S60

Make
Volvo
Segment
Sedan

Volvo recently revealed facelifted versions of just about its entire range, but the enthusiasts among us will likely be more interested in these latest R-Design and Polestar Performance models. As with models past, the R-Design trim adds more style and stiffened suspensions for the newly-refreshed S60, V60 and XC60 family, while the Polestar packages kick in an extra 25 horsepower to the 3.0-liter turbo six, bringing output up from 304 horsepower to 329.

The R-Design package adds new front fascias, front splitter, matte black grille treatments, daytime running lights, unique tailpipes incorporated into the rear diffuser and an interior decked out with perforated leather and Nubuck trim to the S60 sedan, V60 wagon and XC60 crossover. The R-Design also includes a sport suspension lowered by 15 millimeters and stiffened by 15 percent. The enhancements are carried out by fitting new dampers, bushings and strut brace for the S60 and V60, while the XC60 R-Design further upgrades with new shocks and anti-roll bars.

With the Polestar software upgrade, the 329-horsepower turbo six cuts a couple of tenths off the 0-62 time, dropping the S60 T6's sprint from 6.1 seconds to 5.9, the V60 T6 from 6.2 to 6.0 and the XC60 T6 from 7.3 to 6.9 seconds. Volvo figures about 10 perfect of buyers go for R-Design models, increasing to about 30% in markets like the UK and Australia. Along with the announcement, Volvo has also confirmed for the first time that the latest V60 will be arriving Stateside as well, which will come as good news for the wagon faithful that have long been some of the Swedish automaker's most loyal customers.