Below is a review of the 2012 Volvo S60 written by the automotive experts at Automobile Magazine. A full evaluation of the driving experience, price, equipment, and specs are here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with a wealth ... Below is a review of the 2012 Volvo S60 written by the automotive experts at Automobile Magazine. A full evaluation of the driving experience, price, equipment, and specs are here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with a wealth of experience. read more 
We're another month into our yearlong test of the 2012 Volvo S60 and, while there are still a few gripes from staff members about the operation of the various electronic interfaces, there has been almost nothing but universal praise for the Volvo's dynamic performance and build quality. In fact, we like the vehicle so much that it's been difficult to get much seat time in it.
"Need more proof that our editorial staff loves this car? This S60 has been under our stewardship for almost three months now, and there are still some of us who've never had a chance to slip behind the wheel. Until the other night, I thought I'd be resigned to that list for the foreseeable future," kvetched associate web editor Evan McCausland.
Once in the car, however, McCausland was able to see what all the fuss was about.
"I love quite a bit about this car, including the powerful turbo-six, the seamless power delivery, and the well-tuned transmission, but I can't quite get over just how good this interior is. Everything inside feels solidly built and substantial, and every plastic -- even those that look as if they'll feel hard and cheap -- is blessed with a soft touch and pleasant texture."
McCausland isn't the only one impressed with the interior. Editor in chief Jean Jennings waxed poetic about the leather upholstery: "It is ruggedly spectacular, with a hefty pebbled grain. Every seam is doubled stitched, making it look like fine luggage, or a saddle, or something really crafted and not just decorated. The color is also like a fine saddle or a well-oiled baseball glove. Sitting in our Four Seasons Volvo is supremely satisfying to me. You should go to a Volvo dealer just to run your hands over one of these fine hides." In fact, the leather used in the interior is "beechwood brown," a color that the company used in the 1960s on the P1800 and in the 1970s on the 164. It was resurrected for the 2011 S60.
As for the car's dynamic performance, associate editor Eric Tingwall spoke for many of us when he wrote the following: "The S60 is a perfect example of how mastering the fundamentals creates a car that feels like so much more. Because of how well it steers, handles, accelerates, and brakes, the S60 can quickly trick you into thinking it is the perfect every day sedan. Of course it does have faults hiding behind that facade of driver enlightenment, but the Volvo hardly gives the driver a moment to discover them. Every time you climb into this car, you can look forward to a drive that's sharper, quicker, and more enjoyable than anybody else you're sharing the road with. It is very much in the vein of a BMW 3-series in that it's a car for those who love to drive."
At Automobile Magazine, we love to drive and, so far at least, we really love driving the Volvo S60. Look for another update next month.
Base price (with dest.): $38,575
As tested: $44,800
OVERVIEW
Body style: 4-door sedan
Accommodation: 5 passenger
Construction: Unibody construction
POWERTRAIN
Engine: 24-valve DOHC turbocharged in-line 6
Displacement: 3.0 liters (2953 cu in)
Power: 300 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 2100-4200 rpm
Transmission type: 6-speed automatic
Drive: Four-wheel
EPA Fuel Economy: 18/26/21 (city/hwy/combined)
CHASSIS
Steering: Variable power assisted
Lock-to-lock: 2.6
Turning circle: 39.0 ft
Suspension, front: Strut-type, coil springs
Suspension, rear: Multilink, coil springs
Brakes f/r: Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes; ABS
Wheels: 18-inch aluminum
Tires: Continental ContiProContact
Tire size: 235/40R-18 95V
MEASUREMENTS
Headroom f/r: 37.6/37.4 in
Legroom f/r: 41.9/33.5 in
Shoulder room f/r: 57.0/55.2 in
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Track f/r: 62.1/62.0 in
L x W x H: 182.2 x 73.4 x 58.4 in
Passenger volume: 92.0 cu ft
Cargo capacity: 12.0 cu ft
Weight: 3812 lb
Fuel capacity: 17.8 gal
Est. fuel range: N/A miles
Fuel grade: 87 octane (regular unleaded)
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Turbocharged 3.0L DOHC I-6 engine
6-speed automatic transmission
All-wheel drive
Dynamic chassis
Advanced stability control
Corner traction control w/ torque vectoring
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) w/ sport mode
Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
4-wheel Antilock Braking (ABS)
City Safety
Front, side, and side curtain air bags
Whiplash protection system (WHIPS)
Dual ISO-FIX attachment system
Intelligent driver information system (IDIS)
Child safety locks
Emergency trunk release
Rear foglight
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Leather seating surfaces
Sport seats, front and rear
Eight-way power driver's seat
Leather sport tilt and telescoping steering wheel
Dual-zone electronic climate control
Bluetooth
60/40 folding rear seat w/ center pass-thru
Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/ compass
Keyless entry
Power folding rear-seat headrests
Electric parking brake
Electronic ignition w/ pushbutton start and stop
Cruise control
Heated power sideview mirrors w/ remote memory
Illuminated steering wheel controls
Sirius satellite radio with 6-month complimentary subscription
HD radio
USB and Aux inputs
OPTIONS
Multimedia package (Volvo premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II SurroundSound, 650 watt, and 12 premium loudspeakers; rear park assist camera; navigation system with real-time traffic voice control), $2,700
Premium Package and Climate Package (power glass moonroof, power passenger seat, xenon headlights with active bending light, heated front seats, headlight washers, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain sensor, interior air quality system), $2,300
Electric silver metallic paint, $675
Personal car communicator w/ keyless drive
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