The End of an Era: Volvo Ends Production of S60 Sedan to Focus on the EX90
Volvo, the renowned automaker, recently made a significant announcement regarding the future of its production line. Following the launch of the highly anticipated Volvo EX90 at their South Carolina plant, the company revealed that the production of the beloved S60 sedan would be coming to an end. This news has caught the attention of Volvo enthusiasts worldwide, sparking both excitement and curiosity about the reasons behind this strategic move.
The Fate of the S60 Sedan
With the EX90 finally rolling off assembly lines, it was only a matter of time before Volvo made a decision regarding the S60 sedan. A recent Instagram post by volvo.forlife shed light on the situation, stating that the S60’s production in Ridgeville, South Carolina, would cease at the end of June 2024, allowing the company to fully focus on their all-new EX90 model.
Timing is Everything
It’s clear that the EX90’s late start in production played a significant role in prolonging the S60’s existence. The delay inadvertently allowed news of the S60’s discontinuation to spread through various channels, influencing consumer behavior and ultimately leading to a surprising spike in sales. According to reports, S60 sales have increased by a staggering 255% this year alone.
The Global Perspective
While South Carolina will no longer produce the S60, Volvo’s Chengdu plant in China will continue to manufacture this popular sedan. However, these vehicles will not be available in the United States market. Instead, the South Carolina facility will shift its focus to ramping up production of the EX90, which is already underway, and preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated Polestar 3.
The Legacy of the S60 Sedan
Although it has been some time since experts at Autoblog conducted a comprehensive review of the S60, the sedan’s features and specifications have remained relatively unchanged since its third-generation introduction in 2019. Praised for its stunning design, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, the S60 has gained a loyal following over the years. The only drawback noted was its braking system, which was not optimized to fully exploit the dynamic potential of a 4,000-pound sedan with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.
Moving Forward
While the popular T8 Inscription trim of the S60 will no longer be available, the remaining trims continue to impress. With prices ranging from approximately $45,000 to $53,000 before options, these models are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, delivering a combined 247 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, the S60 also boasts a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
In conclusion, Volvo’s decision to end production of the S60 sedan in favor of the EX90 reflects their commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving demands of consumers. While enthusiasts bid farewell to the S60, they eagerly anticipate the arrival of the EX90 and Polestar 3. With Volvo’s dedication to delivering exceptional design, performance, and technology, it is clear that the future holds great promise for this iconic automaker.