The new Volvo S60 is now a reality, but which rivals will it face in the market?

The mid-size saloon segment continues to fight to stay in the market, a place where a war is being waged between different sectors of the automotive industry. However, some manufacturers have decided to make their mark with their bets, a situation that has occurred at Volvo with its new S60. After a period out of the game, the Swedish brand has decided to go all in and once again offer a mid-size saloon loaded with technology, luxury and a strong hunger to challenge its main competitors. But who are these?

It was in 2010 that the second generation of the iconic Volvo S60 made its debut but, eight years later, the Swedish firm has decided to completely renew it and adapt it to the brand’s new standards. The S60 has fitted perfectly into Volvo’s current design language, thus showing a modern and attractive look; at the same time, the company has ensured it offers a wide arsenal of technology. In this way, the overall package is presented as Volvo’s bid to compete with its most direct rivals.

Mercedes C-Class: one of the German titans

Mercedes has always been one of the most popular brands in the saloon segment, where its most exclusive vehicles have stood out considerably above the rest. The C-Class is positioned as the entry rung before reaching the E-Class and the all-powerful S-Class, which makes it a direct rival to the new Volvo S60.

We can see how the German firm has opted for a more sober and elegant design for this latest generation of the C-Class, which has adopted the design set by its bigger siblings. At the same time, we find a cabin full of technology and a modern yet original infotainment system.

On the other hand, the Mercedes C-Class also stands out for offering a wide range of options when it comes to powertrains. This is due to its range of both diesel and petrol engines, where you will find all kinds of performance designed to suit each customer’s needs. Volvo, on the other hand, has opted for petrol engines only, which will also be accompanied by petrol and diesel engines.

BMW 3 Series: in the spotlight

BMW has always worked hard to offer the world a mid-size saloon capable of living up to the brand’s standards and, without a doubt, this latest generation of the 3 Series has achieved it. With a much more daring and aggressive design than previous versions, the BMW 3 Series has become a real sales success and is positioned as a direct rival to the new Volvo S60.

The German firm has kept the F80 3 Series in production for some time, which has allowed it to perform with great ease in the market but which is now forcing it to reach the end of its commercial life. BMW is putting the finishing touches on the next generation of the 3 Series, which will arrive loaded with technology and with a fresher, more modern design.

Meanwhile, Volvo holds the advantage with its new S60, which has fully embraced the demands of today’s market and whose response has been clear and convincing. While BMW does not renew its rival, the current 3 Series can keep giving the Swedish firm a run for its money until its successor arrives, which promises to be a revolution.

Audi A4: where balance is its virtue

The German firm Audi also stands out for its long history of creating saloons in every possible segment, and the A4 is an ideal candidate to enter this new competition and make things difficult for the newly launched Volvo S60. Audi recently chose to renew the previous generation of the A4, which resulted in a much more current and modern model that remains faithful to its essence.

Audi created a balanced model in every respect, since elegance, sportiness and technology go hand in hand in this latest generation of the A4. The four-ring brand has managed to combine all these elements into one and is presented as the most direct candidate to the new Volvo S60 due to its time on the market, which allows it to be current enough for the Swedish contender and, at the same time, boast that it can offer a multitude of engines.

The Volvo S60 will have to face these three rivals among others, which will make sure not to make things easy for the Swedish contender. While the market expands, manufacturers take the opportunity to showcase their best weapons in the form of cars, where technology, performance and comfort are the three key points to consider.