2017 Volvo S60 Inscription Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2017
Volvo unveiled new engines for many of its models, and the 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription is not different. What’s different for the S60 is that buyers now have an all-wheel drive option. The Inscription model features a long wheel base, which translates into more cabin room.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription – The Pros
1. New Engines and AWD
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription comes in FWD and AWD this year and two engine options that are new and improved. Both are turbocharged four-cylinder engines that deliver 240 horsepower and 302 horsepower. A smooth eight-speed transmission is also now standard with Volvo cars and ensures a good ride. These new engines make the S60 zippy in city traffic and on the freeway.
2. Good Fuel Efficiency
It’s one thing to deliver power, but the 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription matches it with better than average fuel efficiency. Not only that, you’ll save a few dollars at the pump because the new engines don’t require premium gasoline. The base engine will get 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the freeway. That’s close to the best gas mileage in the S60’s class.
3. A Stable Ride
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription may not be a sports car, but it's certainly not a rough ride, either. The transmission shifts smoothly and the S60 can take turns of moderate difficulty quite well. It’s as agile as you’d expect a small luxury car to be. The AWD option will offer more traction.
4. Enjoy Front Seat Comfort
Volvo knows how to design comfortable seats and doesn’t hold back with its luxury cars. The S60 Inscription will impress you with exceptional support on long road trips. They come with leather upholstery as a standard feature.
5. The Long Wheelbase Makes the Back Seats Better
If you’ll have children in the back, or tall adults, the S60 Inscription is the model to choose. The other S60 models leave the backseats cramped, but with the Inscription you’ll have no trouble getting car seats in and out. Passengers with long legs will also appreciate the additional three inches of legroom.
6. Simple Style is Clean Looking
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription opts for simplicity over an overwrought style. It was a new look that caught on when the S60 was introduced nearly ten years ago, and it continues to work. The curves go well with the wedge-shaped profile. That simple design philosophy continues to show on the inside of the vehicle. The controls are simple and intuitive.
7. Unexpected Standard Features
Some complain the Volvo S60 is low on standard features compared to others in its class, but the S60 Inscription does surprise with niceties like a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and natural wood finish.
8. Collision Warning Systems
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription is equipped with several automated safety features that are to sure keep you out of a fender-bender when the traffic gets hectic. It has adaptive cruise control that reacts when the traffic ahead slows down. It has pedestrian safety in mind as well as the dangers of backing into traffic.
9. Superior Crash Protection
Volvo doesn’t shirk its duty when it comes to designing their vehicles for crash safety. The 2017 Volvo S60 scored five stars across the board with the National Traffic Safety Administration. If safety is a concern when considering a small car like the Volvo S60, you can rest assured Volvo has this covered.
10. Adequate Cargo Space
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription has 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about right for a small luxury car. The low height of the trunk makes it easy to load, and the back seats fold down with a 60/40 split to allow long items to pass through.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription – The Cons
1. The Price is High For What Comes Standard
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription is higher priced that seven of its competitors in the same class. This might be understandable if the base price included more extras than the rest, but the opposite is true. Volvo seems to be pricing a premium into the S60 Inscription for going the extra mile on the foundations of performance, safety, and comfort.
2. Engine Noise is More than What’s Expected
The 2017 Volvo S60 Inscription’s base engine is louder than most luxury vehicles. That said, it isn’t a roaring monster, but most cars in this class aren’t as noticeable when you rev them.
3. Infotainment System Feels Outdated
Volvo’s infotainment system feels dated and non-intuitive in the era of smart touchscreens, a problem you’ll see in other Volvo vehicles. Physical, multi-function knobs and nested menus risk taking up too much of a driver’s attention on the road.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition
The Volvo S60 Inscription holds it own against the competition better than the other versions of the S60. The interior features are higher quality and the longer wheelbase gives the back seats much needed room.
Conclusion
Volvo continues to outdo itself when it comes to driver comfort, crash safety design, and smooth handling, and the S60 Inscription is a good example. If these strong points combine to make the deal for you, the price will be worth it. If you’re looking for something more environment friendly or a vehicle that includes more cutting edge features, this luxury small car may seem too pricey. Nonetheless, Volvo has the must-haves covered with this offering.
