2015 Volvo S60 - Twincharged - Review & Test Drive

The 2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E features a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L direct injection engine. This engine produces 302 HP at 5700 RPM and 295 lb-ft of torque at 2100 RPM, very early on. The Drive-E is FWD, and features an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with advanced quick shift paddle shifters. This vehicle also features start/stop engine technology, and corner traction control through torque vectoring.
Features Include:
- Integrated 7-inch color LCD monitor
- HD Radio, USB & Aux inputs
- Bluetooth Hands Free
- Power Glass Moonroof
- Leather Upholstery
- 8 way power front seats with 3-position memory
- Keyless Entry & Drive with safe approach lighting
- Electronic ignition with push button start/stop
- Electronic parking brake
- Dual zone electronic climate control
- Heated power outside rearview mirrors with memory
- 60/40 folding rear seat w/ center arm rest pass thru
- Power foldable rear seat headrests
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Platinum Package Includes:
- Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System
- Active dual xenon headlights with washers
- Technology package
- Adaptive cruise control with queue assist
- Collision warning with full auto brake
- Distance alert, driver alert control
- Lane keeping aid
- Convenience package
- Power retractable side mirrors
- Grocery bag holder
- Rear park assist camera
- Accent lighting
Options Include:
- 19" BOR diamond cut wheels
- Blind spot information system
- Metallic paint
- Heated front seats
MSRP as Tested: $46,525
Please feel free to rate, comment, and subscribe!
And don't forget to check out my Facebook page:
/ engineeringexplained
To help create more videos, check out my Patreon page!
/ engineeringexplained
Also check out my official website: Make suggestions, participate in forums, learn through logically ordered lessons, read FAQs, and plan your future!
www.howdoesacarwork.com
Now on Twitter:
/ jasonfenske13
NEW VIDEO EVERY WEDNESDAY!

[@Toastmaster_5000]

Volvo, in my opinion, is easily the best European car brand. They're pioneers of safety, they have great dependability, they seem easy to work with, they're cutting-edge without over-engineering, and though not cheap, they're not overpriced either.

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

+Peter Schmidt Saab was the best European brand but GM screwed them over. GM got rid of them because they were costing them too much money because they wouldn't cut corners. Watch Top Gear's tribute to Saab when they went out of business. You want to talk about pioneers of safety, the 9-3 is the safest vehicle ever rated by the IIHS and the convertible version is the safest convertible ever rated. I sold cars and have been around all makes and models though and Volvo is definitely right next to them. Something to be said about the way Swedes make their cars. I'm in a this very car right now as a loaner since the Volvo dealer here has taken over working on Saabs in my area and I have a recall being done.

[@gsfbffxpdhhdf7043]

Jaqen H'Ghar volvo is better just face it you fan boy. Polestar 6 cyl 359hp no saab can compete with that

[@nino_kO1]

This is one of the best review of this car that i ever seen

[@EDHBlvd]

Totally agree. Very in depth. Loved hear the engine tone. People claim the twin charged 4 is ugly sounding. From this video I disagree. Is it as sexy as my 2.5L turbo in my V70R, no, but it ain't bad.

[@user-zj1fi2tw9z]

I agree

[@lachlancook6718]

Never seen someone review cars so thoroughly. Refreshing change up from the usual.

[@acchaladka]

Lachlan Cook He's neck and neck with AlexOnAutos, who is likely the most thorough and wide - ranging car reviewer on KZbin. This was an excellent review, I agree.

[@Speed3Street3]

It's refreshing to see someone actually pull the engine cover off in a car review and expose the inner workings... Motortrend, C&D should take notes.

[@nboy7]

+Speed3Street3 Thats because most of the reviewers for these big reviewer mags/shows dont know jack about the cars they review, the are basically glorified journos who basically get the job just because they want to drive the latest cars fast for their own satisfaction, they are not really interested in doing the reviews for the perspective of real car lovers.

[@jade1372]

transmission

[@Brian-ok9ff]

One of the most beautiful cars out right now. Exterior and interior.. I need this!

[@TheSuperKnug]

I've been driveing Volvos since the late 80's. Im on the 7'th car ringt now(XC60). Done about 300'000 km with each of them, not a single issue!

