First time when I saw this car, I thought this was a testing base used for Volvo to test next generation Volvo cross country wagons. Then they put it into the production, I am astounded.
For me the concept of a jacked up sedan is what I could really use. Hatchbacks (SUV/Wagon) lack one thing I really like and that is the security of a trunk. I often carry expensive computers that have theft and company security concerns. Also I like to keep my camera gear with me. Why I like to explore forest service roads and live in the Pacific northwest so AWD and extra ground clearance has it uses in the mountains when it snows and gets sloppy. As far as the Volvo, they need to update to the latest engine/transmission to fix the economy problem, and retain the efficiency of pushing less air than a SUV. Also how about a lower content option so those of us raising a family can afford one.
Hey Alex your review on this ride helped me to decide on a new '17 S CC version of this great handling ride. Appreciate the knowledge of your driving comparsions comparitive abilities !!
Alex, the dashboard is not, as you say, a plastic injection molded part (hard). But it's made of a thermoformed foil backfoamed with polyurethane foam (soft).
Great job being informative. As far as it's looks I give it a big thumbs up. Being nearly 55 years old I come from a time when we were looking for a more beefier look---hence,,, we jacked everything up. I never got on board with the whole lowering thing.
Its nothing short of a beauty! Simplistic and a very sofisticated modern look, not like the over futuristic looking Lexus RX. And It's got a solid look, like a tank!
hi Alex. I actually like the looks of this VOLVO! I'm older than you at 50 years old and I think this is one they hit out of the park for looks, handling, and cabin noise, and acceleration. Perfect car for empty nester like me who doesn't travel to far on average to worry about MPG but gas is cheap right now LOL. I like the way it looks. You're right about the hatch back idea I agree. I don't know about reliability and Volvo's.
Crikey, a 60mi commute each way?! That's rough. Pretty nice car and something that I would say is a pretty good formula. I also prefer the lifted wagon idea, but if for some reason you want a smaller trunk I guess that's okay. I used to have a 2002 WRX that I put wagon springs in to raise the ride height much like this car and it was great in the winter.
Alex - any idea how many are first time Volvo buyers vs those who have bought a Volvo before? I ask because the car doesn't appear ergonomically friendly and materials seem a notch below the competition. Design doesn't draw me to the car (for not ever owning a Volvo). I feel that current Volvo buyers are one who have either owned a Volvo before or possibly had parents who owned a Volvo (and they are familiar with Volvo design/quality).
+Tully3674 Materials quality is actually very similar to the IS/3-Series/A4 and a notch above the CLA. Ergonomics is a harder thing to comment on since some of that is personal preference. Volvo's seat designs are universally praised when it comes to comfort and safety but personal preference in design plays a larger role in luxury car purchases.
+Tully3674 Wife and I just purchased this car. We live in Canada (harsh winters) so the extra ride height was appealing since we wanted a sedan as well. So far so good, loving the car and would likely buy one again in a couple of years when we go to trade in.
+Tully3674 In my opinion, if you ever buy Volvo, you will not want to drive anything else! I just bough s60 cross country and love it. This is my 4th Volvo. And i would not buy any other brand. I just trade Cadillac ATS in. Let me tell you, it was the biggest mistake to buy an American car. Now i am back to Volvo and I am happy.
+Alex on Autos one word, actually phrase , YES, they did it, they coupled the new T6 with the AWD and the new Geartronic 8 , all in the current generation of the S60, I bet this would be your dream car, is sure is mine.
Nice looking car. I think the AMC Eagle would go farther through bad conditions. Unless you are pushing through challenging snow depths, the extra height just doesn't help all that much versus a regular height AWD.
Hey Alex I've noticed your camera's lens is quite dusty, and it bothers me when I watch the video especially when you move your camera to a lighter object. I suggest you should take care of your camera but anyway great video there Alex!
I agree with you, Alex, in that this vehicle appears to be the solution to a problem that exists for a very small customer base. While I don't mind the higher ride height -- in fact I actually like it -- the look to me seems more appropriate for wagon/hatchback than a sedan. The [lack of] rear seat room in Volvo's 60-series vehicles is a non-starter for me; simply not enough by any stretch of the imagination. I would consider the lot to be two-seat vehicles with room for an occasional child.
