By Gigi Leonard, Contributing Writer
Does the Volvo brand conjure up images of families enduring Nor’easters while wearing down coats and wellies? It does to me. Being a native Midwesterner, the safe, reliable collection of automobiles the company has crafted for nearly 90 years is perhaps the most frequently spotted on the roads in Chicago in the dead of winter. And I’m talking vintage models – not just new or recent – 20, 30 years old. Volvo clearly knows how to make a durable vehicle. What they’re hoping to prove now is that they also make luxurious cars as well.
Thus I found myself on a plane flying west at Volvo’s invitation, to drive the 2016 S60 Inscription and Cross Country in San Francisco and Marin County and see if they lived up to their promise of modern luxury.
Made in China at their Chengdu plant, Volvo has added enough rear legroom for a pretty darn large person to relax in back of the 2016 S60 Inscription – 3” more to be exact, which makes it best in class. This means Mom can take the wheel while Dad entertains the little ones in back without feeling cramped, within a well-appointed environment. What you see is what you get in the sedan; the compliant suspension system protected me from any road bumps along curvy Highway One, and the light and easy steering handled curves with ease. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and acceleration was more than adequate thanks to a 2.0L direct injected turbo five-cylinder engine, with 240 hp and 258 lb-ft. on the front-wheel drive model.
The elegant cabin includes walnut wood inlays, leather upholstery with contour seats and a digital instrument panel in complementary tones, rear window shades and chrome interior accents with the Platinum Package. There’s also a plethora of technology, including rear cameras, 3-D navigation and features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Cyclist Detection and the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to keep everyone safe. The nifty Volvo On-Call app lets you start your car remotely and check diagnostics, among other things, while the Harmon Kardon sound system and the built in wi-fi hotspot keep everyone on the cutting edge.
If you’re an urbanite who wears your Weekend Warrior badge proudly, you would do well to take the 2016 S60 Cross Country for a spin. Volvo has included just about every lusty quality an active, sporty person could desire in the latest iteration. There’s a 250 hp 2.5L inline five-cylinder turbo engine, with 266 lb-ft. of torque and a six-speed automatic. Hill Descent, Corner Traction and Stability Control systems manage sketchy surfaces and iffy road conditions. Tighter steering, contoured sports seats, and a higher ride height allow for 7.9” of ground clearance, enabling comfortable off-road adventuring.
The S60 Cross Country is also modeled more aggressively; athletic and solid on the pavement, the latest model offers a honeycomb grille, 19” BOR matte black wheels, and black mirror caps and trim. It’s a pure, authentic ride which is what brings loyal drivers back for more. Passing power is at the ready, with smooth shifting like the Inscription. Surrounded by bright contrast stitching and a leather interior, driving is a pleasure, with comfortable pedals and shifters. The rear leg room is obviously not as generous as the Inscription, but the center console is spacious enough for a few elbows and a couple cups of coffee. One minor issue: the 7” Sensus LCD screen was smallish and just a tad out of reach. Input requires using a phone-like keypad, and the display is a non-touchscreen, for those of you who enjoy, well, fingerprint evidence.
After our day-long ride on switchbacks and smooth highways, we returned back to our home base, the Cavallo Point Lodge. Set within the Golden Gate National Parks on the north end, the LEED certified hotel is located on the grounds of historic district Fort Baker. The rooms in the understated buildings complement the natural setting of the gorgeous Marin headlands, and use natural materials like bamboo and slate in earthy color palettes. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor spaces, so the line between indoors and out is blurred. Room amenities have been thoughtfully selected so that you truly feel as if you have everything you need – full size glass bottles of shower necessities, a closet replete with cozy robes and slippers, and an espresso maker and electric kettle for your morning beverage preferences. With Sausalito’s temperate climate, no air-conditioning units are needed here – a ceiling fan and windows provide plenty of cool breezes, and if the evening gets chilly, there’s a fireplace adjacent to the bed to warm your toes.
On our last night, we were treated to a catered dinner with live music, where a traditional Swedish drinking song was sung along to sips of Aquavit. Even with my brief and limited peep into the culture, it is very clear that the Swedes take great pride in their traditions. Liquor notwithstanding, Volvo’s tradition of making safe and luxurious cars which adapt to, and grow with, the changes in your life and lifestyle – well, it’s something to be rather proud of too. No wonder people hang onto this brand for decades, watching their vehicles age gracefully as life unfolds.
