Volvo expanded its United States’ lineup for 2015 with the launch of the all-new V60 sport wagon.
The sport wagon is based on Volvo’s S60 architecture. The designer’s focus was on retaining the S60’s coupe-like profile, while increasing cargo space at the rear.
The V60 becomes the first Volvo to offer new Drive-E technology. V60 T5 front-wheel-drive models are fitted with Volvo’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection that delivers 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A unique overboost function increases the maximum available torque to 280 pound-feet for the first 10 seconds of open throttle between gears two through eight.
When teamed with the new standard eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the smaller, lighter Drive-E engine delivers low emissions and high fuel economy. Also new is the start/stop feature, which automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal.
New Eco+ functions, when activated by the driver, can improve fuel economy by 5 percent depending on driving style, temperature and climate. Eco+ functions include the previously mentioned start/stop feature, as well as Eco-coast and Eco-climate. Eco-coast helps conserve kinetic energy by enabling the vehicle to coast. The engine brake is disengaged and engine speed drops to idle speed when pressure on the accelerator is released. With the Eco-climate feature, the air conditioning compressor is disconnected to reduce auxiliary loads. Pressing the AC button restarts cooling or the driver can deactivate Eco+.
Volvo’s electronically controlled all-wheel drive with Instant Traction is standard on the midrange V60 T5 AWD. These models employ Volvo’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to an efficient six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive with Instant Traction provides the best possible grip in all situations. The advanced AWD system delivers power to the wheels with the best grip. When at ire loses traction, power is reduced to that wheel and instantly transferred to the more sure-footed wheels.
Volvo created the V60 T6 AWD R-Design especially for those who crave performance and a more sporty driving experience. It comes dressed with distinctive R-Design visual cues, revved by the performance-tuned T6 engine and enhanced with Advanced Quick Shift transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change.
The T6 R-Design features a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine with Polestar performance software upgrade that produces 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Paddle shifters for the six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission allow the driver to shift manually with both hands on the steering wheel.
Advanced Quick Shift if designed to increase the V60’s performance potential. When Sport Mode is selected or when using the paddle shifters, software mapping improves gear change speed by 20-30 percent on third to sixth gears and up to 50 percent faster from first to second gear. V60 R-Design is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.
In addition to its three powertrains — the T5 Drive-E FWD, T5 AWD and T6 R-Design AWD — Volvo offers V60 buyers the additional convenience of selecting from an array of packages and individual options. Available on all models, the optional Climate Package includes a heated windshield, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated windshield washer nozzles and an interior air quality system.
The Technology Package is standard with the Platinum trim and available on all others. Features include pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto brake function; auto high beam automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected; and the road sign information displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the forward looking camera. The package also includes adaptive cruise control with queue assist, collision warning with full auto brake, distance alert, driver alert control, lane keeping aid (on T5 Drive-E) and lane departure warning (on T5 AWD and T6).
Additional features, included in the Convenience Package, standard on Platinum and available on all other trims, are keyless drive, rear park assist camera, HomeLink, digital compass, grocery bag holder and power retractable outside mirrors.
V60 stand-alone options include dual two-stage child booster seats with power child door locks, urbane or piano black wood inlays, sport seats, quick-fold front passenger seat and dual-screen rear entertainment system.
A base model T5 Drive-E FWD carries an MSRP of $35,950. A top-of-the-line T6 R-Design AWD with Platinum trim, the blind spot information system package and climate package with dual two-stage child booster seats will cost a driver about $52,615.
Servicing the 2015.5 Volvo V60
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km):
• Replace engine oil and filter
• Reset service reminder indicator
• Check/adjust coolant level
• Check/adjust power steering fluid level
• Check/adjust washer fluid level
• Check all wiper blades and washers for headlights and windshields for function and signs of wear
• Clean inside of windshield in front of camera (vehicles with camera for collision warning)
• Check/adjust brake fluid level
• Check brake pads/discs
• Check pressure, wear and condition of wheels and tires
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km):
• Check engine, transmission and timing gear for leaks
• Check engine coolant and adjust antifreeze rating and anti-corrosion agent
• Visually inspect the final drive/bevel gear (AWD models only)
• Check/adjust parking brake
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or once a year — or more often in heavy traffic or dirty/dusty areas:
• Replace cabin air filter
Every 40,000 miles (64,000 km):
• Clean the air cleaner housing and replace engine air filter
• Check brake hoses and lines for damage and/or leaks
Every 40,000 miles or every 3 years — every one year if driven in mountainous areas or humid climates:
• Replace brake fluid
Every 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or every two years:
• Check spare tire for damage, wear and pressure
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km):
• Check automatic transmission fluid level is an external leak is identified
• Change automatic transmission fluid on vehicles used for towing
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) and then every 10,000 miles thereafter:
• Check exhaust system for leakage, mounting
• Replace spark plugs
• Check suspension and steering
• Check driveshaft rubber boots
• Check wear on propeller shaft, pilot bearing and universal joints (AWD models only)
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) and then every 20,000 miles thereafter:
• Check driveshaft joints for wear/play
Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km):
• Replace accessory drive belt, belt tensioner and idler pulley
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
Motor Oil: SAE 5W-30 Full synthetic meeting the minimum ACEA A5/B5 specifications; SAE 0W-30 is recommended for extreme driving conditions; capacity is 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters) for four-cylinder engines, 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) for five-cylinder engines and 7.18 quarts (6.8 liters) for six-cylinder engines
ATF: Transmission fluid AW-1; capacity is 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters) for six-speed transmission and 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) for eight-speed transmission
Coolant: Coolant with corrosion inhibitor mixed with water; capacity is 9.4 quarts (8.9 liters) or 8.8 quarts (8.3 liters) for four-cylinder engines
Brake Fluid: DOT 4