[@nlee2682]

Quick tabs for your headlights but you have to remove the strut tower brace to get to the battery? OK volvo

[@bl00dra1nn]

+N Lee the battery is placed in such a way so as to insulate it from harsh environments.

[@fullraph]

On my 2006 S60R the battery is in the trunk, very easy to acces, they should have stick with that design, especialy with all that space since there is no spare tire.

[@deafyboy86]

Not all of them have that strut brace, hence the design. It's very very easy to remove the battery, I believe only the R-Design trims feature the strut brace.

[@oliviercloutier1975]

And then you've go Top Gear saying complete non-sense about the car and getting 8 000 000 views... Keep it up man, your reviews are good, someone will notice that one day.

[@saganworshipper6062]

That day has come.

[@nomadben]

Really excellent review Jason. You're very well spoken, you give a lot of great detail, and I love all the technical details and visuals thrown in that most other reviewers don't bother with.

[@evilspoons]

I LOVE the Volvo center button stack because when it's 30 below you can still use everything with gloves on instead of farting around with a toucscreen with your fingers freezing off. Most of the buttons around the "outer ring" are just set-and-forget anyway, at least the ones at the bottom kind of obscured by the shifter. And having dial buttons for the phone... I don't call in the car often (maybe three or four times a year) but being able to "feel" the dial pad instead of staring at a touchscreen or arguing with a horrible voice-command system (Google Now being the only exception) seems like a great idea to me.

[@evilspoons]

***** it takes a substantial amount of time to heat up when it's that cold, especially as it increases the more efficient engines get. I have personal experience with a 2005 Volvo S60R and brutal Alberta winters.

[@evilspoons]

+Iva Boss touchscreens work in the cold, but: Resistive ones are hard to operate when you have thick winter gloves on to keep your fingers from falling off, the large pad the end of your finger makes creates uncertainty in where you're tapping. Capacitive touchscreens (like in cell phones) are less common in cars because they don't work at all through thick gloves unless the gloves have been specifically altered with conductive wire in the fingertips.

[@Mirror1973]

Erik Tomlinson agreed!

[@cnknguyen]

Id use the rear headrest control to smack the shit out of annoying passengers lol. Thanks for the review, very informative.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Haha, didn't think about using it when there are passengers. Especially when they're not leaning back against it. Great for disobedient kids too.

[@TheFlamingChalupa]

Engineering Explained My mom had this feature in her 2006 S550, loved to use it on me and my sister.

[@HERPDEDERP49]

I do this with everyone that sits in the back of mine. Its glorious

[@padraicdoorey4417]

I have that rear headrest feature on my Mercedes E200 W124 (1995) except they fall backwards onto the rear parcel shelf, and have to be manually placed forward afterwards (electric release mechanism only).

[@baddriversofsouthtexas6179]

My grandfather was messing with the buttons in my Volvo while my grandma was sitting in the back and he pushed the button. My grandma thought I did it and looked at me like I punched her in the face lol.

[@seantownsend5841]

I agree. This guy did probably the best review of a car I’ve ever seen. He should be on Top Gear!

[@nSpir3d]

These reviews are mad. Definitely one of the best I've seen. Keep it up!

[@ferrarikg]

Very informative review. Blows the so called reviews by most auto jurnos. Keep up the good work

[@titanninjawarrior]

Most people hate on volvo because of how complicated it seems. Thank you for pointing out why their choices make sense and that their usability. I have recently become a fan of volvo and am planning on buying one. Another great video!

[@7430060]

Best car review I've ever seen. Top job man!

[@misterdimas6187]

This is one of the best cars I think you've done so far. I wasn't that much of a Volvo fan but thanks to this car I'm having second thoughts about it. Real nice car with awsome features.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yep, I didn't know too much about Volvo and it hasn't really been something on my radar, but both cars I've tried out have been excellent.

[@dggb7326]

This video is highly informative and comprehensive. I enjoyed and would recommend to a new purchaser of Volvo family. Anyone else hear pinging when kicking in the turbo?

[@bmkoster24]

I own a 2016 V60, and i think the phone tray behind the "waterfall" dash is brilliant! It fits perfectly, and the awkward angle makes sure I'm not distracted by it and I don't reach for it as often. Smart thinking by Volvo. Really awesome cars!

