The 2008 Volvo S60 sedan offers excellent performance and outstanding safety features. It is available as a front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. For 2008, the manual transmission and the S60 R have been dropped. The trim levels include the 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and T5, all of which receive more standard features.

The Volvo S60 lineup has turbo-charged, inline five-cylinder engines. The 2.5T and 2.5T AWD have a 2.5-liter engine that produces 208 horsepower. The T5 has a 258-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. All engines are teamed with a standard five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift provision. Last year, the standard chassis received firmer front and rear shock absorbers, and springs with increased torsional rigidity of about 25 percent. Anti-rolls bars were made sturdier and supported by solid bushings.

The Volvo S60 looks more like a coupe with its curvy shape, smooth grille and bumper, all of which were redesigned in 2006. This sedan wears 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. The T5 has a rear spoiler and xenon HID headlights as options. Inside, the dashboard incorporates audio and climate controls in a broad center console, which also features a storage bin and flexible cupholder. A split-folding rear seat expands cargo capacity to 13.9 cubic feet. Standard features include a CD stereo, auxiliary audio jack, dual-zone automatic climate control, and steering-wheel audio and cruise controls. Power seats, heated leather upholstery and a six-CD premium stereo are optional. Selecting the advanced package for the T5 gains active bi-xenon headlamps that employ a mini-processor to gather data and optimize the beam pattern. The headlamp beams can be turned up to 15 degrees in either direction. Also included in the package is a rear spoiler, and brushed aluminum door handles and trunk moldings. New to the Volvo lineup is a luxurious Imola two-tone leather interior, which can be specified for the T5 with the advanced package.

All models are equipped with dynamic stability traction control (DSTC) and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The long list of standard safety features includes a side-impact protection system (SIPS) with side air bags and inflatable curtain (IC); whiplash protection seating system (WHIPS); seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners in all seating positions; dual-stage front air bags (SRS) for driver and front passenger; Volvo's safety cage construction; the ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats; anti-submarine seats; daytime running lights; emergency trunk release; seatbelt reminder lights mounted overhead; safe approach; home safe lighting and much more.