The world of sports sedans is a diverse landscape, ranging from the mildly sporty, front-wheel-drive family cars to the high-performance, track-ready beasts. In this competitive segment, finding a balance between daily usability and driving excitement is key. Enter the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-design, a car that aims to occupy that sweet spot, blending Scandinavian luxury with a dash of sporting flair. But does this R-Design variant offer more than just visual upgrades, or does it truly deliver a dynamic driving experience? Let’s delve into what makes this Volvo a compelling option in the crowded sports sedan market.
Striking Looks: R-Design Aesthetics
First impressions matter, and the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design immediately catches the eye. Even in its standard form, the S60 is a handsome sedan, but the R-Design package elevates its visual appeal to another level. The R-Design trim brings a host of black exterior accents, distinctive wheels specific to the trim, and sporty seats inside. Crucially, it also includes a lowered and stiffened suspension compared to the standard S60 models. The combination of these styling elements, especially when paired with vibrant colors like Fusion Red, creates a look that successfully balances sportiness and luxury. It’s a design that manages to be both sophisticated and assertive, a delicate tightrope walk that Volvo executes with impressive poise.
Interior Sanctuary: Comfort and Support, the Volvo Way
Stepping inside the 2019 S60 R-Design reveals an interior that is undeniably premium and inviting. Volvo has long been praised for its exceptional seats, and the S60 R-Design continues this tradition. These seats perfectly embody the balance between comfort and support, a challenging feat in automotive design. They manage to be both plush and supportive, providing the right amount of firmness in all the crucial areas. With ample adjustability and effective heating, these seats are equally suited for spirited drives and long-distance journeys. They hug you in place during cornering yet remain supremely comfortable for extended periods. And aesthetically, they are a visual treat as well. Volvo’s commitment to seat design is evident, and it’s a key highlight of the S60 R-Design experience.
Driver-Centric Cabin: Upscale and Distinctly Swedish
The driver’s seat of the S60 R-Design is a commanding position, offering a sense of upscale modernity and spaciousness that sets it apart in its class. It possesses a unique character, distinctly Volvo, and pleasingly different from its German rivals. Forward visibility is excellent, and the ergonomic layout, a hallmark of Volvo design, is intuitive and user-friendly. The interior design is refined, showcasing genuine build quality and embodying the sought-after Swedish design principle of simplicity. The Sensus Connect infotainment system, while offering a high-resolution display, can be slow to respond at times. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mitigates this issue for smartphone users. Overall, the cabin is a pleasant and functional space to spend time in.
Practical Sedan Dimensions: Family-Friendly Space
As a sedan, the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design excels in practicality. Its overall dimensions strike a good balance, offering ample interior space without feeling bulky or difficult to maneuver. Unlike many “coupe-like” sedans that compromise rear passenger room, the S60 remains a true sedan, providing generous rear seat space suitable for adults, even taller ones. This makes it a genuinely family-friendly option, combining sportiness with everyday usability.
Performance Middle Ground: T6 Engine and Driving Dynamics
The question remains: how sporty is the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design to drive? It positions itself as a middle ground between the standard luxury-focused S60 and the high-performance Polestar Engineered T8 variant. However, delving deeper reveals a more nuanced picture. The T6 engine distinguishes itself from the base T5 with compound forced induction, adding a supercharger to the turbocharger. This boosts the output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a significant step up from the T5 and while not reaching the extreme power of the T8, it’s a potent engine in its own right. Furthermore, the T6 R-Design AWD is considerably lighter than the Polestar Engineered T8, enhancing its dynamic feel. Positioned between the T5 and T8 in power, yet closer to the T5 in weight, the T6 R-Design promises a compelling performance proposition.
Engaging Power Delivery: But Lacking Refinement
The T6 engine delivers ample power for everyday driving and even spirited runs. Switching the drive mode to “Polestar Engineered” (not to be confused with the Polestar Engineered model) sharpens the throttle response, creating a more eager feel, even if it doesn’t actually increase peak power. The car accelerates briskly and maintains a strong pull well into highway speeds. The twin-charged engine produces some enjoyable boost sounds, adding a touch of auditory excitement. However, the engine isn’t the most refined, feeling somewhat uninspired during normal, relaxed driving. The exhaust note is also underwhelming, lacking the auditory aggression that could enhance the sporty character, especially in such a well-insulated cabin.
Transmission and Steering: Competent but Not Enthusiast-Grade
The transmission performs adequately in typical driving scenarios, but reveals its limitations when pushed harder. While upshifts and downshifts are reasonably quick, even using the paddle shifters, gear changes can feel somewhat delayed and the transmission’s reactions are not always the most immediate. For most drivers, this will likely be a non-issue, but for driving enthusiasts seeking a truly engaging experience, the transmission’s responsiveness might fall short. The steering, similarly, is functional but lacks feedback. In Eco and Comfort modes, it’s predictably numb, and while “Polestar Engineered” mode adds noticeable weight, it doesn’t translate to increased feel from the front end. On-center feel remains vague, even with the added heft.
Confident Handling: Planted and Secure
Despite the steering’s lack of feel, the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design exhibits confident and planted handling, especially for a relatively heavy, all-wheel-drive sedan. The R-Design’s lowered suspension effectively controls body roll in corners while maintaining a comfortable ride quality that avoids harshness. The all-wheel-drive system and inherent Volvo solidity contribute to a sense of composure and stability. While the steering may not provide detailed feedback, the overall handling inspires confidence, allowing drivers to maintain a comfortable and relaxed pace even on winding roads. This sense of secure handling is a key strength of the S60 R-Design.
Verdict: A Balanced and Appealing Sport Sedan
The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design is a visually appealing and well-appointed sedan that delivers a satisfying blend of sportiness and luxury. With a price tag around $55,000, it represents good value in its segment. It successfully achieves its goal of being sporty enough, sufficiently luxurious, and retaining the solid, safe Volvo character. While it might not offer the ultimate in tactile driving engagement, it captures the essence of a sports sedan for a broader audience. For those seeking a balanced and refined Swedish sedan with a sporty edge, the 2019 S60 T6 R-Design is a compelling choice. It might not be the most hardcore sports sedan, but it hits the “just right” spot for many buyers in this competitive market, offering a unique blend of Swedish spice and everyday usability.
