The new-generation 2019 Volvo S60 has been revealed today, but an Australian debut for the premium new sedan is still to be confirmed.
Likewise, the big V90 has yet to arrive in anything but SUV-like Cross Country form, leaving the stately S90 as the local operation's only all-new model that isn't an SUV.
Regardless, it won't be until the second quarter of 2019 before a production window will open for our market – and, speaking with CarAdvice today, Volvo Cars Australia communications boss Greg Bosnich said there's just about nothing to say.
"A decision to take a model as part of the product portfolio is always a longer term proposition. [There has been] no final decision as yet. A decision will be communicated closer to the model’s global introduction," Bosnich said.
As for the car itself, those up-to-speed with the new V60 and the popular new XC60 SUV (which is available here) will know there are few surprises today.
Styling is in-line with both the V60 and XC60, and, just as Mercedes-Benz does with its model lines from small to large, the new S60 looks a good deal like its big papa the S90.
The S60 enters the stage as a player in the medium premium sedan scene, taking on the recently updated C-Class, the 3 Series – itself set to be replaced in the very near future – and the Audi A4, among others.
Initial powertrain options have been detailed for the US market, coinciding with the opening of the new South Carolina factory that will build the S60 for every market it's to be offered in.
Those powertrains will include Volvo's 251kW/590Nm T6 Twin Engine and the range-topping 298kW/640Nm T8 Twin Engine. Both are 2.0-litre engines, both utilise turbochargers, superchargers, plug-in hybrid EV technology and an all-wheel drive footprint. Both are petrol units.
A Polestar kit will also be offered with the T8, boosting outputs to 309kW and 670Nm and upgrading its wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit.
The T8 engine claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds, while the Polestar kit will trim that to 4.7 seconds.
The European market will also get couple of lower-end engines, starting (for now, likely) with a turbocharged 183kW 2.0-litre T5 engine, offered in front-wheel drive only. WLTP fuel use is listed at between 7.2 to 8.1L/100km.
The final initial engine specification is the supercharged 228kW/400Nm T6, offered in all-wheel-drive form.
Interestingly, and unlike the V60, no diesel variants of the S60 will be offered.
All models get an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Built on Volvo's Scalable Platform Architecture, the new S60 is larger in most dimensions. It measures in at 4761mm long (old model 4628mm) and rides on a 2872mm wheelbase (2776mm). Width is 2040mm (1865mm) including the mirrors, and height – the only smaller number here – is 1431mm (1484mm).
Weight will start at 1680kg, making it close to 100kg heavier than the old model's 1570kg starting kerb weight.
Rear storage is listed at 442 litres, compared to 480 litres for the 3 Series, C-Class and A4 sedans. (So, get the wagon.)
Stay tuned for word, or no word at all, on whether we'll see the new S60 in Australia.
Weirdly, oddly, we've had confirmation the V60 is coming later this year – but nothing on the S60. This is likely due to the V60 being built in Europe and the S60 in the US, but still... a premium brand prioritising a wagon over a sedan? Be still my beating heart!
Click any of the photos above to see more images of the new S60.
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