What's all this about?

The expected Volvo S60 saloon, which slots in alongside its ever-so-closely-related V60 sibling and continues the stunning array of vehicles coming out of Gothenburg since Volvo escaped Ford ownership. Well... actually... part of that statement isn't true.

Which bit?

The bit about Gothenburg. The new S60 won't be built there, but instead will be bolted together at an all-new factory in Charleston, South Carolina, in the US. This makes it Volvo's first-ever car to be built in the States, which will be a key market for the S60 (along with China).

So, what more do we know about it?

Well, it is almost identical to the V60, so in terms of the underpinnings, the way its cabin will look and operate and its exterior appearance to about its C-pillars, just look to the estate for guidance. Elsewhere, at the rear it has those weird yet distinctive light clusters as seen on the bigger S90 saloon, but overall it's a handsome contrivance.

And what about engines?

No diesels. At all. Volvo has already said that, by 2019, all of its cars will be electrified in some way and diesel plays no part in that. The S60 is the first Volvo to abandon the black-pump fuel; the V60, oddly, DOES have some diesel variants, but it will be the last new Volvo to offer such a thing. Thus, the S60 will launch with not one, but two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrains: the T6 Twin Engine AWD PHEV, delivering 340hp, and the more potent T8 Twin Engine PHEV, making 400hp. Even if that's not enough, a 'Polestar Engineered' variant of the T8 ups the ante to 415hp and adds various chassis tuning upgrades in an effort to make the S60 as sporty as can possibly be. Don't like PHEVs? Then hang on for the T5 and T6 petrol models, unadorned as they are by any electrical magubbins.

Anything else unusual about the S60?

Yes, you don't even need to buy it. Taking its lead from the smartphone industry and the way consumers choose a handset these days, Care By Volvo is a 'first for the premium segment' subscription service. With no down payment and a monthly flat-fee subscription, there is no need for ownership but you still get access to an S60. Clever, eh?

I'll say. Got any soundbites for me?

Have this one, from Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, who said: "The new S60 is one of the most exciting Volvo cars we've ever made. It is a true driver's car that gives us a strong position in the US and China saloon markets, creating more growth opportunities for Volvo Cars."

Matt Robinson - 25 Jun 2018