine above 5000rpm and the gearbox shifting to keep up with the 2.5T

The Volvo is an exceptional car in that on long trips with multiple passengers where you want to arrive relaxed and fresh. However, if you want to go for a fang and race the M3 on your way to work its not the car for you.