[AJS1KR]

That's a weird comparison. Alfa and Genesis benchmarked the 3-Series when developing those cars (with specific RWD chassis). And the BMW is outfitted with performance options, including brakes and a diff (I wonder how the Polestar tune and sports chassis would've changed the S60's results).

From the article on BMW's options:
"The $5000 M Sport package (including variable-ratio steering), the $2450 Track Handling package (upgraded brakes, adaptive dampers, and a limited-slip differential)"

Article on the Volvo:
"The transmission is eager to upshift but less so to drop down a gear. And getting caught too low in the rev range exposes the engine's laggy nature." <-- Pretty sure a Polestar tune would've addressed this complaint on the powertrain.

Some advice to Volvo's PR department: Learn from BMW, and spec out your press fleet for specific comparisons. Don't just generically order press cars, have a strategy with your press fleet. Have a couple of S60's spec'd out with mainly performance options for these types of sport sedan comparisons. Don't loan out the performance optioned S60's to Home & Garden magazine, keep those for C&D and other sport sedan comparisons.

 

[AJS1KR]

I wonder what the S60L is? Do they make a stretched version for some markets? Between the two of them they sold upward of 40,000 units last year so not that bad. Sure the SUVs are selling more, but between the S60 and S90 they sold almost as many units as they did the XC90 last year, so not that shabby.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Many European brands make a "L", or extended wheelbase version of their small and mid-size sedans for the Chinese market. Lookup Audi A6L, etc. The new BMW 330 is available in a "Li" version for china, with a +11cm longer wheel base.

The Volvo S60 will do fine, and won't be canceled (lol). Look at the 10 year sales history below. 2019 is on part with 2016, and improved over 2017 and 2018. Cars are canceled based on weak sales numbers, not magazine reviews.

Year S60 Sales Volume
2019 20190
2018 11876
2017 16825
2016 20913
2015 24128
2014 25447
2013 23210
2012 23356
2011 21282
2010 1437
2009 5895

 

[AJS1KR]

Wow, what happened in 2010?

I'm not sure, but if I were to guess, I'd say the Ford sale of Volvo to Geely (happened in 2010), supply, and effects of the 2009 financial crisis.

I wonder if Jaguar & Land Rover had a similar sales dip in 2010 (Ford sold them to Tata of India).