Alex, for the 2016 Volvo S60 there's a power lumbar, it's just hidden all the way in the back of the base of the seat. Are you 100% sure there's no lumbar support here?
Hi Alex, Is Volvo considered a "Premium" brand now? The premium status isn't used much if at all with Volvo reviews compared to the well known premium brands. Nice work, as always!
+Mario Dalla Riva Volvo is generally considered to be either a luxury or "near luxury" brand. In theory "Premium" is supposed to describe brands like Buick and Mercury which are a step between mass market brands like Honda and Toyota and near-luxury brands like Acura, Volvo, etc. Volvo is considered more or less a full luxury brand in Europe but perceptions in the USA are different.
If they had jacked up an L version of the S60 it might have made a little more sense. But seriously, if you need the ground clearance get an XC60 or V60 cross country.
this thing is badass... Subaru's grown up, better looking, buffer brother...luxury rally car...but, give me the hatch, and what's the reliability record?
I own an S60 R design and previously an XC60 R design and just do not get the point of this vehicle. Especially when selection on Volvo lots is so sparse already, it further dilutes the inventories and engineering resources.
hi alex thx for your reply, do you think is worth to buy the XC70 2016 i know this model is almost 10 years old, but my wife and i really like this car.
+yyt101 I wouldn't delay buying one if you needed a car now. If you were willing to wait a full calendar year or so you could wait for the replacement which should happen sometime after the launch of the S90 which is expected in early 2016. Keep in mind that Volvo has not specifically announced a replacement at this time so this is purely conjecture.
Volvo's problem is they price their cars and try too hard to compete with BMW and Mercedes. They need to rethink this if they want to compete in the USDM.
Its so expensive...and gets the same MPG as a 2006 Buick Lacrosse...or hell, my 1990 Cadillac Coupe Deville. lol Progress? Still waiting for it I guess...
Hi, Alex. I recently watched some 0-60 videos in small luxury sedan category, be specifically BMW 335i vs Mecedes C400, I found that it seems Bimmer needs third gear in order to get 60 while the Mecedes only need second gear. And it results the Bimmer a bit slower to get 60. Is it because the Bimmer's lack of 20 HP or the transmission design cause the slowness?
Alex, the dashboard is not, as you say, a plastic injection molded part (hard). But it's made of a thermoformed foil backfoamed with polyurethane foam (soft).
Just bought this car!! I love it!!!
First time when I saw this car, I thought this was a testing base used for Volvo to test next generation Volvo cross country wagons. Then they put it into the production, I am astounded.
For me the concept of a jacked up sedan is what I could really use. Hatchbacks (SUV/Wagon) lack one thing I really like and that is the security of a trunk. I often carry expensive computers that have theft and company security concerns. Also I like to keep my camera gear with me. Why I like to explore forest service roads and live in the Pacific northwest so AWD and extra ground clearance has it uses in the mountains when it snows and gets sloppy. As far as the Volvo, they need to update to the latest engine/transmission to fix the economy problem, and retain the efficiency of pushing less air than a SUV. Also how about a lower content option so those of us raising a family can afford one.
It's so nice to look at, I'm looking for a used one for my first car
some enthusiasts have done this to the 2001-2009 by using the XC70 suspension from 2001-2007. It's quite inspiring.
Hey Alex your review on this ride helped me to decide on a new '17 S CC version of this great handling ride. Appreciate the knowledge of your driving comparsions comparitive abilities !!
I like these crazy unusual looks..... And practicality on a hard winter in NYC will make u fall in love after the first snow storm
Alex, the dashboard is not, as you say, a plastic injection molded part (hard). But it's made of a thermoformed foil backfoamed with polyurethane foam (soft).
Great job being informative. As far as it's looks I give it a big thumbs up. Being nearly 55 years old I come from a time when we were looking for a more beefier look---hence,,, we jacked everything up. I never got on board with the whole lowering thing.
Its nothing short of a beauty! Simplistic and a very sofisticated modern look, not like the over futuristic looking Lexus RX. And It's got a solid look, like a tank!
ground clearance _thumbs up
I am a very big fan of your reviews and the way you present them is really cool. Eagerly waiting for your 2016 Honda Civic detailed review.
