reddogTL

The more time that passes the more I keep building a case against getting a TLX. I've cross shopped BMW 328xi, Infiniti Q50, Cadillac ATS 2.0, Mercedes C300 Sport and new CLA, Lexus IS F Sport, Lincoln MKZ, Audi A4.

However, never before have I considered a Volvo until now.

The new 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E seems to be spectacular, at least on paper.

Twin-Charged 2.0L i4 302HP / 295LBS
Transmission: 8-Speed Auto
0-60 Time: 5.6 Seconds
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight:3,472 LBS
Seating:2+3
Cargo: 12.0 CU-FT
MPG:24 City / 35 HWY
Base Price: $38,150

So lets recap. The new TLX with i4 and 8DCT 0-60 will be around 7 seconds and will get 24/35mpg. This new volvo gets the same fuel economy and 0-60 is 5.6 seconds. Granted the S60 has a smaller trunk and most likely will have a higher starting price than the TLX but still its definitely on the radar now.

Autoblog Quick Spin Link

mondster

How much for the awd version? Honestly the reason why I will probably end up with the TLX and not the others you mentioned is the cabin space. All the others on the list are too small for me. I may look at the s60 aandsee how the cabin space is.

reddogTL

From what I understand this is an all new engine setup for the 2015 S60's and currently only comes in FWD. If you step up to the S60 T6 AWD R-Design that comes with a Turbo 3.0L 6 cyl with 325hp/354lbs on tap but drops MPG to 19/28mpg for $42k. Maybe they will have an AWD variant of the twin charged i4 for 2016.

Tonyware

The S60 is a great car. Problem is not too many things come standard. If you look at the list of options and extra packages you'll see most of the things that come standard in the "advance" or "elite" trim of Acuras. So whats the point? Even if I go to a Volvo dealer and say I want the S60 with this and this option at that color, they'll tell me its impossible to find that combination. Wish they too can simplify their trim levels and just offer something of value and simple to chose from.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

not looking good for acura

internalaudit

Nice, all the more reason Acura should discount the TLX more.

Still going for TLX because reliability is a key consideration in my household. If I was filthy rich, I wouldn't mind these European cars.

A special thanks to those on Acurazine who decided not go with a TLX for their next vehicle. Sometimes a contrarian approach makes a lot of sense.

FRST4DR

Volvo is just as reliable with the experience I've had. We have a XC90 that we've had zero issues with since new. My co-worker has a S60 he bought new and is about to turn 200,000 miles, with just normal maintenance done and still rides great.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i think Volvo is the underdog

How about the Koreans? they're just as reliable.

Rocketsfan

I don't really follow Volvos much, so can somebody help me out? I may also be missing it in the article. I'm kind of confused about what exactly the price of the "base model" includes in that Autoblog article because the base model is apparently around $38,150, but the "as tested" price is $47,925. Does the base model have a different engine than the "as tested" version? Or does they have the same engine but the "as tested" version have almost $10,000 worth of other options?

docboy

The S60 T6 AWD looks interesting. I haven't check it out in person but it definitely looks nice physically, and has nice specs to boot.

I for one am cautious about TLX's reliability. With 2 new transmissions, and Acura's history of automatic transmission issues, I'm not sure if Acura has reliability going for them here. Not enough data so far as Acura is in new territory. IMHO.

echodigital

The S60 is a tiny car compared to TL/TLX.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

The latest generation of Volvos is seriously impressive. Those new Drive-E motors are quite impressive in their power output and fuel economy and the 8AT is really well sorted. The car is more along the size of the TSX as opposed to the larger TL and TLX, but is not significantly smaller than most of the other competitors in the class.

carz0159

I like the instrument cluster.

ostrich

While the latest Volvo's look good on paper and they are very stylishly designed, I was quite disappointed after test driving a few lately.

Why? Here are a few reasons:

1. Somehow it just felt "cheap" in quite a few bits and pieces - the door handle is very plastic, the 'start' button for ignition is tacky, and the sound of the door closing is just not a "quality" sound... to name but a few.

2. The stereo system in the V60 was horrendous, even in its "upgraded" form.

3. The brakes felt mushy, even in the sporty trim - that was actually THE deal breaker for me.

I wanted to like Volvo so badly as it's very stylish these days, but the test drive just left me cold.... even though on paper everything was so good.....

SSFTSX

This Volvo has rear legroom of Lexus IS practically unusable. and those fuel efficiency figures are for turbo engines. not very reliable. there is lack of LED lighting and I highly doubt it will be as quiet as TLX.

internalaudit

The Europeans should learn a few things from the Japanese and Chinese:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/bu...olvo.html?_r=0

unless, of course, they intentionally set their cars to expire right after the warranty period ends.

cokorote

iTrader: (1)

TLX may be a good contender if acura release the type-s or aspec TLX. Hyundai are looking good those day. Love the new Genesis.

