Volvo has always cut its own vehicle design and engineering path. That singular philosophy has led to a styling aesthetic unlike any other, and an unprecedented roster of lifesaving safety developments. Midsize luxury sedan buyers cross shopping the 2012 Volvo S60 T5 against the Infiniti G25 should not be surprised to learn that the Volvo – with its unique Scandinavian lines and cutting-edge on-road security – possesses a sporting side that easily outclasses the Infiniti.
In a review posted on AutoBlog.com, the editors used terms such as “stylish” and “luxurious” to describe the S60, adding that the midsize entry from Volvo “has the guts of a true sports sedan.” When compared to the Infiniti G25, the new 2012 Volvo S60 T5 offers, in addition to that glowing editorial endorsement, superior power and fuel economy, and safety technology that ranks second to none.
The S60 T5 sells for an MSRP of $31,150, less than the Infiniti G25 (MSRP $32,400), and yet the Volvo offers so much more for the money. How does a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine making 250 hp sound for starters? That’s 32 more hp than the 2.5-liter V6 under the hood of the Infiniti G25 makes (218 hp). The turbocharged five-cylinder also pounds out 266 lb/ft of torque, far more than the 187 lb/ft from the V6 in the G25, and it’s available at a much lower rpm (1,800 rpm versus 4,800 rpm).
Press the throttle to the floor and the engine in the S60 T5 engages an “overboost” feature that bumps maximum torque to 295 lb/ft for 10 seconds after a gear change (the V6 in the G25 offers no similar technology). Combine the “overboost” feature with the standard six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with Sport Mode, and the S60 T5 launches from zero-to-60 mph in a quick 6.8 seconds. That figure not only trumps the G25, it’s best in class.
Exemplary powertrain efficiency also means superior fuel economy. The S60 T5 earned an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating while the G25 posted 29 highway mpg. That difference may seem small, but it grows in magnitude when you consider how much more power and torque is on hand from the Volvo.
Power flows to the front wheels on the S60 T5, a configuration that offers better performance in poor-weather driving conditions compared to the rear-wheel drive setup on the G25. Handling on the Volvo is further enhanced by a host of driver aids with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control with Sport Mode heading the list. You also get anti-lock brakes with Hydraulic Brake Assist and Ready Alert Brakes, Engine Drag Control, Advanced Stability Control and Corner Traction Control through Torque Vectoring – all standard.
As you would expect, the S60 T5 offers safety technology not available on the G25. In fact, the standard Volvo City Safety feature isn’t available from any other manufacturer. Using infrared sensors, City Safety automatically applies the brakes to help mitigate or prevent a collision in traffic when you’re traveling at speeds up to 19 mph.
Airbag coverage in the S60 T5 includes side-impact units for the driver and front passenger, as well as inflatable outboard curtains, and Whiplash Protection Seating is also a given on any Volvo. The S60 T5 also offers an array of available features meant to keep you secure at speed. The roster includes Driver Alert Control, Lane Departure Warning, a Blind Spot Information System and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection. You can’t get such a comprehensive suite of driver-support features on the Infiniti G25.
It will come as no surprise to learn that the Volvo S60 earned Top Safety Pick honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), one of five Volvo models to make the grade. The Infiniti G-series sedans failed to rate a spot on the list.
To help ease you into an open space, the S60 T5 has front and rear parking sensors on the options list. They’re not available on the G25. You’ll also be disappointed if you go looking for HD Radio™ on the Infiniti. It comes standard on the Volvo, however, along with a High-Performance Audio System that includes eight speakers, auxiliary input/USB port and Bluetooth® with audio streaming and steering-wheel mounted controls. SiriusXM® Satellite Radio comes standard with a free six-month introductory subscription; in comparison, the G25 provides only three months free.
Another value advantage for the S60 T5: Complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance for five years/50,000 miles comes standard, courtesy of the “Safe + Secure” program. The G25 does not offer free factory-scheduled maintenance.
At the conclusion of their review of the S60, the editors at AutoBlog.com stated that Volvo had crafted “an eminently handsome, luxurious sedan that offers plenty of driving enjoyment for the vast majority of sedan shoppers.” So, let that high praise lead you to schedule a test drive of the new 2012 Volvo S60 T5 luxury sedan.
