The 2013 Volvo S60 R-Design represents a distinct performance and styling variant within the Swedish manufacturer’s acclaimed mid-size luxury sedan lineup. This model year specifically targeted drivers who desired the core dynamics and safety engineering of the S60 with a more aggressive visual identity and enhanced handling characteristics. The R-Design designation signaled a sport-oriented aesthetic and upgraded interior appointments without necessarily implying the presence of the full top-tier R performance model.
Design Language and Exterior Differentiation
Visually, the 2013 S60 R-Design is immediately recognizable due to its specific design language that sets it apart from the standard S60. The front fascia features a unique honeycomb grille, larger air dam inserts, and distinctive chrome-finished LED daytime running lights that frame the signature Volvo arrowhead badge. These design cues work in concert to project an image of controlled aggression and modern sophistication.
Signature R-Design Styling Elements
19-inch alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish and red accents
High-gloss black side skirts and rear bumper diffuser
Red brake calipers and R-Design badging on the rear doors
Heated front seats with contrasting red stitching and perforated leather
The rear of the vehicle completes the aggressive stance with a gloss-black rear valance and integrated exhaust tips, while the trunk lid features a subtle lip spoiler. Inside, the cabin is tailored with bolstered front seats, aluminum paddle shifters, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, all contributing to a driver-focused environment that feels both premium and purposeful.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Power for the 2013 model is delivered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This unit is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a Geartronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters, allowing for precise gear changes and direct driver control. The power is sent to the front wheels, providing a balance of efficiency and spirited performance suitable for both daily driving and weekend enjoyment.
Handling and Suspension Tuning
The R-Design package includes specific dampers, a reinforced front suspension, and a lower ride height compared to the standard S60. These adjustments translate to sharper turn-in, reduced body roll, and a more connected feel to the road. Volvo’s renowned stability and traction control systems are meticulously calibrated to support the enhanced dynamics, ensuring the vehicle remains composed and safe even when pushed to its limits.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Despite its performance focus, the 2013 S60 R-Design maintains Volvo’s commitment to a quiet, comfortable, and technologically advanced cabin. The driver is greeted by a clean, minimalist dashboard with easy-to-read analog gauges and a large central touchscreen for the Sensus infotainment system. Premium materials, including leather and soft-touch plastics, are used throughout the interior to create an atmosphere of refined quality.
