2021 Volvo S60 Inscription

In 2020 there’s plenty of sedans on the market that provide heated and ventilated leather seats, modern technology, good performance, and standard and available tech and safety features. But few brands can boast that in a price range between $40k – $50k their cars are the true definition of a luxury sedan. Today, the Germans chase horsepower numbers, and inject sporty DNA into these vehicles with a more rigid suspension, aggressively bolstered seats, and tight steering. Volvo has taken a different approach with the S60, much like they have with their entire lineup, and that is to give drivers a serene and safe driving experience. However, it doesn’t stop there as the brand continues to strive for the title as being a premium luxury manufacturer with an upscale interior and exterior styling. So here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A 2021 Volvo S60 Inscription T6!

5) Great Value For The Price

The 2021 Volvo S60 Inscription T6 comes in with a starting price of $48,465. Now keep in mind this is the top trim, and for the 2021 model year, Volvo made a few new features standard to bring an improved value for the price proposition for this sedan. These features include active bending LED headlights for improved illumination at night, Volvo’s Blindspot Information System, a 12.3 in digital display, a 9 inch touchscreen with apple CarPlay and android auto compatibility, memory seats for both the driver and passenger, a panoramic moonroof, and dual zone climate control for the rear seating area. Most of these added comforts and technology are optional equipment when compared to German rivals, and in some cases you’ll be paying more for a similarly specced BMW 330i or Mercedes Benz C-Class.

4) Decent Performance

Over the last handful of years Volvo has distanced themselves from performance to fully embrace being known as a luxury brand, as the Polestar division has become their own entity to focus on quick electric powered vehicles. However, that doesn’t mean in 2020 you can’t buy an S60 with more than enough horsepower to get you up to speed quickly. Under the hood the Inscription T6 is powered by a supercharged and turbocharged 2 liter four cylinder engine putting out 316 hp and 295 lb ft of torque. According to Car and Driver you can expect a 0-60 time of around 5.9 seconds, which isn’t going to break any records but you’ll certainly have the ability to get around slower drivers.

When accelerating you hear the supercharger, especially in Dynamic mode which as enthusiasts was music to our ears. You won’t get thrown back in your seat like most sports sedans, and accelerations are very linear for a smooth transition through the gears. Despite our love for tight steering, more aggressive shifts, and a sensitive throttle response, the S60 finds a happy medium in comfort mode where you can have a little fun, without sacrificing the comfort and serene driving experience.

3) Sophisticated Styling

In today’s era of automotive styling where sedans and crossovers often share very similar design cues, the S60 is essentially the car version of the XC60, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. With Volvo’s now being built on the SPA platform, the models that make up this lineup take on a more reserved and upscale road presence, and the S60 is no exception. The S60 we had for our review helped accentuate the chrome accents found up front, and throughout the overall appearance with the black stone body color paint providing a nice contrast. When staring head on, Volvo’s signature Thor Hammer LED daytime running lights makes this car unmistakable compared to rivals, once again setting this luxury sedan apart from so many who try emulating BMW, Audi, and Mercedes Benz.

In true Swedish fashion, Volvo also uncannily found a way to give the S60 body lines that makes this sedan appear larger than the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 when in reality it shares almost identical dimensions. In the US, luxury has always been associated with size, and when you’re looking at a price around $50k, you expect to receive your money’s worth and the S60 certainly offers that with an executive presence. The C-Pillar architecture that runs down into the rear fascia is also one of our personal favorite design qualities, and despite the rear end being squared off, the LED taillights, chrome badging and exhaust outlets just adds to a high quality and lavish appearance that we just don’t see very often in this segment anymore.

2) Interior Refinement

Volvo’s have always been known for their safety and notoriously plush seats, but usually that’s as far as you’d go with the compliments when pertaining to the interior design and quality. In the past, you’d never consider Volvo as being on the same level of luxury compared to BMW or Mercedes Benz, yet here we are in 2020 with a Swedish vehicle that could give the very best in this segment a run for their money. It’s no longer just the comfort of the seats, but now the ergonomics of the dashboard layout, the standard 12.3 inch digital display that far exceeds in quality when looking at non German rivals, and the 9 inch buttonless infotainment system that despite being minimalistic, brings an upscale resolution.

When behind the wheel you feel as though the interior is molded around you, providing a safe and secure feeling. The center console that extends from the dashboard to the center storage compartment also gave us the impression that the S60 was much wider than a BMW 3 Series, when in reality interior dimensions are very much identical to every German competitor in this price range. For passengers in the back they’ll have a surprising amount of legroom, especially if the front passenger and driver are closer to average sized adults. Considering that the S60 is a compact luxury sedan, you certainly feel at this price range you’re getting a bigger car, adding to the more upscale first impression you’ll have when you step inside.

1) A True Luxury Car

And most importantly at number 1 is that the Volvo S60 is a true luxury sedan compared to most rivals in this segment, and that’s due to the brand’s commitment to being safe and comfortable. Both German and non-German rivals more often than not chase performance numbers, offering tighter steering and a firmer suspension, while Volvo continues to move away from sports car qualities and instead have become a unique, one-of-a-kind manufacturer in 2020. It’s not just the interior or exterior styling that makes the S60 luxurious, but rather the relaxed driving dynamics and soft suspension that once defined this segment. While you won’t get thrown back in your seat or feel the need for speed like most competitors, you will feel the urge to embark on long road trips, and with a sizable cabin you can fit 2 additional passengers in the back and enjoy a long weekend with family.

What Volvo has done with the S60 is bring back the soul and spirit that made luxury sedans so desirable. They offered a superior ride, a more refined interior, and a classy and sophisticated exterior compared to the Ford’s and Toyota’s of the world and that’s exactly what Volvo has created. Driving was once a pastime in the US, and the S60 is a modern reincarnation of a true luxury family sedan that brings back a lost art in the automotive world. Despite it’s lack of sporty DNA, aggressive body lines, and sub 5 second 0-60 time, the Volvo S60 fills the void that’s been left open for many years and is why at Boston Auto Blog we feel it’s far superior than non-German rivals in this segment.

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