Volvo Cars Korea unveiled the new ‘S60 and V60 Cross Country’ for the first time in Korea at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, during the visit of Nick Connor, CEO of Volvo Car APEC.

The new S60 is built on the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, which is the same as that of the flagship 90 cluster, making it a key model targeting the mid-sized premium segment alongside the global best-selling XC60.

Debuting after three years, this new model has evolved into a smart car that offers a more personalized user experience through the latest digital package based on Google’s Android Automotive OS, active safety technology known as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and OTA update support.

Nick Connor, CEO of Volvo Car APEC, stated, “Korea is a very important market for Volvo Cars. It shows the largest growth rate among countries worldwide, and the sales of the S60 and V60 Cross Country are symbolic, ranking third in the global market.” He added, “In accordance with this significance, you will experience the value of better living offered by Swedish luxury through connectivity services developed exclusively for the Korean market and best-in-class convenience and safety technologies.”

The S60, produced at Volvo’s plant in Charleston, South Carolina, is a strategic model developed for customers seeking an enjoyable driving experience. The new model exhibits a more refined look based on classic design, featuring a confident front, sculpted sides, and a sleek profile.

The exterior design of the S60 features a 3D emblem integrated with radar at the center of a high-gloss black grille. It also comes with 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a hidden tailpipe symbolizing the future of electrification.

Inspired by Scandinavian design, the interior offers a quiet and safe environment. It utilizes luxurious details and natural materials, and new laminated windows have been added for better insulation. An air purification system that monitors ultra-fine dust (PM 2.5) and pollen is included to prevent up to 95% of these particles from entering the cabin. Other features include a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, Orrefors natural crystal gear knob, powered lumbar support with cushion extension, powered side support, massage and ventilation functions for the front seats, all packed in top-notch convenience specifications. In Korea, it will be released as a single Ultimate Bright configuration.

The V60 Cross Country, produced in Sweden’s Torslanda plant, which has achieved climate neutrality for the first time in the brand’s history, is a unique model that Volvo is establishing in the automotive industry. This innovative crossover combines the advantages of a sedan, SUV, and estate with stylish design and everyday practicality.

The new model completes Volvo’s updated family look with the emblem integrated with radar at the front grille and hidden tailpipes. The differentiated look is emphasized with a chrome strip added to the rear insert embossed with ‘Cross Country,’ and new laminated windows have been included for a quieter environment.

The domestic launch trims feature differences related to wheel sizes, Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, powered lumbar support with cushion extension, massage and ventilation functions for the front seats, and a 360-degree camera equipped in the Plus and top Ultimate trim. Furthermore, the Ultimate trim will include Volvo’s first Orrefors® natural crystal gear knob, handcrafted by Swedish artisans.

One of the core changes in the new S60 and V60 Cross Country is the advanced connectivity services that complete the new digital experience connecting car and driver.

This includes a state-of-the-art infotainment service integrated with T-map Auto, NUGU Auto, and FLO, based on the Google Android Automotive OS. Developed by Volvo Cars Korea in joint investment of 30 billion KRW with T-map Mobility, this allows a variety of functions such as navigation settings, indoor temperature and heated seats controlled by voice recognition, music search, phone calls and messages, lifestyle information searches, and control of smart devices like home lighting, air conditioning, and robot vacuum through the NUGU Smart Home.

Additionally, there are features like the ‘Volvo Cars app’ for digital key functionality, digital concierge services that provide real-time support for problems during driving, and Volvo Assistance, all aimed at providing a better life experience as a smart car. This package also includes 5 years of LTE data and 1 year of FLO subscription, alongside 15 years of OTA wireless updates.

The new S60 and V60 Cross Country feature ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which is an expandable active safety system composed of radar, cameras, and an array of ultrasonic sensors.

This enables advanced safety technologies like forward collision warning and emergency braking support, lane-keeping assistance, road departure protection, blind spot warning with steering assistance, intersection warning and emergency braking support, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear collision warning. There’s also ‘Pilot Assist’ that supports the driver from a complete stop to high-speed driving, and a heads-up display that helps the driver stay focused on the road. In addition, the vehicles come with a whiplash protection system (WHIPS), a side impact protection system (SIPS), and a Care Key allowing the driver to limit the maximum speed.

Both models will be launched in Korea with a 250 horsepower mild hybrid (B5) engine based on gasoline engine technology, combined with an 8-speed transmission. The V60 Cross Country also features an AWD system that provides stable traction regardless of terrain or weather conditions.

Yoon-mo Lee, the CEO of Volvo Cars Korea, stated, “The S60 and V60 Cross Country are flagship models equipped with high-performance features beyond safety, representing Swedish luxury. We hope you experience a more personalized and connected freedom of movement through this evolved smart car.”

The domestic price for the new S60 starts from 56,100,000 KRW (Ultimate Bright) and the V60 Cross Country is priced at 55,300,000 KRW (Plus) and 61,600,000 KRW (Ultimate), both offering one of the industry’s best warranty offers of 5 years or 100,000 km and include consumables exchange services as standard.

Lee Sang-jin, daedusj@autodiary.kr