The revolutionary design of the all-new Volvo S60's exterior carries over to the cabin. With an athletic ambience and extraordinary attention to detail, the interior takes Volvo to a new level of exclusive quality. Volvo's designers obtained their inspiration from the racetrack as they pursued their quest for uncompromising sportiness in the all-new S60.
"A quick glance inside the car is enough for you to feel that this is a Volvo with a totally different dynamic presence than previous models," says Jonathan Disley, head of interior design for the all-new S60. "The racetrack's dramatic yet harmoniously flowing lines can be traced in almost every interior detail. It's an interior for all your senses."
The graphic character of the racetrack is clearly visible in the instrument panel design and in the doors. The lines don't end abruptly but instead create an uninterrupted, continuous flow.
"Every detail looks like it's in motion," says Disley. "All these lines ‘embrace' the driver's cockpit. The instruments and center stack are angled towards the driver to create a sensation of focus and control. The new dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and the new sports seats with extra side support are standard."
Scandinavian design with a new twist
While the all-new S60's interior has a more extrovert attitude than before, it continues to pay homage to its Scandinavian roots. "The all-new S60 brings us up to a whole new level when it comes to the integral experience of color, form, material and technology," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury.
Scandinavian design is often described with rational adjectives such as functionality, simplicity and clarity. When creating the all-new S60, the design team also added in a modern touch, details that generate excitement, contrast and playfulness.
"We've taken a significant step forward when it comes to the quality and craftsmanship of the interior," says Anders Sachs, who is in charge of colors and materials in the all-new S60. "We aimed to make every visible surface, whether leather, metal, wood or plastic, exclusive both to the hand and the eye."
The attractive stitching of the upholstery is a good example of the systematic approach to quality. The silk metal frame around the center console's décor in shimmer Graphite aluminum or Urbane Wood is another.
Classic hues create good news
The interior of the all-new S60 is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it's still a five-passenger car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. The all-new S60 benefits from a nearly 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase over the previous-generation S60. This increase has a direct impact on rear seat leg room. Rear passengers will notice a 2.1-inch increase in leg room. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by more than an inch compared with the previous-generation S60.
Beige and black are the main colors of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the new highlight shade Beechwood Brown - a tan, leather upholstery that traces its proud roots to classic Volvo models such as the P1800 ES and 164.
"We wanted to create a color that feels both classic and timeless but at the same time radiates attitude and character," says Sachs. "For the all-new S60 we only use it on the surface of the seat, the rest is black. This gives you a floating effect that pronounces the sporty side bolsters - an unmistakable cool and exiting interior option."
High-tech features improve convenience
The sporty interior of the all-new S60 is also the most advanced high-tech environment in Volvo history. Groundbreaking technology such as Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake takes Volvo's safety dedication yet another step forward.
In terms of comfort, there are features such as the optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front. The ACC will now operate at speeds below 18 mph, all the way down to standstill.
The all-new S60 can naturally be equipped with parking sensors front and rear and a Park Assist camera at the rear. A camera in the front grille with a 180° field of vision is a completely new Volvo feature, available as an accessory.
With the front split screen view presented on the integrated dashboard screen, the camera is a great asset when manoeuvring in crossings with limited view or while parking.
The new look of infotainment
The all-new S60 also receives an all-new infotainment system. Information from the audio unit, navigation system and other functions is presented on a seven-inch color monitor positioned in the upper part of the center console for easy viewing. All the functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located below the screen. A separate remote control is also included.
"We have focused firmly on the development of an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solution that is easy to handle and does not distract the driver from the main task of driving," says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the all-new S60. "The idea behind the technology is that a high percentage of the users will be able to handle the basic functions without having to refer to the instruction manual."
Volvo has conducted several test sessions to evaluate customer responses to various HMI alternatives.
"We are one of the few manufacturers to give the driver access to all infotainment functions via controls in the steering wheel," says Ahlborg. "When it comes to the layout of the center stack, most of the people in the tests felt that our solution with rotating controls close to the screen is better than a touch-screen for handling the audio system, navigation and their hands-free phone with minimum possible distraction."
Integrated navigation with voice control is available as an option, as is the ability of using Bluetooth to connect the driver's own mobile phone to the car's infotainment system.
Introducing MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories
Volvo's design team made sound decisions when it came time to develop audio systems for the all-new S60. At the pinnacle of the range is a remarkable new system that's sure to attract audiophiles and new users alike.
The Volvo S60 is one of the first cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theater markets. MultEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin's acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage effects for everyone in the car.
"Our most advanced system, Premium Sound, has a class-D digital 5x130W amplifier with circuits from Sweden's Anaview, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and the award-winning MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories with 12 premium loudspeakers," says Ahlborg. "All this creates an audio experience of absolute world class quality."
In addition, the top-of-the line Premium Sound, which comes with a seven-inch high-definition color screen, features integrated Bluetooth for hands-free cellular phone use, a USB port and an AUX outlet for portable music devices.
In the U.S. the all-new S60 is also available with the High Performance Multimedia sound system.
The High Performance Multimedia system features a 4x40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This level is combined with the optional navigation system and the same seven-inch high definition screen found in the Premium Sound system. Integrated features such as Bluetooth, USB port and AUX outlet are also included.
Volvo has an ear for audio quality. Audio tuning for all the sound systems are developed in-house at Volvo Cars' laboratories.
Dolby Digital creates concert quality sound
The all-new S60 offers Dolby Digital that enables the listener to experience compelling surround sound, ensuring excellent audio quality for any Dolby Digital soundtrack. This results in concert quality sound reproduction for live-recorded music. The system also features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround that transforms ordinary stereo content into rich, full-range surround sound.
Premium Sound has a special adjustment function that further contributes to the best possible individual audio perception. The audio experience can be optimized in three different ways - for the best possible enjoyment in the driver's seat, the two front seats or the rear seat. The system can play DVDs and CDs with music in MP3, AAC or WMA formats well as AVI and Video Div-X. It also supports Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP).
Convenience and comfort found inside
The Electronic Climate Control (ECC) system offers automatic control of both temperature and ventilation. The all-new S60 can be equipped with IAQS (Interior Air Quality System), which prevents particles and unpleasant odors from entering the cabin.
Easily accessible storage space is an important part of interior comfort and convenience. The all-new S60 has a storage compartment behind the center stack and another in the center console armrest. Door pockets offer space for books, maps and soft-drink bottles and cans. Front and rear seat occupants have seat pockets within easy reach.
The rear seat splits 60/40 and the trunk opening has been made 4.2 inches wider than in the previous-generation S60.
"The interior of the all-new S60 is all about innovative design in form and technology," says Ahlborg. "The design is characterized by sporty freshness down to the smallest detail. The technological aspect includes all those smart solutions that contribute to a driving experience unlike any other Volvo - from collision avoidance safety and comfort systems, to infotainment and audio excellence, the all-new S60 is truly world class."
