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2009 Volvo S60 Features Review

May 8, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

most drivers had no trouble using the optional navigation system
Car and Driver

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

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

All 2009 Volvo S60 models receive upgraded audio units
Kelley Blue Book

For 2009, many features of the Premium Package and Advanced Package are incorporated into the standard S60 2.5T and 2.5T AWD, and features from the T5’s Advance Package are made standard.

The 2009 S60 2.5T front-wheel-drive and 2.5T AWD models now come standard with items such as sport leather seating surfaces, a power glass sunroof, a power passenger seat, genuine wood inlays, rear shelf speakers, and auto-dimming mirror with compass. Also, the five-speed automatic transmission now has the Geartronic manual shift function. To the S60 T5 Volvo adds inscription leather seating, a premium sound system with Dolby ProLogic II Surround, a six-disc CD changer, brushed-aluminum door handles, rear park assist, and Dual Xenon Gas Discharge Headlights with Active Bending Light (ABL), among other items. 2009 retail prices for the S60 get a big mandatory boost to match the new equipment list.

For many drivers and reviewers, the 2009 Volvo S60 offers a gracious selection of technology and features. 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.

Of this feature, ConsumerGuide appreciates that this system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functions”; ConsumerGuide also deems the toggle buttons “inaccessible to the front passenger” and the “dashtop screen…hard to read in daylight.” 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.

Edmunds remarks that the S60’s notable optional features “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.

About the radio, Car and Driver notes it's “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.”

The Climate Package with heated seats, headlight washers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, as well as the Advanced Package with a premium sound system, 17-inch Talos alloy wheels, speed-sensitive steering, and aluminum inlays, are still available for both the 2009 S60 2.5T and 2.5T AWD.

Conclusion

The 2009 Volvo S60 gets more standard features this year, but they come at a price.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:most drivers had no trouble using the optional navigation systemCar and Drivernav system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functionsConsumerGuideexcellent 13-speaker Dolby sound system with an in-dash CD changerEdmundsAll 2009 Volvo S60 models receive upgraded audio unitsKelley Blue Book For 2009, many features of the Premium Package and Advanced Package are incorporated into the standard S60 2.5T and 2.5T AWD, and features from the T5’s Advance Package are made standard. The 2009 S60 2.5T front-wheel-drive and 2.5T AWD models now come standard with items such as sport leather seating surfaces, a power glass sunroof, a power passenger seat, genuine wood inlays, rear shelf speakers, and auto-dimming mirror with compass. Also, the five-speed automatic transmission now has the Geartronic manual shift function. To the S60 T5 Volvo adds inscription leather seating, a premium sound system with Dolby ProLogic II Surround, a six-disc CD changer, brushed-aluminum door handles, rear park assist, and Dual Xenon Gas Discharge Headlights with Active Bending Light (ABL), among other items. 2009 retail prices for the S60 get a big mandatory boost to match the new equipment list. For many drivers and reviewers, the 2009 Volvo S60 offers a gracious selection of technology and features. 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. Of this feature, ConsumerGuide appreciates that this system “doesn't absorb audio or climate functions”; ConsumerGuide also deems the toggle buttons “inaccessible to the front passenger” and the “dashtop screen…hard to read in daylight.” 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. Edmunds remarks that the S60’s notable optional features “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. About the radio, Car and Driver notes it's “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.” The Climate Package with heated seats, headlight washers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, as well as the Advanced Package with a premium sound system, 17-inch Talos alloy wheels, speed-sensitive steering, and aluminum inlays, are still available for both the 2009 S60 2.5T and 2.5T AWD. ConclusionThe 2009 Volvo S60 gets more standard features this year, but they come at a price. 2009 VOLVO S60 STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: “businesslike dashboard groups audio and climate controls within a broad center panel” The Auto Channel: “very much an example of Swedish Modern style" Popular Mechanics: “Remember the 240? Now forget it.” Edmunds: “still sports a ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2009 S60 lands at the entry end of the mid-size sport-sedan spectrum, where a few thousand in sticker price or a slight difference in payments might make the difference. That said, it’s hard to justify the S60’s boost in price for ’09 when it now lines up with the sporty, redesigned Acura TL, which has a much roomier interior, plus plenty of technology and safety features. The Saab 9-5—from Volvo’s rival Swedish brand—is perhaps the closest competitor to the S60, but the Saab is even more outdated, with a design that reaches back a full decade. The 2009 Volvo S60 boasts better interior appointments and a better ride than the 9-5, though the (more expensive) 9-5 is more of a driver’s car—and it has a roomier backseat. The Audi A6 is another alternative; it offers either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive and has a roomy interior that feels more upscale and exhibits a nice ride, but it’s also significantly more expensive than the others. Those who want refinement and a stylish appearance, inside especially, should consider the Nissan Maxima. The new Maxima isn’t at all the sport sedan it once was, but it’s comfortable—almost opulent—inside and has some of the features of pricier lux sedans.

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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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