Fast, agile, and sumptuously luxurious – this was like no Volvo sedan that had come before. Check out our Volvo S60 T6 R-Design buying guide before getting one of your own.
Need a good-value, used market executive sedan? Well, here’s one option you might not have considered. Following the success of the widely celebrated first-generation S60, Volvo unveiled the second-gen model in 2010. The overt aim of its predecessor had been to ruffle the feathers of the established leaders in the executive sector, the offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and the second-gen S60 took greater steps to try to achieve this. Build quality was outstanding (as you’d expect from something as solid and logical as a Volvo), with a high quality of materials and a focus on premium construction.
New sporty approach
As well as majoring on safety and innovation, Volvo trumpeted the revised S60 as the sportiest car it had built thus far, and the jewel-in-the-crown engine is the spec we’re focusing on with this guide: the T6. Lesser models in the range enjoyed a variety of petrol and diesel engines, but the T6 was the halo specification: a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six serving up a robust 300bhp and 325lb-ft. The T6 came with all-wheel-drive as standard, and the superlative traction off the line allowed it to scamper from 0-62mph in an impressive 5.9-seconds. The benefits to handling of this layout are remarkable too, with the S60 T6 being a supremely agile machine.
Specifically, we’re talking here about the T6 R-Design. Now, this might mean different things depending on which country you live in; in the USA, the T6 R-Design was the full-fat 3.0 AWD model with all of the spec benefits outlined below. However, in Europe, R-Design was more of a trim level across the board, so make sure that you’re looking at an example that features all of the spec and trim options in this guide that came as standard for the American market.
Safety & Style
The T6 wasn’t just about out-and-out thrust, of course. Volvo has always majored on safety, and the equipment included in this car is very impressive. As well as the usual comprehensive suite of airbags, the S60 came with ‘City Safety’ – a system for detecting impending collisions, and also the driver’s likelihood of reacting to them in time; if the car felt the driver needed help, it could perform an emergency stop at speeds up to 20mph, or at higher speeds it braked to lessen the effects of impact. Another notable system was the optional ‘Pedestrian Protect’, a radar-based setup used to keep an eye out for wayward pedestrians and take measures to avoid them.
Showcasing Volvo’s new design language for the 2010s, and sharing the platform of the larger XC60, the S60 cut quite a dash with its elegant styling, and the fact that it wasn’t outré or overtly offbeat means that the design has mellowed and aged well. And in R-Design spec, the looks are particularly imposing: gloss black trim and extensive color-coding complements the lower-slung stance, along with model-specific diamond-cut wheels and distinctive twin tailpipes.
The S60 is a car that sits in an interesting position in the market. Buyers who want a sporty drive will most likely opt for the BMW 3-Series, while those solely prioritizing comfort choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the S60 attempts to fuse both into one package. With its powerful engine, sporty chassis and luxurious interior, it neatly combines all of these elements rather well – with the added bonus that it’s never been the obvious choice, meaning that as a used proposition today, it’s generally more affordable than either.
Volvo S60 T6 R-Design Buying Guide
Most common problems
Weak strut mounts. A common issue on the S60 is an inherent weakness in the front suspension strut mounts, which leads to creaking or groaning noises. Replacement top mounts are readily available.
Jerky transmission. Some owners have reported a certain jerkiness to the way the automatic gearbox shifts, although generally speaking it’s simple enough to remedy by changing the transmission fluid.
Thrashed examples. Not a lot seems to go wrong with these cars (touch wood), although it’s definitely worth looking out for cars that have been thrashed rather than pampered. Interrogate the owner as much as the car, see what kind of driver they are.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Very impressive engine
Agile chassis
High-quality interior
Cons:
Aesthetics perhaps lack the ‘wow’ factor
Relatively thirsty if you have a heavy right foot
Prowess requires explaining; you know it’s quick, but does anybody else?
