Additional/different interior and exterior styling

Stronger engine

Sportier suspension

 

Stronger engine

Exact same engine.......just different ECU tune.

 

Lots of press reviews that start with notes on what is different:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-volvo-s60-r-design-test-review

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1108_2012_volvo_s60_r_design_drive/

 

Thank you everyone! I have another question (sorry). I see you can get a lot of the same features in the T6 that you can on the R-Design. Does that make the T6 the better buy? Thanks again!

 

Thank you krn for the links!

 

Let's start with the basics: What are you looking for out of it? They are 90% the same car, except the R-design has more aggressive styling, a lower (and harsher) ride setup, different seats, and an ECU tune good for a small power bump. For the average driver the T6 is plenty adequate, especially since it can be had for a lot less.

 

Thanks! I really just want the best for the money! This will be my first new car after years and years of buying used. I was looking at a bmw after driving a friends (and totally loved it), but my dad and brother are leaning me towards a volvo because of the reputation for safety. I guess I just want the equivalent of the BMW that I drove.

 

I really just want the best for the money! This will be my first new car after years and years of buying used. I was looking at a bmw after driving a friends (and totally loved it), but my dad and brother are leaning me towards a volvo because of the reputation for safety. I guess I just want the equivalent of the BMW that I drove.

If you are settling for what you really don't want.......you will not be happy. That said, runflat tires on the BMW are $$$ and not very forgiving.........but the S60 has no spare either (but RFT's are an option on the T6).

 

The Beechwood leather in the T6 is very attractive and not available in the R-Design. The T6 is a very capable car as is, the RD adds the enthusiast elements we enjoy.

 

Yogagal,
Do yourself a favor and get the BMW!

 

4C is not an option with the R-Design.

Although you get more power with the R Design, as someone pointed out, you're also stuck with a harsher ride.

Can't choose between the "Comfort" or the "Sport" suspension with the T6? Get 4C and also get "Advanced" mode for track days.

You can always add the tune and the front and rear facias later if you want the R-Design look.

 

If you are looking for BMW sportiness, than go with the R-Design. The new 2012 335i have near exact numbers in every category of performance:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-bmw-335i-sedan-test-review
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-volvo-s60-r-design-test-review

I'm very happy with my 2012 S60 T6 R-Design and I've had it a little over a month and haven't experience any type of annoyances or issues that a few select on here have had; poop happens with any type of car and they all have their issues. My brother has had a 2012 S60 RD as well since September 2011, and hasn't had any issues other than a bad module for the headunit, but was quickly resolved and his radio has worked flawless since.

Good Luck on your search and do yourself a favor and driver both the regular T6 and R-Design models and make your decision based on how you enjoy the drive/ride; also note that under car settings with either the R-Design or T6 with Dynamic Chassis you can adjust the steering feel which helps give you a better feedback feel to the type of driving style you like.

 

thank you everyone!

@chris - I just saw the beechwood leather and it really does look nice
@mrcandy - I'm not really sure what polestar is, but I'll make sure and ask at the dealership
@Texas T6 - I will test drive the s60 first. I read all the articles that everyone posted and saw that the Volvo is just as fun, but at a much better value! (and even looks better!)
@Meltdowndave - I don't want a harsh ride, your suggestion sounds perfect
@MagoonR - I'm pretty indifferent right now. I just drove a friend's BMW and thought it was awesome, but i'm pretty open minded. I just have to test drive it.
@PureDrive07 - thanks for the link! What issues are people experiencing? I think I'm leaning on the T6 based on everyone's suggestion. I don't want a harsh ride (what's the benefit of harsh ride?), and I like the idea of being able to adjust everything.

 

I don't want a harsh ride (what's the benefit of harsh ride?)

It's not harsh. It may indeed be firmer but harsh is not a word I would use to describe it. It's actually quite well damped. It's all relative I guess. It feels like a 1995 Buick compared to a 3 series. And like a 1975 Cadillac compared to my STi.

 

If the R-Design is available with 4C chassis and rear seat heaters, I would seriously consider buying one. Hopefully MY13 has these features.

 

The RD is definitely not stiff. I drove a 4C and the RD. After looking at the options I wanted, It made more sense to me to buy the RD.

 

BMW dealers obviously can;t tell the difference:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...2Nm=miles&isDealerGrouping=false&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national&listType=1

Though wdimagineer did quite a job at confusing them.

 

IF ... you like the interior and exterior styling enhancements on the R-D, and want the power boost of the Polestar tune, and don't mind a somewhat stiffer ride with better handling and less body roll, and want the $1500 Premium Package that is standard with the R-D ... then the R-D makes a a lot of sense. I was going to order a standard S60 T-6 with the Premium and Climate packages when the R-D was first announced. I liked everything about it, so the decision to order one was pretty easy. The final price between the two vehicles was not that great when all options were factored in.

The R-D is basically a T-6 with some upgrades .. upgrades that you may or may not care for. For most buyers the standard T-6 is a very fine AWD sedan and an excellent choice. For those of us wanting a bit of a sporty edge in the car, the R-D makes perfect sense.