I cackled at the unicycle the casually breezed by you
hi Alex. I actually like the looks of this VOLVO! I'm older than you at 50 years old and I think this is one they hit out of the park for looks, handling, and cabin noise, and acceleration. Perfect car for empty nester like me who doesn't travel to far on average to worry about MPG but gas is cheap right now LOL. I like the way it looks. You're right about the hatch back idea I agree. I don't know about reliability and Volvo's.
PS, not crazy about all the buttons of MEDIA and HVAC all mixed in a big square with the numbers pad in the middle. That looks old school.
Crikey, a 60mi commute each way?! That's rough. Pretty nice car and something that I would say is a pretty good formula. I also prefer the lifted wagon idea, but if for some reason you want a smaller trunk I guess that's okay. I used to have a 2002 WRX that I put wagon springs in to raise the ride height much like this car and it was great in the winter.
+Bradley Comis Are you Australian?
I think you hit on something. If this car were a hatchback it could find a niche in the market. Maybe even from me.
12:30 Guy riding a massive unicycle?? AWESOME.
This car looks gigantic! It's like the Ford Taurus in mass.
First!! I think my wife will loves it, she wants a tall sedan.
Excellent use of visual aids in this video.
I think this is one of those cars that would look better in black. I think it's a cool idea.
I like how it looks. And AMC Eagle is not what comes to mind.
Alex have you thought of a shot that shows the car accelerating away? just so we can get a sense of the exhaust note.
Alex - any idea how many are first time Volvo buyers vs those who have bought a Volvo before? I ask because the car doesn't appear ergonomically friendly and materials seem a notch below the competition. Design doesn't draw me to the car (for not ever owning a Volvo). I feel that current Volvo buyers are one who have either owned a Volvo before or possibly had parents who owned a Volvo (and they are familiar with Volvo design/quality).
+Tully3674 Materials quality is actually very similar to the IS/3-Series/A4 and a notch above the CLA. Ergonomics is a harder thing to comment on since some of that is personal preference. Volvo's seat designs are universally praised when it comes to comfort and safety but personal preference in design plays a larger role in luxury car purchases.
+Tully3674 Wife and I just purchased this car. We live in Canada (harsh winters) so the extra ride height was appealing since we wanted a sedan as well. So far so good, loving the car and would likely buy one again in a couple of years when we go to trade in.
+Tully3674 In my opinion, if you ever buy Volvo, you will not want to drive anything else! I just bough s60 cross country and love it. This is my 4th Volvo. And i would not buy any other brand. I just trade Cadillac ATS in. Let me tell you, it was the biggest mistake to buy an American car. Now i am back to Volvo and I am happy.
+Alex on Autos one word, actually phrase , YES, they did it, they coupled the new T6 with the AWD and the new Geartronic 8 , all in the current generation of the S60, I bet this would be your dream car, is sure is mine.
You know that Ford owns Volvo now right? They aren't made in Switzerland anymore.
Great Job Alex! Clear and objective presentation.
Excellent review, thank you for your hard work Alex!
Very unique vehicle. Thanks for the review Alex!
Wait for the late 2017-2018 version
The "jeans" look good as well....;)
Love this design.
Safety is priority. The outlooking design looks good to me. I hope I can buy one for my girlfriend.
刘 Liu勃松 Bosong Can I be your girlfriend ..lol
Nice looking car. I think the AMC Eagle would go farther through bad conditions. Unless you are pushing through challenging snow depths, the extra height just doesn't help all that much versus a regular height AWD.
nice review. new subscriber.
Hey Alex I've noticed your camera's lens is quite dusty, and it bothers me when I watch the video especially when you move your camera to a lighter object. I suggest you should take care of your camera but anyway great video there Alex!
I agree with you, Alex, in that this vehicle appears to be the solution to a problem that exists for a very small customer base. While I don't mind the higher ride height -- in fact I actually like it -- the look to me seems more appropriate for wagon/hatchback than a sedan. The [lack of] rear seat room in Volvo's 60-series vehicles is a non-starter for me; simply not enough by any stretch of the imagination. I would consider the lot to be two-seat vehicles with room for an occasional child.
I have this car,its very good ngl!
Superb design
Alex, for the 2016 Volvo S60 there's a power lumbar, it's just hidden all the way in the back of the base of the seat.
Are you 100% sure there's no lumbar support here?
