The realm of sports sedans is a fascinatingly diverse landscape, ranging from everyday front-wheel-drive models to high-octane, performance-bred machines. In this competitive segment, finding the sweet spot – a sedan that’s both engaging to drive and practical for daily life – is key for many buyers. Enter the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design, a car that aims to occupy that desirable middle ground.
Positioned neatly within the intersection of “sporty” and “luxurious,” the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design strives to be equally adept at family duties and spirited driving. It’s designed for those who appreciate comfort and practicality but also crave a car that makes the after-work commute something to look forward to. This isn’t just a standard S60 with sporty trim; the R-Design designation promises a dash of excitement. But does it deliver genuine sporting merit, or is it merely skin-deep? Let’s delve into what makes this Swedish sedan tick.
First Impressions: Design and Visual Appeal
Let’s face it: the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design is a stunner. Even in its base form, the S60 is an attractive car, and the R-Design package elevates its visual appeal significantly. Opting for the R-Design trim brings a host of aesthetic enhancements, including black exterior accents, unique R-Design wheels, and distinctive seats. Crucially, it also includes a lowered and stiffened suspension compared to standard S60 models.
The combination of these styling elements, especially when paired with the vibrant Fusion Red paint, creates a look that masterfully balances sportiness and luxury. It’s a delicate tightrope to walk, and Volvo has executed it with impressive finesse, at least in terms of visual presentation.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Experience
The same design philosophy extends to the interior of the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design. Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that is undeniably refined. Automotive journalists often praise Volvo seats, and in the R-Design, this acclaim is particularly well-deserved. Like the exterior, the seats strike a remarkable balance between comfort and support. They manage to be both plush and firm, providing support in all the right areas. With ample adjustability and effective heaters, these seats are equally suited for spirited drives and long road trips. And, let’s not forget, they look fantastic too. Volvo has truly mastered the art of seat design.
From the driver’s seat, the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design exudes an aura of upscale modernity, spaciousness, and distinctiveness. It genuinely stands apart from others in its class, in a positive way. Forward visibility is excellent, and the ergonomics, a hallmark of Volvo design, are equally impressive. The interior showcases genuine build quality and embodies the sought-after Swedish design ethos of simplicity. One minor drawback is the responsiveness of the infotainment interface, which can be slow at times. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the high-resolution Sensus Connect center screen, mitigates this issue to some extent.
Practicality as a Sedan
As a sedan, the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design performs admirably. Its overall packaging is well-considered, offering ample space without feeling overly large. Unlike many “coupe-like” sedans, the S60 remains a true sedan, providing generous rear-seat headroom and legroom suitable for most adults. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone needing comfortable passenger space.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Finding the Right Balance
While the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design excels in aesthetics and comfort, its performance as a sports sedan is where things become more nuanced. It occupies a middle ground between the standard, luxury-focused S60 and the high-performance Polestar Engineered T8 variant. Breaking down the driving experience reveals a blend of strengths and weaknesses.
The “T6” designation is crucial here. Unlike the base “T5” with its 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, the T6 engine in the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design employs compound forced induction, adding a supercharger to the turbocharger setup. This boosts the output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. While not reaching the extreme levels of the Polestar Engineered T8 (415hp/494lb-ft), it’s a significant step up from the T5. Importantly, the T6 R-Design AWD weighs considerably less than the Polestar Engineered model, resulting in a more favorable power-to-weight ratio. Positioned between the T5 and T8 in power, and closer to the T5 in weight, the T6 R-Design promises a compelling performance proposition.
Even with its mid-range T6 powertrain, the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design doesn’t feel underpowered. Switching the Drive Mode selector to “Polestar Engineered” mode sharpens the throttle response, creating a sensation of increased power, even if the actual output remains unchanged. The car accelerates briskly, feeling particularly energetic in everyday driving scenarios. The twin-charged engine delivers some enjoyable boost noises, adding a touch of auditory excitement. However, the engine lacks ultimate refinement and can feel somewhat uninspiring in normal driving. Furthermore, the exhaust note is disappointingly muted, especially in such a well-insulated cabin. A more assertive exhaust sound would enhance the sporty character.
Similarly, the transmission performs adequately in typical driving conditions but falls short when pushed harder. While upshifts and downshifts are reasonably quick, even utilizing the paddle shifters, gear changes can feel somewhat sluggish, and the transmission’s responsiveness is not always immediate. However, this is likely to be noticeable only to driving enthusiasts and may not bother the average buyer. For those seeking truly engaging performance, the transmission reveals some of the S60’s more mainstream roots.
The steering is another area where the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design presents a mixed bag. Handling is competent, especially for a 4,000+ pound all-wheel-drive sedan. However, the steering feel is less communicative. In “Eco” and “Comfort” modes, it’s predictably numb, which is not necessarily a drawback for everyday driving. Switching to “Polestar Engineered” mode adds noticeable weight to the steering, requiring more effort to turn the wheel. Despite the added heft, it doesn’t translate to increased feedback from the front end. On-center feel remains vague, even with the heavier setting.
Interestingly, the lack of steering feel doesn’t significantly detract from the car’s ability to handle twisty roads. The 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design feels remarkably planted, thanks to its weight, all-wheel-drive system, and inherent Volvo chassis characteristics. The lowered suspension effectively manages body roll in corners while maintaining a comfortable ride quality. Despite the somewhat detached steering, the car inspires confidence, allowing drivers to maintain a comfortable and relaxed pace. And ultimately, that feeling of confident and relaxed driving is a key attribute of a good sporty sedan.
Conclusion: A Balanced Swedish Offering
The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design is a stylish and well-appointed car, boasting high-quality materials and a premium feel. While its driving dynamics may not be class-leading in outright sportiness, it strikes a compelling balance. Is it worth its approximate $55,000 price tag? For many, the answer will be yes. The S60 T6 R-Design delivers a genuinely premium experience, achieving its goal of being both sporty and luxurious, while retaining Volvo’s hallmark qualities of solidity and safety. While some may desire more tactile engagement in the driving experience, that’s simply not the core focus of Volvo’s approach.
The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design may not be a full-fledged, track-ready sports sedan, but it convincingly embodies the spirit and appearance of one, drawing from the more engaging side of the sports-luxury sedan spectrum. And, of course, it undeniably delivers on the luxury front. It proves that in a complex segment, outright driving dynamics aren’t the only measure of success. For those considering a Swedish sedan that blends style, comfort, and a touch of sportiness, the S60 T6 R-Design will likely be just right. Perhaps not the absolute “Goldilocks” of the entire segment, but certainly the “Goldilocks” of the S60 range – offering just the right amount of Swedish spice.
(Disclaimer: My employment with Volvo afforded me the opportunity to drive this car. Let the record show that, aside from retaining my job, I have no vested interest in the betterment of the brand and the writing herein reflects my unbiased opinion. These are wholly my own thoughts and do not represent those of Volvo, its employees, or the brand in any way. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed here are my own and may not align with the founders of Everyday Driver.)
Hi, my name is Ross. I write primarily for Hooniverse.com and co-host the Off the Road Again Podcast. I strive to bring some down-to-earth perspective and wit to the world of automotive journalism. I am an off-road enthusiast/self-proclaimed expert and an amateur autocrosser. My current car is an NC Miata Club PRHT but the joke goes that I am perpetually looking for the next vehicle I will regret…