Packagingpro

What about the new 2015 Maxima? That might be the biggest competitor to the FWD TL

seaeyes

1) S60 is a considerably smaller car than TLX, only slight larger than CIVIC.

2) Although S60 T6 has higher HP and torque numbers than TLX v6, its 0-60 (5.6s) is slower (if it is true that TLX v6 is 0.5s faster than existing TL in 0-60).

3) S60 T6 doesn't have a AWD option

neuronbob

No thanks to the S60. Much too small. The TLX seems about the right size to me. I'll know better when I can actually get my butt in one.

George Knighton

Consumer Reports disagrees with you. :-)

But I like where Volvo has tended to be going recently.

I tend to look at 2014/2015 Volvo the same way that I look at Subaru.

In other words, even if they're not the absolute best at anything in particular, there's really nothing wrong with them and you can very well see why it might suit a particular purchaser more than anything else.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

1) The S60 is around the same size as the now outgoing TSX on interior volume. The trunk is a bit smaller, but not so bad as to be unusable.

2) No way to tell this yet since no one has had independent testing of the TLX. Too early to say for sure.

3) T6 does have an AWD option. It uses the older straight-6 motor at the moment.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

The S60 is an older design. This generation came out back in 2010 or so.

It's hard to compare the base S60 T6 FWD with the TLX at this moment as we have no idea how much that would be.

Our only hint is that the top of the line TLX Advance AWD is PROBABLY going to be at $50k. A fully loaded S60 FWD T6 is also over $50k. AWD adds another few thousands.

reddogTL

For everyone saying that the S60 is a smaller car than the TLX you are right.

However, frequently the TL is cross shopped with BMW 3 series, Lexus IS, Mercedes C class and even the tiny new CLA class, along with Audi A4. So technically this isn't an issue since its in the same price and size range as these other competitors.

My main concern with this new 2015 S60 engine is reliability. It is both Turbo and Supercharged. But those numbers 35mpg and 0-60 of 5.6 Secs is impressive. I believe Motortrend got 5.4-5.5 seconds in their test.

350

iTrader: (4)

I always liked the S60/V60R, but I'm not willing to deal with European reliability. They're owned by Geely from China now too which seems like it wouldn't bode well for reliability.

prepreludesh

Everyone needs to remember that anytime you see any sort of forced induction motor and the claimed MPG numbers that it gets, to always subtract at least 3 if not 5 mpgs on either end of those for passionate drivers such as ourselves. This rings especially true for Ford Ecoboost engines, but really you could apply it to any forced induction. The EPA testing cycle is not that accurate and depicts driving a car in situations and limits that most of us couldn't bear to drive in. Then we all wonder why we aren't getting the HWY MPG when we're driving at 75-80 mph. It's because those HWY MPG were rated at 60mph. And EPA cycle never, ever, would get into boost.

The N/A fuel economy numbers that Acura gives will be closer to the truth than this Volvo.

compewterbleu

Wasn't there talk about Volvo becoming like Saab, done in America if not done totally?

Yumcha

The S60 is awesome.

Also, look up the Polestar version.

George Knighton

Yes. There is trouble. But there's a very active and concerned lobbyist in Sweden who is very difficult to ignore, and I doubt he will sit idly by and let Sweden's second automaker go down the tubes.

internalaudit

It's now owned by Geely of China. I doubt they will let Volvo go down the tube.

BEAR-AvHistory

New image car coming out in 2016. Infinity is showing a 700HP twin turbo + Hybrid coupe as its halo car. $100-$150 depending on trim & power. Pictures in MT. Civilized GT-R?

They brought a new guy in from Audi as president to revamp the whole lineup. Says his mission is to treat it as a "start-up". Hired on of Caddy's chief designers as an early move, guess the big sweeping curves are going away.

shaymasdaddy

[AddeddogTL;1499wiFrom what I understand this is an all new engine setup for the 2015 S60's and currently only comes in FWD. If you step up to the S60 T6 AWD R-Design that comes with a Turbo 3.0L 6 cyl with 325hp/354lbs on tap but drops MPG to 19/28mpg for $42k. Maybe they will have an AWD variant of the twin charged i4 for 2016.[/QUOTE]

I test drove the 2015 S60 AWD R Design w/ Platinum pkg today. It listed at $48,700 and some change but it made my '09 TL SH-AWD tech w/ HPTs feel archaic and bloated. The turbo lag was minimal because stepping on gas was like being shot out of a cannon!!!! The handling was very good but not noticeably better than my TL. It definitely seemed easier to drive fast.....or maybe it is because the S60 is 13 inches shorter than my TL!!!! The seats cradle you and are more supportive and keep you planted in sharp turns. And not mention, the premium audio system is amazing. I used Bluetooth streaming to play some jazz from my phone and clarity and separation was uncanny. It is better than the ELS system which is already better than the Mark Levinson system from Lexus in my opinion. Overall, I was very impressed and this S60 R Design AWD is now #1 on my list.

