2016 Volvo S60 Inscription REVIEW

SPECIAL TestDriveNow.com VIDEO REVIEW: 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription by Auto Critic Steve Hammes with Nicolette Viscusi

The S60 is a hidden gem in the sports sedan segment…but some find it to be just a bit undersized.

To answer the critics and broaden its appeal, Volvo has introduced this…a new model with an extended wheelbase giving those in the back an added 3” of legroom.

Hi, I’m Steve Hammes…and I’m Nicolette Viscusi. Here’s our take on the 2016 S60 Inscription.

Inscription: the dedication of a work of art, or in Volvo-speak, a stretched version of their best-selling car replete with an added dose of Scandinavian luxury, additional sound deadening material and Inscription door sill moldings.

But the essence of this car is its oversized back seat. Just like that, the S60 goes from snug to spacious with class-leading legroom.  And beyond that, the seats are heated and sculpted for true comfort.  But at 12 cubic feet, the trunk space remains undersized.

Even at 6’1” I have no problem stretching out and getting comfortable back here. Sunshades all around are an added perk.  Plus, if these pesky headrests get in the way you can drop them from up front.

The S60’s front-end was redesigned 2 years ago and features LED daytime running lights. But visually, there’s not much that distinguishes Inscription models from garden variety S60s.  To spot one, look for these 18” Titania wheels and this tiny badge on the rear deck lid.

With a starting price of just under $40,000 including destination, the Inscription carries a $4,750 premium for its added size and features, including personalized power steering with 3 adjustable settings, a backup cam with rear park assist, a moonroof, Volvo’s beloved leather contour front seats, the eye-catching and distinguished walnut wood inlays, a sport steering wheel with silk metal inalys and a few other niceties.

Put this one in the memory bank because it’s going to be a trivia question one day; the S60 Inscription is the first car sold in America made in China.

I assume if you opt for Overseas Delivery that you’ll still be landing in Europe. But seriously, Volvo has been under Chinese ownership now since 2010 and they’re a brand on the rise.  So whether it’s Shanghai or Stockholm, I’m a buyer on Volvo’s future.

The ‘T5’ actually refers to this vehicle’s 2.0-liter turbo-4 and not the 5-cylinder which is available on the all-wheel drive model.  And the T6, which really isn’t a ‘6’, isn’t available on the Inscription.  Are you confused yet?

Journalists get confused so I don’t blame consumers for scratching their heads. The S60 Inscription comes in either Premier, or like here, Platinum trim.

When I think of an S60 I picture a racy, Rebel Blue, 300-horsepower all-wheel drive sports sedan with attitude. So, this Seashell-colored Inscription model with front-drive and the 2.0-liter engine presents a different take on the S60: one with a luxury bent. It can still hustle in Sport mode but this version is more about mature motoring.

Even stretched, the Inscription feels light and nimble from behind the wheel. The torquey motor with its 240-horsepower wastes no time, going from 0-to-60mph in 6.0-seconds flat.

The 8-speed auto is a perfect match, the S60 is torque-steer-free, and though there’s more body to move the Inscription demonstrates the balanced drivability found in other S60s. Even with the softest available Touring Chassis, this is still a fun and capable driver’s car with beautiful highway manners.  And cementing the Drive-E name, gas mileage takes only a small hit; rated at an impressive 29mpg in combined driving on regular, not premium, unleaded.  An ECO+ setting with automatic Start/Stop for the engine can boost efficiency by another 5%.

The Ironmark brand is synonymous with safety, and technology is big in here. The list of camera and radar features is long, but highlights include Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake, Collision Warning and Driver Alert Control which recognizes inattentive driving and then tells you to take a break.  This car can even do the dirty work of parallel parking as well as read speed limit signs.  The safety tech is exhaustive.  The only aspect I’d tweak is the back-up cam which could use a wider-angle lens.

Volvo’s infotainment system known as Sensus is a serviceable system that goes deeper with information than it first appears. I like being able to control the action easily from the steering wheel and there’s in-car Wi-Fi, an internet browser and a host of apps…the problem is that the 3G connection and processing speed is slow…so much so that I can’t imagine using these features very often.  The 12 speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System though is the rear deal.

This fully loaded S60 T5 Inscription Drive-E stickers for $46,125…a very attractive price point for a larger S60 variant better positioned to compete with its European rivals.

For TestDriveNow.com…I’m Nicolette Viscusi….and I’m Steve Hammes. We’ll see you next time.