Swedish automaker Volvo releases the 2009 Volvo S60 as a midsized luxury car that is designed for safety and performance. It falls in size between the S40 compact and the S80 premium-luxury sedan. It features a fastback profile and can get up and scoot with optimal speed and style. It's a very well designed and manufactured car that is just dripping with class and beauty as well.

The design focus for the S60 was safety first, performance second and sheer good looks next. All design goals were exceeded and the S60 ranks as one of the most impressive Volvos ever. The suspension is very firm and handling is smooth and stable. Corners are eaten up and spit out without challenge by this Autobahn-tested masterpiece. There are three trims available: the 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and the T5. The T5 is the sportiest of the batch and the Limited S60 has been discontinued.

The T5 model S60 from Volvo shows off standard features like leather sports seats, power sunroof, 17-inch Cassiopeia wheels and the innovative Geartronic transmission. All trims come stock with comprehensive safety features, as one would fully expect from the world leader in automotive safety innovation.

MSRPs for the Volvo S60 are surprisingly low. The base trim 2.5T costs $30,885; the 2.5T AWD $32,735 and the T5 $33,985. The 2.5T and 2.5T AWD are powered by a 2.5L 208hp I5 that is accentuated by a low-pressure turbocharger. The Geartronic auto transmission is optional while the standard transmission is a 5-speed automatic. 236 lb-ft of torque is produced by the base powertrain combo.

The T5 features a 2.4L 257hp high-pressure turbocharged I5that blasts out 258 lb-ft of torque with the help of the standard Geartronic transmission. Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering and a sport-tuned suspension system enhance performance while standard features like leather seating and aluminum-mesh interior trim make the cabin very appealing indeed.

Standard safety features on all S60 trims include side-curtain, side-impact and frontal airbags; all-occupant head restraints; whiplash-reducing seats that move upon impact (WHIPS); electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD); electronic stability control (DSTC); tire pressure monitoring and Volvo's "Safety-Cage" construction standards.

The exterior of the 2009 Volvo S60 seems compact, but interior spaciousness is quite impressive and more than adequately comfortable. The seating is orthopedically engineered. It is extra cushy and very comforting, especially for longer journeys. The S60 sits poised to charge - like a football player in a 3-point stance. The standard Volvo warranty outshines most competitors, including Toyota Avalon, offering coverage for 48 months or 50,000 miles. Safety, performance, dependability and beauty all in one - the Volvo S60 is one of the finest cars ever created.