[@BXBadmonNY]

I keep my gun back there 😅

[@PretentiousBrownie]

Happy to see a more mechanically inclined fellow reviewing the car - lovely car too. Very nice feature set and color combination.

[@mcimpeckable5717]

I have the volvo S60 2006 model and shes still running strong with 100k miles. Love this car!

[@gvgweb]

those quick release headlights are going to make mechanics lives so much easier, great feature!

[@kowasumono]

By far the most interesting car you have reviewed to date.

[@TheGraffiti600rr]

Great review and since I'm somewhat a great head, answered a few of my questions (especially by showing the engine). Loved this review, keep it up.

[@LachlanKelly]

These car reviews are awesome. Keep up the good work!

[@chrisbaskett808]

Great review, I am thinking about buying an S60 so this is very helpful.

[@armandsdreijers5983]

The best review anyone can get. So detailed👌

[@blinkingintensifies8212]

I love my Volvos, this was very in depth thanks 👍

[@jauh25]

Great review, that car is a masterpiece of engineering, keep up with these great reviews man, greetings from Venezuela

[@Gewehr7]

I'm loving these reviews. Good work!

[@brianspicer2674]

You always do such a good job, and give way more info than most people! Great review! Would have liked to know a little more on the comfort on the front seats, and in depth info on the Amazing Harmon Sound System ...

[@howardadamsky2417]

GREAT review. This guy is new to me. I think he is excellent.

[@plightn]

Great review. It's going to be interesting to see whether it holds up Volvo's legendary reliability. I own a 1986 740 GLE.

[@joydeepchowdhuri]

Very comprehensive review. Thank you! That was extremely helpful.

[@846524162]

Amazing video, so very into details, but still so easy to understand. Great work :)

[@shekillaboom4729]

love these reviews. best car reviewer.

[@mopar9250]

That headlight quick disconnect is amazing, I wish I had that on my car. I had to remove the whole front fascia to replace a turn signal bulb lol

[@Vikingdescendent]

Great video! Fantastic Volvo! One of the prettiest cars on the road.

[@Frejborg]

I love Volvo. :) Excellent review.

[@katanamast279]

Every other car maker needs those quick release tabs for the headlights. Those are genious

[@bigboi2125]

Keep up the great work. Absolutely great.

[@JDMricist]

Great review dude! First review I've seen on your channel. Looking forward to more.

[@EngineeringExplained]

JDMricist There are several others! :) kzbin.info/aero/PL2ir4svMoaYhRAuKykEGRgsrCk__OJRz3

[@JDMricist]

Just got back in the country so I'm a good 4 months behind on your videos! :o Awesome to see you do reviews now.

[@coupeofyo]

I really like that car. And I love love that leather interior. Very cool, very nice, very swagger.

[@TheRastapimp]

excellent review

[@paulcormican4432]

Great review as always. Nice work.

[@sophiecutler9741]

Also, awesome video. Keep up the great work!! :D

[@Mirror1973]

Oldie but goodie, still good looking after five years!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Aged a lot better on the outside the the s80/v70. But I like the s80/v70s interior, too.

[@olekiller11]

Great review man I have a 2014 platinum t6 awd and I always shock people when I blow by them. Yes that was a volvo that just did that to you.

[@EngineeringExplained]

carey smith Yep, quite a sleeper.

[@jomkant]

Love my Volvo s40 but will defiantly trade up to this s60 next!

[@blockthis08]

Dude is thorough.

[@jakesmantle3716]

I think your reviews are the best I have ever watched.. Just a comment on the no space for the phone. Do not forget Volvo is all about saftey, so put in your pocket or the holder behind the cup holder. Out of the way and not easy to access.. :-)

[@unknownunknown6243]

Knowledgeable review...fair comments

[@damndaniel6123]

Great review and awesome car! I'll miss their 5 cylinders but twin charging definitely earns some bragging points haha

[@EDHBlvd]

Really nice. Interesting option compared to S60 R-Design or S60 Polestar. Love those Amber seats.

[@padraicdoorey4417]

Excellent review criteria. I have that rear headrest feature on my Mercedes E200 W124 (1995) except they fall backwards onto the rear parcel shelf, and have to be manually placed forward afterwards (electric release mechanism only).

[@Brian_P]

You CAN access the battery for jump-starting. Half the battery cover comes off simply over the positive lug. Then ground to chassis. To replace the battery you do have to remove strut brace.

[@designermuppetstring]

Love the leather interior color here. I"m really interested in these cars - just want all wheel drive for snow here in Colorado.

[@kelly00000111111]

Holy crap I have never seen such a maze of vacuum lines and hoses and whatnot. Something tells me this engine must be a pain in the ass to work on..

[@JordanRandle]

This is quite a wild set-up. I think that this is an awesome combination of technology, but I could see how working on this could be a nightmare as well even with what Volvo has done for ease of access with simple maintenance with the access ports.

[@Splashmaster97]

Very late response, but I just bought a '17 T6 R-Design, and opted for the extra 5 years on the CPO warranty. It covers everything except wear and tear items like brakes, wiper blades, etc. If you plan on owning the car for a long time, it's well worth it.

[@mccrearycarpet]

Good review.

[@saravanant8409]

Awesone review. Considering between the 2nd hand 320i or S60. It is like 51% on S60 now and i still checking the difference between the T4 & T5. Thank you

[@saravanant8409]

Sorry, between T5 & T6

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@saravanant8409 I'm not really sure at this point if there was a 5-cylinder version of the s60. This is the Drive-E car and Volvo confusingly used 5 and 6 to describe the power, but 5 and 6 used to stand for how many cylinders the car had. Nowadays, everything is a 4 yet they are called T4, T5, T6 and T8.

[@beach81959]

Very informative review, Thank you. I drove an S60 a couple of years back, 1st Volvo I've driven in quite some time and I was impressed then, looks like they've come much further. I like the quick headlight release tabs, had them on an '04 Monte Carlo SS. How about a look at the new Subaru Crosstrek?

[@TheLukey21]

The digital oil level is a feature all cars should have

[@EngineeringExplained]

I agree, but I also think it'd be nice to have both options (dipstick), so you can visually inspect the oil or take a quick sample if you need to.

[@TheLukey21]

Engineering Explained ye because if the digital one was playing up you could check it against the dipstick.

[@DevasionX]

Engineering Explained better not buy a 335i then

[@brianspicer2674]

I am considering this for my next Lease ...

[@Lndmk227]

I have a 2015.5 S60 T5 Drive-E and have had it just over a year now. Aside from a cracked gear knob (warranted), a bad bit of spoiler adhesive, and perhaps a slightly wonky transmission, I'm 100% satisfied. The car's plenty quick for me, sports mode gives me smiles all day long, and I'm only gassing up once every three weeks. Compared to the 320i that was the alternative option to me, the BMW was slow, boring, not particularly attractive, and very poorly equipped. I'm not entirely sure who buys a BMW anymore, or whether they would if they drove this car first. The S60 may be front wheel drive, but I've never had issues with handling. Then again, I'm not exactly tracking it, either. Great job by Volvo. If anyone wants an alternative to the standard German choices, they're definitely worth a look.

[@deafyboy86]

RtDK What makes the trans wonky? I work in a dealer as a technician and haven't yet seen a fault on any of them.

[@Lndmk227]

Well, basically, what happens is, when I'm in Normal mode (not Sport mode), at times, when I depress the accelerator about halfway, the car will act like it's accelerating. The revs will build, we'll pick up some speed, and then there's a "clicking" noise, almost like rock chips on metal, I lose all power, and the car jerks and upshifts. I'm not entirely sure what causes it, and it doesn't happen all the time, but it's frequent enough that I'm familiar with it. It wouldn't worry me if there wasn't the metallic "chipping" noise. I'm always nervous one of these times that my transmission's going to blow apart. (Not likely, I know, but nothing's perfect...)

[@newsreal4994]

Very nice review. Thanks!

[@lexusfan100]

i love the new volvo products..

[@andrewturner6015]

The headrest release button is also useful to punish loud passengers.

[@inductivoc]

Great review man. Free albertson's advertising lol

[@boyofmetal]

You do get used to the control layout in the center stack and it's definitely not overly complicated or distracting.

[@GammaCruxis]

Certainly a feat of modern engineering - there is no question about that - though twin-charging is nothing new. I wager his would be a solid vehicle - but as a person that fixed his own cars - that engine bay makes my knees weak. XD

[@hatemauda]

there are hidden pockets in the front seats , and long press on the exit button in the steering wheel will open car menu .

