Vehicles made by European auto manufacturer Volvo can be seen on American roads in a variety of vehicle size classes. Consumers have a bevy of choice from sedans, wagons, and SUVs, with innovative categories including hybrids and Polestar models. Since 1927, Volvo has been a consistent and understated brand that delivers excellent craftsmanship. Loyal customers enjoy their elegant exteriors and refined interiors.
The 2016 Volvos have a line-up of award-winning SUVs, sedans with repeat ownership, and concept cars that leave the competition scrambling. This is the result of a generous list of base features that add convenience at every turn. In the case of luxury features, the designers at this brand spare no expense in exceeding industry standards. The MSRPs have long been a price buyers consider comparable to the other brands on the road.
Here is a look at some attributes and pros and cons of three models for your contemplation. A visit to a dealer’s website will add more texture to this information. Previewing each vehicle in-person and a test drive will complete the research process. One thing is for sure: you’re certain to be impressed with the Volvo roster.
1. Volvo S60
Size
Consumers have a mid-sized stalwart in this model. It comes with an astonishing 12 trims.
Features
Owners of this sedan will be surrounded with luxury features that pamper them including standard power front seats, automatic air conditioning, front and rear arm rests, and leather gear shifts. Optional luxuries include leather seating for five, headphones, entertainment system, heat for front and back positions and multi-functioning steering wheels. Three wheel selections of 17 to 19 inches complement the front or all-wheel drive choices. Handling is seamless with the six or eight speed transmissions.
Competition in the same class
Based on the list by U.S. News and World Report, Audi A3 and A4, BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, and 4 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-class are this model’s competition.
Pros / Cons
The litany of overall base features is a plus for this stand-out value with five engine selections. They include two inline four 2.0L with 240hp and 302hph, one inline five 2.5L 250hp, and two inline six 3.0L with 325hp and 345hp. Its top safety status adds more pluses to this column.
There are a couple of drawbacks, with interiors having smaller rear passenger room and complicated GPS technology features.
Price
The ROI for the S60 is a given with its premium audio system, turbo charged power-train, touring suspension, and safety features. It is considered a steal for the $34,000 to $59,000 price tag. Consumers will not find HID headlamps with fully automatic functionality. More sought-after features such as auto-dim mirrors, power moon roofs, and distance pace cruise control are not available in the first two trims.
Special offers
The S60 has several liberal offers with one point nine percent APRs for five years and a cash allowance. The Inscription trim gives an additional five hundred dollar cash allowance. Three lease deals are available for the Premier T5 Drive-E with front-wheel drive, Premier T5 all-wheel drive, and the Inscription T5 Drive-E front-wheel drive.
2. Volvo S60 Polestar
Size
Buyers looking for a sporty option will be very impressed with the mid-size S60 Polestar. This is a limited edition, high-performance model.
Features
The Polestar engineering signature is branded on these luxury features: calibrated six speed transmission, Ohlins shocks, front struts, and alloy wheels. Brembo brakes have also been monogrammed with Polestar. Safety and technology standard features are Sensus Navigation, Mapcare, Connect, and exclusive Volvo OnCall innovation.
More base features include a power moon roof, Park Assist Camera, BLIS, Adaptive Cruise Control and Que Assist, distance collision warning alerts, and traffic sign recognition. Nubuck leather interiors are memory, power, and heated with Harmon Kardon stereo systems. Exteriors have dual chrome exhausts, spoilers, and active high-beam Xenon headlamps.
Competition in the same class
Heady competition includes BMW’s M-Series, Audi S4, and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG being out-performed according to Business Insider and Car and Driver.
Pros / Cons
Outstanding suspension systems come with standard torque vectoring on all-wheel drive. A slew of standard safety features make this one of the safest vehicles on the road.
One con is there are only two trims available. The other is this is slated to be a limited edition model.
Price
All the possible base features have been included as standard in the well-equipped S60 Polestar. With all the attention to detail, there is only one wheel size and rim design.
Special offers
There are no special offers currently available for the S60 Polestar.
3. Volvo XC90
Size
This is a luxury full-sized SUV with seating capacity for eight passengers.
Features
There are a plethora of standard luxury features including ergonomic leather interiors with real wood inlays and ambient lighting throughout. Heated and power front seats are standard from the T6 Momentum trim and up. Rear seats have optional heat and headrests with dual eight inch displays. Standard rear HVAC and audio volume controls are integrated with a standard split folding or bench configuration.
Cargo storage is nearly 90 cubic feet. Headlight cleaners come with reactive, fully automatic and delay off headlamps on all but two trims. Head-up display, fog lights, and rear reverse sensors are standard, while rear integrated child seats are optional until the T6 First Edition offers them standard.
Competition in the same class
Tesla Model X, Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Acura MDX are the competition for this exceptional SUV.
Pros / Cons
XC90 is winner of the 2016 Best Luxury third-row SUV for families. It is a finalist in the 2016 Best Luxury third-row SUV for the money category. Industry influencers including U.S. News and World Report and J.D. Power and Associates are not happy about the reliability of this current installment.
Price
MSRPs of $44,000 to $55,500 are comparable to competitors with more base features in most trims. One 2.0L inline four engine has a choice of 260hp or 316hp with a standard eight speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Nearly ten inches of ground clearance make this a vehicle ready for every terrain, although trailer hitch receivers, skid plates, and illuminated running boards are either not available or optional.
Special offers
Two XC90 special offers are available including a purchase package of one point nine APR for 60 with a $1,000 cash allowance. Leases are available for the T5 Momentum, T6 all-wheel drive Momentum Plus, and T8 twin- engine plug-in hybrid EAWD Momentum. A limited time offer gives buyers the Premier Package with every trim purchased.