The 2008 Volvo S60 comes in three versions: 2.5T ($30,885); 2.5T AWD ($32,735); and T5 ($33,985).
The 2.5T is powered by a low-pressure-turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 rated at 208 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a five-speed Geartronic automatic with Auto-stick manual control is optional, part of an option package.
The 2.5T AWD features the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive. For better traction in snow, it also comes with narrower 205/55R16 tires, mounted on narrower (6.5-inch vs. 7.0) rims, to help concentrate the car's weight on the tire patches.
Standard equipment for the 2.5T includes fabric upholstery, central power door locks with keyless entry, power tinted windows, front and rear fog lights, power heated outside mirrors with memory, a pollen filter, cruise control, dual-zone electronic climate control, trip computer, leather gearshift knob, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with illuminated cruise and audio controls, illuminated glovebox and vanity mirrors, power driver's seat with memory and lumbar support, spilt/folding rear seat, a new 100-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input and MP3/WMA capability, and 16-inch aluminum wheels with 215/55R16 tires.
The T5 comes with a 2.4-liter inline-5 that uses high-pressure turbocharging to produce 257 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (at 2100-5000 rpm) for much quicker acceleration. The five-speed Geartronic automatic with Auto-Stick manual control is now standard; last year's six-speed manual is no longer available. The T5 features a sports suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, and 17-by-7.5-inch Cassiopeia alloy wheels with 235/45HR17 tires. Additional luxuries include leather sport seats with power adjustment for driver and front passenger, a power glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, aluminum mesh interior trim, blue watch-dial instrumentation, a leather parking brake cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, satellite radio preparation, and other interior upgrades.
Options for 2.5T and 2.5T AWD include a Premium Package ($995) that adds the automatic transmission (Geartronic), a power glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger, genuine wood inlays for the interior, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, satellite radio preparation, and additional rear stereo speakers. The 2.5T Advanced Package ($1,595) adds speed-sensitive power steering; 235/45R17 tires on 17x7.5-inch Tuscana wheels; a premium 325-watt stereo with six-CD changer, Dolby Pro Logic II, 13 speakers and a diversity antenna; aluminum dash inlays; rear park assist; Homelink; Interior Air Quality System (IAQS); and other conveniences.
The T5 Advanced Package for the T5 ($1,695) adds the high-zoot stereo plus active bi-xenon headlamps, rear park assist, the IAQS filtration system, among other upgrades; rear spoiler, and brushed aluminum door handles and trunk moldings. New Imola two-tone leather can be specified for the T5 with the Advanced Package at no additional charge. T5 can be ordered with 17-inch Tuscana chrome wheels ($995), or 235/40R18 tires on 18x8-inch Eudora wheels ($750).
A Climate Package ($675) for all models includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, and Rainsense automatic windshield wipers. Stand-alone options include DVD navigation ($2,120) and metallic paint ($475).
Safety features that come standard on all S60 models include frontal, side-impact and side-curtain airbags; head restraints for all five passengers; seats that move on impact to reduce whiplash injuries (WHIPS); an immobilizer and alarm; anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); electronic stability control (DSTC); and a tire-pressure monitor. The S60 features Volvo's famous safety-cage construction. Seat belts have pyrotechnic pretensioners in all seating positions; they are superb, so be sure to use them at all times. ISO-FIX attachments are provided for rearward-facing child safety seats.