[@MrZebrawr]

Great video as usual. I know you'll be limited on what you can get ahold of to review, but if you get a chance to get your hands on a BMW M235i i would highly recommend it. Great example of a 3.0l turbo inline 6 that revs as if NA. Surprisingly fuel efficient too. Would be comparable to the 2.0l volvo for milage.

[@aDIYCarGuy]

I like how it sounds. No spare tire ha. I wish I had adaptive cruise control!

[@hussainakbar7124]

best car review

[@GameM4ster]

Yo Jason review some bad ass cars, man! Do the highly popular shit like the new Mustang.

[@onlywiseman]

I saw your subaru legacy video as well. How would you compare both beside the price and AWD/FWD. Is it worth extra $15k?

[@jazz1ba]

12:54 blind spot sensor in action

[@wanasmav]

Im from the future. Volvo for Life & Live.

[@TheMrZomboss]

yo dude try making a vid on how a twincharger because i really want to know how to

[@exit07]

Loving the in depth review. Thanks for sharing. Could review the new Lexus IS?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Funny you ask. I'll have a review on the IS250 soon.

[@YourafucksiclE]

Very informative, to the point where I want a Volvo. :) Do you have or plan to do any reviews on the V40 model?

[@Ballacha]

turbo+supercharged FWD?...... and how do you even come up with the idea of putting a supercharger on a 2.0L engine volvo? can it even drive the belt?

[@ArthurSperotto]

Another great video, Jason! Awesome review! I know that one of the downsides of supercharging a vehicle is the added weight, and the same goes for turbocharging a vehicle. So, having both... doesn't that substantially increase the weight of the car?

[@EngineeringExplained]

Arthur Sperotto There is added weight, yes. But it allows for big power with a small block (2.0L) which can help compensate for the weight gain, if not offset completely.

[@ArthurSperotto]

Engineering Explained Got it. Thank you!

[@user-zj1fi2tw9z]

I think this car suits you very well

[@wiltse0]

that windy road you drive on reminds me of chuckanut drive.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Well, now the Volvo has almost no buttons on the console. So, they've gone from one extreme to the other. Car looks good. Last gen Volvo but still very, very nice. And it has the motors in it that the 60s and 90s are using now. If people are worried about the super/turbo-charged engines in the new ones, read up on how they are to maintain in this car. As for the review, fantastic. Clear, covered the engineering on the car well, didn't do too much over accelerating of the car, and we got a good idea of what it is like on the road in normal settings, like rain.

[@Nestle245]

Question is this car wide? The backseats comprabale to an Acura ILX? I seen you go back there and had basically no legroom but is the space better or worse than the ILX? I've been hearing the ILX back seats are like a Civic which is a bit better than the last TSX.

[@sergioramirezsergioramirez]

That looks like a pain in the ass to work on

[@MrDrury27]

seen worse

[@jayrains9538]

any way you could review an older s60r on reliablity?

[@timothymcdonnell2466]

You should be doing Top Gear - GB!.

[@swayingGrass]

11:31, that visibility :o... But I personally chose lots of buttons over touch screen with many "windows" to select thru.

[@jnagime]

Great review.....can you do a S60 Polestar 4cyl Turbo/supercharged

[@iRunical]

I would love to see a review of the BMW 125d :)

[@TigixPK]

How is Volvo's​ relability nowadays? I was looking at the older version of this car, 2011 S60 T6. 87,xxx miles.

[@tonylf1129]

Engineering Explained Are the wheel hubs stud-less? So the hub is threaded instead of having threaded studs pressed into them?I'm sure this isn't anything new, I have just never seen any like that. What would be the benefit to something like this, not having the stresses induced by press fitting?

[@MajdSindi96]

can you do the hyundai veloster ? i'm wondering if it's a good car to own

[@sophiecutler9741]

What mode do you put it in for the economy test (normal, sport, Eco, etc)?

[@eflodel]

Interested in seeing a review for the polestar version.

[@Jabid21]

How cool, easily removable headlight assembly so I can replace my headlight fluid. :D

[@EngineeringExplained]

Jabid21 Someone lied to you.