Volvo Launches Car Production at First-Ever US Plant

Volvo is counting on its new USA -made premium midsize sedan to continue its record sales pace while also helping its bottom line.

At first glance, the wait was worth it-even at the S60’s roughly $37,000 base price.

The S60 will be available in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription level trims.

The slightly angrier look hints at the notion that the S60 is a bit more driver-focused than the S90. The wide “Volvo” badge has been moved from between the taillights to under the rear tail compared to the larger sedan, and the S60’s exhausts are finished with dual- or quad-tipped outlets, depending on trim.

Inside, the S60 finally gets its version of what’s becoming the Volvo mold for interiors. On the inside, the S60 gets the same Sensus infotainment system as its siblings, complete with portrait-oriented touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

Official prices have yet to be announced, but as with the old vehicle we’d expect the new S60 to undercut its key rivals, with prices likely to start at around £27,000.

Due to go on sale early next year, the S60 will be offered in the United Kingdom with a choice of four petrol engines including two plug-in hybrids, part of Volvo’s pledge to offer electrified versions of all new models from 2019 onwards. Other engines, including the turbocharged T5 and twin-charged T6 petrol engines will also be available at launch. The T6 adds a supercharger for a total of 316 hp delivered to all four corners. Called the Polestar Engineered package, it adds improvements to the car’s brakes, wheels, suspension and ECU, boosting power to 415 horsepower.

Of course, Volvo hasn’t forgotten about safety. It’s now the only system on the market that can recognize pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.

Meanwhile, options such as the Pilot Assist system, which can steer, accelerate and brake the auto on well-marked roads at speeds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph), has been upgraded to deliver better cornering performance. The R-Design T8 will start at $55,395 and the Inscription version at $56,395.

Buyers will be able to choose between two turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid petrol engines. Pricing for the Polestar Engineered trim – which will only be offered on the hybrid – has not been confirmed yet.

The S60 will be available through Volvo’s new premium subscription service, Care by Volvo, which offers vehicle access with no down payment via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership. To start with, there’s S60 T6 Momentum for $755, followed by T6 AWD R-Design from $850 a month. A metal mesh inlay joins the R-Design perforated leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, nappa leather sport seats with open grid textile and an R-Design leather wrapped gear shifter.

In a first for the segment, customers can access the new S60 via Volvo Cars’ new premium subscription service Care by Volvo, which offers vehicle access with no down payment via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership.