Hey guys, let's dive into the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD. This car isn't just another sedan; it's a statement. If you're looking for a blend of sporty aesthetics, premium comfort, and Volvo's signature safety, this R Design model seriously checks all the boxes. We're talking about a car that looks as good as it drives, and for many of you, that's exactly what you're after in a compact luxury sedan. Forget those boring, run-of-the-mill rides; the S60 R Design brings a whole lot of flair to the table, making your daily commute or weekend road trip a whole lot more exciting. So, buckle up as we explore what makes this particular Volvo S60 stand out from the crowd. We'll cover its design, performance, interior, and what makes it a compelling choice in its segment.

Exterior Charm and R Design Flair

Let's start with the looks, because the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD certainly doesn't shy away from making an impression. The R Design package is all about enhancing the sporty character of the S60, and boy, does it deliver. You'll notice a more aggressive front fascia with a unique grille, distinctive bumpers, and sportier styling cues that scream performance. The R Design badging is subtle but a clear indicator of the enhanced aesthetics. It rides on larger, often unique R Design alloy wheels that fill out the wheel wells nicely, giving it a more planted and dynamic stance. The lines of the S60 itself are elegant yet muscular, and the R Design touches amplify this, giving it a more purposeful look than the standard models. Think of it as the standard S60 dressed up for a night out – sharp, sophisticated, and ready to impress. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup means it's geared more towards spirited on-road driving than hardcore off-roading, which suits the sporty intent of the R Design trim perfectly. The rear also gets some R Design treatment, often with a diffuser-like element and dual exhaust tips, reinforcing its performance-oriented persona. Even the side profile benefits, with sculpted lines and potentially unique side skirts. It’s these carefully considered details that elevate the S60 T5 R Design from just another car to a desirable piece of automotive design. For anyone who appreciates a car that looks dynamic and athletic, the exterior of the 2019 S60 R Design is a major selling point. It manages to be both eye-catching and sophisticated, avoiding the ostentatious for a more refined, performance-bred appeal. The LED headlights and taillights not only look sharp but also provide excellent illumination, adding to both the safety and the premium feel of the vehicle. The color options available for the R Design also tend to complement its sportier nature, often featuring bolder or more metallic finishes that catch the light beautifully. It’s clear Volvo put a lot of thought into making the R Design variant a visual treat, and it absolutely succeeded. The overall impression is one of understated aggression and premium sportiness, a difficult balance to strike but one the 2019 S60 T5 R Design pulls off with style.

Under the Hood: The T5 Powertrain

Now, let's talk about what makes the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD tick – the T5 engine. This isn't just any engine; it's the heart of this sporty sedan, offering a compelling mix of power and efficiency. The T5 designation typically means a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that provides ample grunt for everyday driving and spirited performance when you need it. For the 2019 S60, this powerplant usually churns out a healthy amount of horsepower and torque, making acceleration feel brisk and confident. Paired with an automatic transmission, the power delivery is generally smooth and responsive, ensuring that merging onto highways or overtaking slower vehicles is a breeze. The FWD setup means that this power is sent directly to the front wheels, which is common for this segment and contributes to the car's engaging driving dynamics. While it might not offer the all-weather security of an AWD system, the FWD configuration in the T5 R Design is tuned to deliver a sharp and direct driving feel. You'll appreciate how the engine responds eagerly to throttle inputs, making it feel more alive and connected. The turbocharger spools up relatively quickly, minimizing lag and providing a consistent surge of power across the rev range. This makes the S60 T5 feel lively and engaging, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the open road. Fuel economy is also a consideration, and Volvo has generally done a good job of balancing performance with reasonable efficiency for the T5 engine. It’s a powerplant that doesn’t demand a significant sacrifice at the pump for the enjoyment it provides. The engineering behind the T5 is indicative of Volvo's focus on delivering modern, efficient, and powerful engines. It’s designed to offer a premium driving experience without compromise. You get that satisfying push back into your seat during acceleration, coupled with the refined hum of a well-engineered machine. The engine note itself, while not overtly aggressive, has a pleasant tone under load, adding to the overall sporty ambiance. For those who enjoy driving, the T5 powertrain in the S60 R Design offers a rewarding experience, providing the necessary oomph to make every journey more dynamic and enjoyable. It’s a practical choice that doesn't skimp on the fun factor, making it a well-rounded option for discerning drivers. The synergy between the T5 engine and the R Design's sport-tuned chassis further enhances the driving dynamics, creating a cohesive and exhilarating package. This powertrain is a key reason why the R Design trim feels particularly spirited and engaging to drive, living up to its sporty credentials.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD, you're greeted with a cabin that perfectly balances premium comfort, modern technology, and the distinctive Scandinavian design ethos Volvo is famous for. The R Design trim specifically adds its own sporty touches to this already upscale environment. You'll often find sport seats that provide excellent bolstering, keeping you snug and supported during spirited driving, yet comfortable enough for longer journeys. These seats are typically upholstered in a combination of leather and a unique R Design textile, often with contrasting stitching, adding a touch of performance flair. The dashboard layout is clean, minimalist, and driver-focused, featuring Volvo's signature vertical touchscreen infotainment system. This central screen controls most of the car's functions, from navigation and media to climate control and vehicle settings, all presented with intuitive menus. While some might find it takes a little getting used to, it contributes to the uncluttered and sophisticated look of the interior. Materials throughout the cabin are top-notch, with soft-touch plastics, genuine wood or metal trim options (often specific to R Design), and excellent fit and finish. Everything feels solid and well-constructed, reinforcing the premium nature of the S60. Technology-wise, the 2019 S60 is well-equipped. Standard features usually include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a decent sound system. Optional upgrades could bring a premium audio system (like Harman Kardon), a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, ensuring you're connected and entertained on the go. The digital driver display is another highlight, offering crisp graphics and customizable information that enhances the driving experience. The R Design touches extend to the steering wheel, which is often a sportier, leather-wrapped unit with paddle shifters for manual gear selection, and distinctive R Design floor mats. Even the interior lighting can be customized to create a specific mood. The spaciousness is competitive for its class, with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, though the sloping roofline of the coupe-like design might slightly impact rear headroom for taller individuals. The trunk offers decent cargo space for your everyday needs and luggage. Overall, the interior of the S60 T5 R Design is a sanctuary that offers a blend of luxury, sportiness, and advanced technology. It's a place where you'll enjoy spending time, whether you're commuting or embarking on a road trip. The focus on ergonomic design and high-quality materials makes it feel truly special and justifies its place in the luxury segment. The attention to detail, from the stitching on the seats to the brushed aluminum trim, creates an ambiance that is both sporty and refined, truly embodying the R Design philosophy. The infotainment system, while screen-heavy, is generally user-friendly once you're accustomed to it, and its integration with smartphone platforms makes it a very modern and convenient feature for tech-savvy drivers. It’s a cabin designed for the driver, but with enough comfort and amenities to keep passengers happy too.

Safety: Volvo's Unwavering Commitment

When you think of Volvo, safety is almost always the first thing that comes to mind, and the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD is no exception. Volvo has built its reputation on pioneering safety innovations, and this model is packed with features designed to protect you and your passengers. Even though it's a sportier trim, the R Design doesn't compromise on Volvo's legendary commitment to safety. Standard safety features often include a suite of airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control, providing a solid foundation for accident prevention and mitigation. However, where Volvo truly shines is in its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and the 2019 S60 is equipped with many of them. You'll likely find City Safety as standard, which is an autonomous emergency braking system that can detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react. This is a game-changer for urban driving and a testament to Volvo's proactive approach to safety. Other available or standard ADAS features can include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which helps you change lanes safely and alerts you to approaching traffic when reversing. Lane Keeping Aid actively helps you stay within your lane, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Pilot Assist can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, and even assist with steering in certain conditions, making highway driving less fatiguing. The structure of the S60 itself is engineered with high-strength steel to create a strong safety cell, protecting occupants in the event of a collision. Volvo's focus on whiplash protection and side-impact protection is also evident in the design of the seats and the overall chassis. The infotainment system often includes features like emergency call services, which can automatically alert emergency responders in the event of an accident. For families, the availability of ISOFIX child seat anchors is standard, making it easy and secure to install child seats. The visibility from the driver's seat is generally good, aided by the well-designed exterior mirrors and available surround-view cameras on higher trims. The combination of passive safety (the car's structure and airbags) and active safety (driver assistance systems) makes the 2019 S60 T5 R Design a remarkably safe vehicle. It's not just about passing crash tests; it's about actively working to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. This unwavering dedication to safety is a cornerstone of the Volvo brand and a major reason why many buyers choose a Volvo, even in its sportier iterations. You can drive with greater peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are protected by some of the most advanced safety technologies available on the market. The advanced systems not only enhance safety but also contribute to a more relaxed and confident driving experience, making this Volvo S60 a truly compelling choice for safety-conscious individuals and families alike.

