Volvo S60 Gets New, Cheaper Base Trim

Volvo said its redesigned Volvo S60 would get a more affordable version when the car first went on sale in September with just a top-of-the-line trim available. This month, the automaker delivered on that promise with a new 2012 base model that sucks nearly $7,000 out of the sedan’s original asking price.

The new 2012 T5 trim starts at $30,975, excluding an $875 destination fee; that’s $450 less than what Volvo originally quoted for the model.

The major downside to the trim versus the $37,700 T6 is it doesn’t have all-wheel drive or an inline-six-cylinder powertrain. Instead, we get a 250-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder motor that’s mated to the same six-speed automatic transmission in the T6, but all the power is going to the front wheels.

Despite the loss of 50 horsepower over the T6, the T5 still looks to be relatively quick. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is about one second off of the T6’s time. Fuel economy improves by a combined 2 mpg over the high-end model, with an EPA-estimated rating of 20/30 mpg city/highway.

The T5 comes equipped with many of the features found on the T6. You still get Volvo’s comprehensive City Safety system standard, which uses infrared laser sensors to determine when to automatically apply the brakes and slow down the car to avoid a collision. Features like automatic climate control with cabin filter, a 7-inch touch-screen, eight-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity also come standard.

The glaring difference in features between the T6 and T5 is the latter comes with a standard premium cloth, which Volvo calls “T-Tec,” instead of leather upholstery. Leather upholstery is a part of a $1,900 Premium Package on the T5.

To spark sales, Volvo has a lease deal of $299 a month for 36 months on the 2012 S60 T5, with $2,993 due at signing. That lease deal ends Feb. 28. There’s also 0.9% financing for 36 months on the model.