On another note, the sales manager did mention that the twin turbocharged i4 will in the R Design in the fall. The HP will also be increased by adding the Polstar chip. The tranny will be upgraded as well to an 8 speed auto-manual. Interesting stuff......I really don't want to leave Acura because they make well-engineered, super reliable cars. But if the TLX SH-AWD Advance falls short when it comes out this fall, I may have a Volvo in my garage by the end of the year.

shaymasdaddy

I test drove the 2015 S60 AWD R Design w/ Platinum pkg today. It listed at $48,700 and some change but it made my '09 TL SH-AWD tech w/ HPTs feel archaic and bloated. The turbo lag was minimal because stepping on gas was like being shot out of a cannon!!!! The handling was very good but not noticeably better than my TL. It definitely seemed easier to drive fast.....or maybe it is because the S60 is 13 inches shorter than my TL!!!! The seats cradle you and are more supportive and keep you planted in sharp turns. And not mention, the premium audio system is amazing. I used Bluetooth streaming to play some jazz from my phone and clarity and separation was uncanny. It is better than the ELS system which is already better than the Mark Levinson system from Lexus in my opinion. Overall, I was very impressed and this S60 R Design AWD is now #1 on my list.

On another note, the sales manager did mention that the twin turbocharged i4 will in the R Design in the fall. The HP will also be increased by adding the Polstar chip. The tranny will be upgraded as well to an 8 speed auto-manual. Interesting stuff......I really don't want to leave Acura because they make well-engineered, super reliable cars. But if the TLX SH-AWD Advance falls short when it comes out this fall, I may have a Volvo in my garage by the end of the year.

KeithL

I test drove an S60 a while back, felt it was too small for me.

Bo_Darville

seems to be quite a few posters on here that appear to have inside information on the dimensions of the TLX. did i miss this? where can i find the official (not speculative) dimensions for the new TLX?

350

iTrader: (4)

I would say the S60 is too small for someone looking for a TL, but not someone who would have considered a TSX, at least Acura is hoping customers for both sizes would settle on the TLX, I'd see it being a competitor from a safety/tech standpoint but I don't think anyone is gonna consider them in the same ballpark on reliability. I really like the S60R but if I had the money to feel comfortable maintaining it I'd probably buy something nicer.

carz0159

Reliability seems to be vrought up a lot here. Many ex tl owners left acura because of reliability. 1999-2006 trannies are prone to failiure and you guys are speaking about acura like theyve never had problems. Maybe your 1, 2, 3 year old cars dont have problems but in a few years they very well could. (Especially FWD TLs). The TLX is also getting two new trannies. How can anyone say anything about reliability. Yes, Acura might be more reliable than MB or BMW but I wouldnt consider them very reliable tbh. I have a friend with a 2000 MB S430. It has 210k miles and has been much more reliable than my Tl. Especially considering its 4 years older and has 80k more miles. Dies the MB have some problems, yes. It needs a new alternator, original died after only 210k miles. The Airmatic is leaking, thw a/c needs to be recharged every year, but thats about it. Everything else is original, trans Eng, etc.

Rocketsfan

Crap, I better get rid of mine, quick!

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

TLX is on the same wheelbase as the TL. Pretty safe to say that the dimensions will be pretty close to the TL.

For the record, the S60 is within spitting distance of the TSX in terms of interior volume. Those of us who are looking at the TLX and are coming up from the TSX have a lot more options in terms of similarly sized options.

Rocket_man

I don't think I've seen actual dimensions but this was stated at the NY auto show.

".... For sports-sedan dynamic capabilities the 2015 TLX is 3.8-inches shorter in overall length than the 2014 TL while maintaining the same wheelbase and tandem (front-to-rear) passenger-seating distance. The TLX’s front and rear overhangs are also shorter by 3.8-inches in total compared to the outgoing TL. The TLX engineers worked diligently to make the TLX lighter, incorporating a wide range of high strength steel and lightweight materials in the design. As an example, the TLX two-wheel-drive with the 3.5-liter V-6 Technology Package model has a curb weight just under 3600 pounds, about 145 pounds lighter than the TL Technology Package model. ...."