In our last Street Sighting we reported on the quirky Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe of the early 2000’s. Now, as Volvo prepares to release the all-new third generation S60 sedan, Third Auto revisits the original S60 model that was sold through 2001-2005 model years.
Volvo boldly entered the turn of the century with a sleek new design language that debuted with the large S80 sedan in 1999. The curvy lines and shapely contours replaced the brand’s iconic boxy design and made a style statement that reached its zenith with the midsize 2001 S60. The more compact proportions of the S60 was a template for Volvo to be more daring with their design philosophy, as evidenced by the exaggerated hipline curve and emboldened taillight treatment compared to the conservatively executed S80.
Also available in wagon form, known as the V70, the S60 sedan competed against the likes of the Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G35 in the entry-level luxury sedan category. Of all the vehicles within its class, perhaps the Volvo aged best, especially when equipped with larger wheels.
The crème de la crème of the S60 range was the R model. Equipped with performance and aesthetic upgrades, the radical S60 R was powerful and imposing. At a time when BMW 3 Series were the ubiquitous luxury performance sedan, the S60 R offered an eccentric alternative.
Available in a range of compelling colors and equipped with glorious wheel designs, the Volvo S60 has style that has stood the test of time and still looks fresh 17 years on.
See more coverage of unusual 2000’s cars in our “2000 & Late” series:
2000 & Late: 2002-2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor
2000 & Late: 2002-2004 Nissan Altima
[Images: ThirdAuto.com, Wikipedia]
