2012 Volvo S60: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Volvo S60 is the expansion from one trim to three. The new front-wheel-drive T5 joins below the returning T6, while the new T6 R-Design adds a sportier choice at the top.
About the 2012 Volvo S60
2nd generation S60 (2011-2018), second model year, before the 2014 major refresh.
Volvo positioned the 2012 S60 as a compact luxury sport sedan that blended Scandinavian design, strong turbocharged performance, and unusually strong safety technology. Official launch materials leaned hard on the car’s coupe-like shape, driver-focused cabin, and standard City Safety, while still promising comfort and everyday usability. Compared with typical German rivals, the S60’s identity was a more distinctive, safety-led, design-forward take on the sport sedan formula.
The 2012 lineup stretches from the lighter, more accessible T5 to the sharper T6 R-Design, with the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive T6 in the middle. Every trim has City Safety low-speed automatic braking and a 7-inch infotainment screen, while the R-Design stands out with a lowered suspension, active dual Xenon headlights, a moonroof, and unique sport seats and body trim.
What changed, by category
2012 Volvo S60 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd Geartronic w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 300 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3307 lb | 3307 lb | 3307 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Volvo S60?
The biggest change is a broader three-trim lineup. Volvo added the front-wheel-drive T5 and the sport-focused T6 R-Design alongside the returning T6.
Was the 2012 Volvo S60 redesigned?
No, the 2012 S60 was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation introduced for 2011, with the same basic body, cabin, and safety foundation but two additional trims.
How do the 2012 Volvo S60 T5, T6, and T6 R-Design differ?
The T5 is the lighter front-wheel-drive model with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The T6 has a stronger turbocharged six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, while the T6 R-Design adds firmer, lower suspension tuning and more aggressive styling to that six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive setup.
Is the 2012 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design only an appearance package?
No, the 2012 T6 R-Design changes more than the appearance. It has a lowered, firmer Sport Chassis in addition to unique exterior trim, embossed leather sport seats, active dual Xenon headlights, and a moonroof.
Did the regular 2012 Volvo S60 T6 receive major changes?
No, the regular T6's core turbocharged six-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive setup carried over. Its main change was its new position in the middle of the expanded lineup.