Scandinavian car maker Volvo has always been known for the safety and practicality of its cars, and now aims to add stunning design and technological leadership to its attributes, courtesy of the revamped 60 range.

According to Lex Kerssemakers, senior VP of Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group, the update to the 60 line is much more than a simple facelift since it boils down to the most extensive development of existing models in the company’s history.

In terms of design, the most significant changes involve the removal of the chrome frame around the grille, incorporation of more pronounced, single-unit headlamps and the new ironmark badge being made bigger.

Larger 19" wheels is on offer on the S60 saloon and V60 station wagon, with the XC60 crossover getting the 20" wheel treatment, whilst drivers will now find new integrated tailpipes at the back of all the new vehicles in this range. Inside the cabins, interior enhancements include new upholstery colours, wood inlays, a new headliner, as well as silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.

Volvo looks to bring sexy design back with its revamped 60 line, as attested to by the S60.   

New tech introduced in the 60 line

The company provided plenty of details of the impressive new in-car tech, including the new Sensus Connected Touch infotainment system that incorporates a 7" touchscreen that can be used even when the driver is wearing gloves.

This infotainment system can connect to the web via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver’s Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone, delivering access to features such as full internet browsing (not accessible whilst driving), embedded connected 3D navigation with online traffic info and dangerous zone warnings, free parking locator, and local weather information.

Corner Traction Control is now standard on the XC60, with this torque vectoring system assisting drivers in avoiding understeer by applying brake force to the inner wheels while powering the outer wheels when accelerating out of a corner. In addition, the optional Hill Descent Control system will automatically control the car’s speed when driving down steep slopes.

Adaptive Digital Display tech

Volvo’s Adaptive Digital Display that made its debut on the new V40 is now also available in the new S60, V60 and XC60. This active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display enables the driver to choose between three graphic themes to showcase the most important info in any given situation.

The Elegance theme is the base mode, revealing traditional info the likes of the speedometer, engine temperature etc., whilst the Eco theme features a green background illumination and displays an Eco meter that reveals the current and accumulated fuel consumption figures. Within the Eco theme, the driver is rewarded with a green E light when eco-driving (lowest fuel usage) is optimal.

Performance has red background illumination, creating a sporty atmosphere. In this theme, a big rev counter replaces the speedometer since vehicle speed is shown digitally in the centre of the display. A power meter is included to show the driver how much engine power is available and how much power is being used at any given moment in time, useful on the highway when you wish to know if there is enough power left to overtake.