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2008 Volvo S60 Features Review

July 22, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

one of the better-sounding OEM units I've sampled lately
Car and Driver

All 2008 Volvo S60 models receive upgraded audio units
Kelley Blue Book

excellent 13-speaker Dolby sound system with an in-dash CD changer
Edmunds

nav system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functions
ConsumerGuide

In the age of excessive electronic intervention (iDrive and self-parallel-park as two examples), the 2008 Volvo S60’s unique and uncluttered approach to technology is a refreshing departure from the luxury norm.

One of the most unique features of the S60 is its optional navigation system. Rather than integrating the nav screen with the radio display or computer/iDrive display a la BMW, Volvo tucks the screen neatly away inside the dash when not in use. Says Car and Driver, “most drivers had no trouble using the optional navigation system…it was easy to keep a peripheral eye on it while driving.” Toggle control buttons for the system are located on the back of the steering wheel, earning praise for their ease of use but jeers for lack of redundant controls for the co-pilot in the passenger seat. Of this feature, ConsumerGuide mentions the toggle buttons are “inaccessible to the front passenger” and finds the “dashtop screen…hard to read in daylight.” ConsumerGuide appreciates that this system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functions.”

Listing the S60’s notable optional features, Edmunds remarks that they “mostly come bundled in packages,” and “include an excellent 13-speaker Dolby Pro Logic surround sound system with an in-dash CD changer, a navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and an interior air quality system”--not to mention a power glass sunroof, active bi-xenon headlamps with washers, rain-sensing wipers, and custom alloy wheels.

Car and Driver notes the radio, “unique because its functions are all controlled by turning knobs — even the radio presets.” They feel that it takes some getting used to, “but once learned, it was easier to use than most conventional units.”

Conclusion

The technology and features in the 2008 Volvo S60 seem to be in perfect rhythm with many drivers.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:one of the better-sounding OEM units I've sampled latelyCar and DriverAll 2008 Volvo S60 models receive upgraded audio unitsKelley Blue Bookexcellent 13-speaker Dolby sound system with an in-dash CD changerEdmundsnav system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functionsConsumerGuide In the age of excessive electronic intervention (iDrive and self-parallel-park as two examples), the 2008 Volvo S60’s unique and uncluttered approach to technology is a refreshing departure from the luxury norm. One of the most unique features of the S60 is its optional navigation system. Rather than integrating the nav screen with the radio display or computer/iDrive display a la BMW, Volvo tucks the screen neatly away inside the dash when not in use. Says Car and Driver, “most drivers had no trouble using the optional navigation system…it was easy to keep a peripheral eye on it while driving.” Toggle control buttons for the system are located on the back of the steering wheel, earning praise for their ease of use but jeers for lack of redundant controls for the co-pilot in the passenger seat. Of this feature, ConsumerGuide mentions the toggle buttons are “inaccessible to the front passenger” and finds the “dashtop screen…hard to read in daylight.” ConsumerGuide appreciates that this system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functions.” Listing the S60’s notable optional features, Edmunds remarks that they “mostly come bundled in packages,” and “include an excellent 13-speaker Dolby Pro Logic surround sound system with an in-dash CD changer, a navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and an interior air quality system”--not to mention a power glass sunroof, active bi-xenon headlamps with washers, rain-sensing wipers, and custom alloy wheels. Car and Driver notes the radio, “unique because its functions are all controlled by turning knobs — even the radio presets.” They feel that it takes some getting used to, “but once learned, it was easier to use than most conventional units.” ConclusionThe technology and features in the 2008 Volvo S60 seem to be in perfect rhythm with many drivers.  2008 VOLVO S60 STYLING | [6 out of 10] Car and Driver: “An entirely unique style” Kelley Blue Book: “from boring box to stylish Swede” Edmunds: “still sports a distinctive Scandinavian flavor” Popular Mechanics: “Remember the 240? Now forget it.” Like Demi Moore—or Bruce Willis--the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Saab 9-5—from Volvo’s rival Swedish brand—is perhaps the closest competitor to the S60. The 2008 Volvo S60 boasts better interior appointments and a better ride, though the (more expensive) 9-5 is more of a driver’s car—and it has a roomier backseat. The Audi A6 is offered with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive, has a roomy interior that feels more upscale, and exhibits a nice ride, but it’s also significantly more expensive than the others. Another alternative is the Acura TL, a sporty (especially in Type-S form) and luxurious sedan that has a much roomier interior, though it’s only offered with front-wheel drive.

Next Steps:

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See the Volvo S60 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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