+rumynchik Power lumbar support is there, but as I said it's not a 4-way lumbar adjustment as you see in the 2016 XC90 and 2017 S90
+Alex on Autos
Thanks. Sorry I misheard. It makes sense now :)
Hi Alex,
Is Volvo considered a "Premium" brand now? The premium status isn't used much if at all with Volvo reviews compared to the well known premium brands.
Nice work, as always!
+Mario Dalla Riva Volvo is generally considered to be either a luxury or "near luxury" brand. In theory "Premium" is supposed to describe brands like Buick and Mercury which are a step between mass market brands like Honda and Toyota and near-luxury brands like Acura, Volvo, etc. Volvo is considered more or less a full luxury brand in Europe but perceptions in the USA are different.
I like the styling!
If they had jacked up an L version of the S60 it might have made a little more sense. But seriously, if you need the ground clearance get an XC60 or V60 cross country.
Can you please do a review of the 2016 Civic?
Hi Alex, Any plans on doing a full review on the Subaru Outback?
How does the EPA classify vehicles like the X4, GLA, and S60 Cross Country?
This is so unique
I'm not sure who buys this :/ Not hating on it, it actually has it's own personality. Maybe some parts in the Europe this isn't too out of the norm
+Chris Sorreda It is. S60 Cross Country is the only jacked up sedan in Europe as well.
Love the style. not sure about the in line 5 cylinder engine
this thing is badass... Subaru's grown up, better looking, buffer brother...luxury rally car...but, give me the hatch, and what's the reliability record?
Very beautiful
It's oddly cool
looks good
Hi Alex, what colour is this car? Is it mussel blue metallic?
I like it.
Not sure about the looks. I do like Volvo in general, but this one looks too much like a jacked up sedan. It's not 'too' bad though.
Nice review. Volvo need to update entire lineup except XC90. Very dated inside and outside.
I own an S60 R design and previously an XC60 R design and just do not get the point of this vehicle. Especially when selection on Volvo lots is so sparse already, it further dilutes the inventories and engineering resources.
this car is hot cake if introduced in india
Alex I m thinking to buy the xc70 are you able to do a review on that car?
+yyt101 It is unlikely since Volvo plans to replace it soon.
hi alex thx for your reply, do you think is worth to buy the XC70 2016 i know this model is almost 10 years old, but my wife and i really like this car.
+yyt101 I wouldn't delay buying one if you needed a car now. If you were willing to wait a full calendar year or so you could wait for the replacement which should happen sometime after the launch of the S90 which is expected in early 2016. Keep in mind that Volvo has not specifically announced a replacement at this time so this is purely conjecture.
thank you again alex :)
Volvo's problem is they price their cars and try too hard to compete with BMW and Mercedes. They need to rethink this if they want to compete in the USDM.
Awesome
Bump 2025
9:18 Looks like the tesla dash
Its so expensive...and gets the same MPG as a 2006 Buick Lacrosse...or hell, my 1990 Cadillac Coupe Deville. lol Progress? Still waiting for it I guess...
Hi, Alex. I recently watched some 0-60 videos in small luxury sedan category, be specifically BMW 335i vs Mecedes C400, I found that it seems Bimmer needs third gear in order to get 60 while the Mecedes only need second gear. And it results the Bimmer a bit slower to get 60. Is it because the Bimmer's lack of 20 HP or the transmission design cause the slowness?
+维民赵 It is more likely that it is the HP difference. The ZF 8-speed is a very fast transmission
How tall are you?
I thought my commute was rough. lol...
Audi took the Q7 and "combified" it.
nice!
WTF is up with that center console and center of the dash? Seriously, someone got paid to design that, and that blows my mind!
I used to think that too, but it's actually pretty nice in person.
Remember that this was designed before 2009 so it is quite old now.
60 mile commute one way?? Jeebus
Sedans are lacking in the way of practicality imo.
what is AoA ? hahah
It looks like it’s in steroids! But I love it
Americans saying "coupe" wrong
Volvo's solution for not having many new products? Bring over a wagon and jack all our products up.
idk this car is kinda like when your trying to grow your hair out and your like in that awkward middle stage
ewwww~~~!!
No thank you...
it doesnt look right
it looks so wrong !
Alex, the dashboard is not, as you say, a plastic injection molded part (hard). But it's made of a thermoformed foil backfoamed with polyurethane foam (soft).