The Driving Experience: Sporty and Refined

When you get behind the wheel of the 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD, you're in for a treat. This car offers a driving experience that perfectly blends sportiness with comfort and refinement, living up to the R Design moniker. The T5 engine, as we discussed, provides more than enough power for confident acceleration and merging, making it feel lively and responsive. The sport-tuned suspension that comes with the R Design package plays a crucial role here. It's firmer than the standard S60, providing reduced body roll in corners and a more connected feel to the road. This means you can take corners with more confidence and enjoy a more engaging drive, especially on twisty roads. Despite the sportier tuning, Volvo has managed to maintain a good level of ride comfort. It's not bone-jarringly stiff; rather, it strikes a fine balance, absorbing most road imperfections without transmitting excessive harshness into the cabin. You still get that comfortable, composed ride quality that Volvo is known for, but with an added edge of athleticism. The steering is typically well-weighted and direct, providing good feedback from the front wheels, allowing you to feel what the car is doing and place it precisely where you want it on the road. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup contributes to a predictable and engaging driving dynamic. While an AWD system might offer superior traction in slippery conditions, the FWD on the T5 R Design is optimized for spirited driving on dry pavement, delivering a sharp and agile feel. The automatic transmission is smooth in normal driving but can also be shifted manually using the paddle shifters or the gear selector for more spirited driving, allowing you to hold gears longer or downshift for quick acceleration. This adds another layer of driver engagement to the experience. The overall NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) control is excellent, as expected from a premium Volvo. The cabin remains quiet and serene even at highway speeds, allowing for easy conversation or enjoyment of the audio system. The driving position is comfortable and commanding, with excellent visibility and supportive seats that make even long drives enjoyable. The combination of the responsive engine, sport-tuned chassis, precise steering, and refined cabin creates a driving experience that is both exhilarating and relaxing. It's a car that can be sporty and fun when you want it to be, but also comfortable and composed for your daily commute. The braking system is also strong and responsive, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power. Whether you're navigating tight city streets or cruising on the open highway, the 2019 S60 T5 R Design FWD offers a well-rounded and enjoyable driving experience that caters to both performance enthusiasts and those who prioritize comfort and refinement. It truly embodies the spirit of a sporty yet luxurious sedan, making every drive a pleasure. The integration of the R Design's aesthetic enhancements with its tuned mechanical components creates a cohesive package that feels more athletic and responsive than its more comfort-oriented siblings, without sacrificing the everyday usability and premium feel that Volvo drivers expect. It’s this balance that makes the S60 R Design a compelling choice for those seeking a sedan with a bit more character and driving verve.

Conclusion: A Stylish and Safe Choice

So, there you have it, guys. The 2019 Volvo S60 T5 R Design FWD is a seriously compelling package. It nails the brief for a sporty, stylish, and safe luxury sedan. With its aggressive R Design styling, the engaging T5 powertrain, a premium and tech-filled interior, and, of course, Volvo's legendary safety features, this car offers a well-rounded and attractive proposition in its segment. It's a car that looks good, feels good to drive, and offers peace of mind. Whether you're a driving enthusiast looking for a bit more excitement or someone who prioritizes safety and comfort for themselves and their family, the S60 T5 R Design delivers. It's a smart choice for anyone wanting a premium sedan that doesn't compromise on personality or capability. If you're in the market for a used luxury sedan, definitely put this one on your list to check out. You might just find it's the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle.