LOOKS

When it comes to exterior design, Volvo is nowhere near as flashy as most of its competition. It’s still sharp-looking, but won’t turn heads like some other luxury models. It’s not in-your-face.

But the luxury shines once you get inside and lots of style points are awarded -- from the high-end seating materials to the unique and classy wood-framed control panel in the center -- unlike any setup I’ve seen in other luxury vehicles.

Other high-end touches include a power glass moonroof, leather wrapped telescopic steering wheel, electronic parking brake, Inscription trim details, and a power rear sunshade.

Space is not an issue, as the Inscription trim level offers extended room in the back seat that will be more than adequate.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

You don’t associate Volvo with fast cars. Safe, yes, but not fast. You would be wrong though.

Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbo-charged engine, and the vehicle offers 240 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The S60 was one of the faster and best handling luxury sedans I’ve experienced. It’s a fun ride, not a boring one, and Volvo would be wise to bring that to everyone’s attention (as the name Volvo generally doesn’t scream exciting).

Cabin noise is kept to an absolute minimum. You can tell Volvo is most concerned about the experience inside the cockpit, not impressing onlookers.

My test vehicle was front-wheel drive, but you can opt for all-wheel drive.

TECHNOLOGY
My only tech disappointment is the overall setup of the controls inside the S60. In contrast with the smart layout of the rest of the vehicle, the experience of using the center console controls is lacking compared to its competitors.
Voice commands worked well for the most part, and are safer to use while driving anyway.

Sensus Navigation is featured, along with a 7-inch color LCD monitor.

Optional tech features include heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windshield washer nozzles.  Audio sources are USB, AUX, Bluetooth, CD, radio, satellite radio

SAFETY
Traditionally, Volvo is focused on safety, and that trend continues with this model.

Among optional safety features are a blind spot warning system and Park Assist. A Platinum package comes with Premium Harmon Kardon sound system, Active Dual Xenon Headlights with washers, Keyless start, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid. The Lane Keeping Aid was my favorite feature, literally pushing you back into your lane if you are about to exit. That’s something that can come in quite handy if you’re driving drowsy and need help to avoid an accident.

Other standard safety features include: Low-speed collision avoidance system (the car brakes for you), unibody high strength steel safety cage, safety belts with pretensioners, whiplash protection system, airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, LED daytime running lights, electronic stability control, backup camera. Volvo’s “On Call” system is included too, and alerts authorities in case of an accident.

New technology also helps alert the vehicle not only to cars in the way, but also to pedestrians and cyclists, and then helps you stop the vehicle. Volvo is one of the companies pushing for autonomous vehicles, and they’re already on the way there with features like this.

MPG

Official fuel mileage numbers on the front-wheel-drive S60 are 25 city/37 highway/29 combined. This compares well with Volvo’s big German competitors.
As I drove the S60, the efficiency seemed to keep on climbing throughout the week. So if driven with fuel economy in mind you should go far between fill-ups..

PRICE

The 2016 S60 T5 Inscription starts at $38,700, and my test vehicle grew to $45,925 with options; The base model S60 starts at $34,150. For a luxury vehicle, that’s actually less than much of the competition.

BOTTOM LINE
Volvo makes up a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to luxury sales, but the reality is
Volvo quietly offers one of the best experiences behind the wheel that you will find -- even when compared to its bigger-name competitors.

The company is producing quality vehicles like the award-winning XC90 SUV and this S60 sedan that warrant a strong consideration from luxury vehicle buyers -- especially with the safety record and tech features taken into account.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.