The Volvo S60, redesigned just the previous year, continued to impress in 2012 as a luxury sport sedan offering a range of performance options. With the introduction of the S60 R-Design, Volvo expanded the appeal of the S60 to enthusiasts seeking even more dynamic driving experiences. This model year presented the Volvo S60 in three distinct trims: the S60 T5, S60 T6 AWD, and the sporty S60 T6 R-Design AWD, each catering to different preferences and performance needs.
Volvo S60 T5: Standard Features
The base model, the Volvo S60 T5, provided a solid foundation of luxury and performance. At its heart was a responsive 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain was paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission.
Standard features emphasized both safety and comfort, core Volvo values. City Safety, Volvo’s innovative collision avoidance system, was standard, along with Advanced Stability Control and Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) with a sport mode allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience.
The S60 T5 rode on 17-inch “Balder” alloy wheels and featured a Touring Chassis for a comfortable ride. Inside, the Volvo Sensus system with a 7-inch color display served as the infotainment hub, coupled with a high-performance multimedia audio system, Sirius satellite radio (with a 6-month trial), Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and audio streaming, and HD Radio.
Convenience features included a power driver seat with memory (linked to rearview mirrors), a sporty leather steering wheel, Shimmer Graphite aluminum inlays, a leather gearshift knob, and T-Tec/textile upholstery. Sport seats in the front and rear provided comfortable support, while dual-zone Electronic Climate Control (ECC), power folding rear head restraints, and a split-folding rear seat enhanced practicality.
Volvo S60 T6 AWD: Standard Features (in addition to T5)
Stepping up to the Volvo S60 T6 AWD brought enhanced performance and all-weather capability. The engine was upgraded to a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. As the name suggests, All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction was standard, providing confident grip in various conditions.
Building upon the T5’s features, the T6 AWD added leather seating surfaces and larger 18-inch “Sleipner” alloy wheels. The chassis was upgraded to a Dynamic Chassis for a more engaging driving feel. Speed-sensitive steering with driver-selectable settings allowed for further customization of the driving dynamics.
Additional convenience and luxury features included an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, Homelink integrated garage door opener, and dual polished exhaust tips, further differentiating the T6 AWD from the T5.
Volvo S60 T6 R-Design AWD: Standard Features (in addition to T6)
For driving enthusiasts, the Volvo S60 T6 R-Design AWD represented the pinnacle of performance in the 2012 S60 lineup. While utilizing the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine as the T6 AWD, the R-Design variant received a power boost to 325 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque.
The R-Design model was distinguished by its sporty aesthetic and performance-oriented upgrades. It included a power glass moonroof and unique 18-inch “Ixion” alloy wheels. The Sport Chassis further sharpened handling, while Active dual Xenon headlights enhanced visibility.
Visually, the S60 R-Design made a statement with a unique lower front spoiler and air intake, an R-Design rear diffuser with 3 ½-inch polished exhaust tips, an R-Design grille with a black gloss finish and emblem, a rear spoiler, and Silk metal accents on mirrors and around the windows.
Inside, the sporty theme continued with a power passenger seat, R-Design embossed leather sport seats, a distinctive R-Design blue watch dial instrument cluster, R-Design aluminum inlays, a sport steering wheel with the R-Design emblem, R-Design floormats with accent piping, an R-Design gearshift lever, and sport pedals.
Optional Packages
Volvo offered several packages to further customize the S60 to individual preferences.
The Premium Package (available for T5 and T6 AWD) included a power glass moonroof, leather seating surfaces (for T5), a power passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass (for T5), Homelink integrated garage door opener (for T5), and Active dual Xenon headlights (for T6).
The Climate Package provided enhanced comfort in colder climates with heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain sensor windshield wipers, headlight washers, and the Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).
The Dynamic Package (for T5) upgraded the driving experience with 18-inch “Sleipner” alloy wheels, the Dynamic Chassis, and speed-sensitive steering with driver-selectable settings.
The Multimedia Package enhanced the infotainment system with the Volvo Premium Sound System, Volvo Navigation System with map care, and a rear park assist camera.
The Technology Package focused on advanced safety and driver assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Standalone Options
A range of standalone options allowed buyers to further personalize their Volvo S60. These included metallic paint, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Personal Car Communicator (PCC) with Keyless Drive, Urbane Wood inlays (for T5 and T6), front and rear park assist, Active dual Xenon headlights (for T5), FOUR-C active chassis (for T6), Touring chassis (no charge option on T6), 17-inch “Njord” alloy wheels, 17-inch “Njord” alloy wheels with Self Supporting Tires, Dual screen Rear Entertainment System (for T5 and T6), and navigation prep.
The 2012 Volvo S60 offered a compelling blend of luxury, safety, and performance, with a variety of trims and options to suit discerning buyers in the luxury sport sedan market.
