2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription

Source: Victoria Mason

When I found out I was reviewing the 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription, I was elated.  My first car was a 1984 Volvo 240 DL and I loved it like you love any first car.  I drove that brown 4-door sedan through college until I could not get her to move anymore.  It was a sad day when I had to move on even if it was to a brand new vehicle.  The Volvo was my baby and I never forgot her.

Fast forward to 2016 and I was excited but apprehensive about this latest Volvo. The last few years as I have eyed Volvo with a tinge of disappointment.  The interiors never got it right.  They were too plastic and frugal to really run in the luxury crowd.  That’s all changed.  Make way for a new time for Volvo and one that will have us seeing some very beautiful and exciting things in the near future.

All in the Details

The 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription is all about subtle elegance while still showing off its sporty side. I could feel the power and smoothness in every road, corner and speed bump. The car has superior suspension. It is best described as well-behaved and refined. This is often lacking when you involve the word sport with a car.

Source: PCMag.com

Now with more leg room (3-inch longer wheelbase) the S60 offers an actual adult-sized backseat. The model has enough of an engine growl with its fierce and fiery engine to satisfy. Steering is tight with tension in the best way with fluid turning capabilities. Power-folding mirrors mixed with rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry and a larger than normal glovebox, sound deadening, adaptive xenon headlights and a Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system are nice touches that equal a comfortable drive that allows the driver to feel at ease and a good amount of joy in driving.

Could almost be me! Almost.  

Source: Volvo Cars US

All the usual needs are met in the S60.  I could pick up a week’s worth of groceries for my family of five and still have room left over in the trunk (12 cubic feet).  I felt like a safer driver in this car due to the immense safety features.  If I wanted to change lanes without turning on my signal the car would use its lane departure resistance feature as a subtle reminder.  After turning on the signal it would allow me to change lanes without resistance.  The blind-spot feature on the S60 isn’t on the mirrors but inside the car.  I found the orange light to be more visible than a side view mirror light. Volvo’s are known for their safety features and I can only do them justice by giving you a rundown on what is standard to this model.

Safety Features Include:

Antilock disc brakes

Stability and traction control

Front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags

Whiplash-reducing front head restraints

Low-speed frontal collision warning and collision mitigation with automatic braking systems

Volvo’s On-Call System (theft assistance, emergency assistance and automatic crash assistance)

Forward Collision Mitigation System with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Front and rear parking sensors

Front-side parking camera

Blind-spot warning system

Rear cross-traffic alerts.

There’s more to add but you get the idea. It is a safe car that doesn’t feel weighed down by all its safety features.

The Day to Day Drive

The week that I had my S60 was a typical week of driving the kids to school, running errands and handling some very cold winter days.  Each time I climbed into the car I was happy to do so.  The wide-wood grain styling combined with the comfortable heated leather seating and heated tilt and telescopic steering wheel made each drive feel relaxed and stress-free.  I simply loved each opportunity with this car and so did everyone who had the pleasure of driving with me.  Preschool mothers would stop me in the parking lot to ask detailed questions which extended well beyond the usual curiosity they have about which car I’m driving that week.  They loved the ‘Seashell Metallic‘ color that was almost gold with a hint of silver.  I did too.  This car offers a quiet ride that isn’t in your face sporty.

In the End

The 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription may not initially wow you with its looks, but its classic styling with an extremely well-balanced ride will do the job.  It is an excellent option if you are looking for an entry-level luxury vehicle and one that gets five stars in safety making it money well spent. Priced at $34,150 to start the review model with the Platinum package has and MSRP of $45,925 which competes with other cars in its class.  Find all the Volvo S60 trims and models at Volvocars.com

*TMC was not paid for this post. Opinions are 100% my own. Car provided Volvo Cars US and the esi fleet service.