Model timeline
2010 – S60 Mk2 unveiled at Geneva Motor Show
2011 – Model goes on sale in USA
2014 – Facelift changes all exterior panels from A-pillars forward
2018 – Production ends
Engine
The engine fitted to the S60 T6 R-Design is the B6304T4. This is a member of Volvo’s SI6 (short inline-six) family, which evolved from the Modular 5-cylinder engine. It’s a 3.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled straight-six with variable cam timing and variable valve lift. Max power is 300bhp at 5,600rpm, with a max torque figure of 325lb-ft between 2,100-4,200rpm. It’s an eminently tunable engine too – popular mods include an upgraded intercooler, exhaust system and inlet manifold which, combined with a decent remap, can dramatically improve performance while retaining everyday reliability.
Transmission
The transmission in the S60 T6 R-Design was Volvo’s second-generation 6-speed automatic Geartronic ’box, and its revised valves and lower levels of friction made for quicker shifts than ever before. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system came as standard, and worked hand-in-hand with Corner Traction Control with torque-vectoring. The latter is an evolution of the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system, which essentially brakes an inner wheel while feeding more power to the outer, allowing for tighter cornering with reduced understeer. Advanced Quick Shift activates in Sport mode and/or when using the paddle-shifters.
Chassis
Suspension
Given the impressive levels of power available from that lusty turbo six-pot motor, it’s pleasing to know that Volvo’s engineers pulled out all the stops to ensure that the handling was as sporty as the engine deserved. The dampers are uprated, their springs stiffer than those found in other S60s, and the steering has been treated to a quicker rack too. However, don’t go thinking it’s jarring or harsh – in spite of this focus on performance, the inhabitants of that cosseting interior still get to enjoy a properly comfy and smooth ride.
The details of the upgrades are impressive, as the R-Design featured a setup not found in other S60 models. The dampers were monotube items, rather than the twin-tubes found in the regular T6, while the R-Design also benefitted from a front upper strut brace, 15mm shorter springs, 20% stiffer rear bushes (that were chassis-mounted), and 400% stiffer front tie-blade bushing.
Brakes
The OEM brakes are substantial, with 300mm front discs (later upgraded to 336mm), and the setup is integrated with the assorted electrical systems which use braking force to complement the City Safety and Pedestrian Protect safety features as well as the torque-vectoring handling system. On a standard car, the OEM braking force is thoroughly impressive; on a more powerful modified car, it’s good to know that various quality aftermarket upgrades exist, from the likes of Brembo and EBC.
Wheels
The diamond-cut 18” alloy wheels fitted to the S60 T6 R-Design are model-specific, meaning that you won’t find them on any other S60 as standard. The PCD is 5×108 and the standard offset is ET55 on 8”-wide wheels, so off-the-shelf aftermarket options are plentiful.
Standard tire size is 235/40 R18. For a slightly more robust footprint, an owner may consider upsizing to 8.5×19” wheels with broader 245/35 R19 tires.
Interior
It’s very obvious from the cabin that Volvo had the premium executive sector in its crosshairs. The quality of the materials used throughout is a noticeable level above those found in cheaper models in the Volvo range, with supple leather hides and tactile plastics. The driver gets a leather-trimmed steering wheel with a pleasingly chunky rim, while rear passengers have a decent amount of legroom.
Details specific to the R-Design include front sports seats with chunkier bolsters and R-Design emblems; standard trim is off-black leather, with assorted other colors and premium textiles optional. This spec also enjoys unique floor mats, gear shifter and pedals. The S60 range came with an optional Adaptive Digital TFT Display instrument cluster, and in the R-Design this was standard-fit with unique blue lighting within.
Prices
Used options are relatively plentiful for buyers in the USA. Prices dip below $10,000 for launch models, rising to $12,000 for 2013/14 models with average miles. Expect to pay $15,000 for an excellent late example.
In the UK, careful searching can unearth decent cars, although don’t expect to find the market flooded with 3.0-litre R-Design models. Thankfully, when they do appear for sale, they can be pleasingly inexpensive – a 2011 model will be around £6,000, with late examples around the £12,000 mark.
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