Volvo S60R and Mercedes-Benz R500

With the WheelsTV staff working full tilt, we have two new Top 200 reviews in the works.

Volvo is a company based on a reputation for safe and well-built vehicles whether it be trucks or passenger vehicles. Until 2004 when the Volvo S60R was introduced, anybody looking for a real sports sedan would have gravitated towards BMW or Audi or Acura. But no longer. Sport and Volvo are two words that now are easily used together especially since Volvo started racing its S60R's. The R-line is offered in either sedan (S60R) or station wagon (V70R)
Volvo S60R5
body styles and each packs a 2.5L 300hp I-5 which hustles the car to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, matching or beating the Acura TL, BMW 330i, and Audi A4 3.2 and returns and impressive 25 mpg on the highway.
The S60R shows it's sporting intentions with a subtle body kit and rear deck spoiler, which makes the car look like it's hugging the road. The sporty look is complemented with new 17" (18" optional) alloy wheels. What you can't see though may be even more important. Larger brakes as well a revised suspension including 3 different modes (Comfort, Sport,
Volvo S60R5
Advanced) allows those with racing intentions to drive it to and from the track as well as at the track without punishing you with a painfully stiff ride. Plus its standard all-wheel-drive allows this sport to continue through every season. The interior doesn't disappoint either. Standard is full leather upholstery and 6-speed manual transmission.
Options include 6-speed automatic with manual mode, a premium audio, and navigation system. Volvo is such a diverse company that it only makes sense the heads

Volvo S60R Speed World Challenge Racer5

at Volvo would have produced a sport sedan/wagon capable of competing against the greats from BMW and Acura. At WheelsTV we're always looking with special interest at the sporty vehicles and we are proud to say Volvo can finally be included.

Also currently under production is a WheelsTV Top 200 of the new Mercedes-Benz R500. The R-class itself is a brand new line of Mercedes vehicles meant to combine the advantages of a sports sedan, a minivan, and an SUV.
The R-class is offered in 2 versions, the R350 with a 3.5L V6 putting out 268hp, or the R500

Mercedes-Benz R5005

that we tested with a 5.0L V8 putting out 302hp, which hustles this 4,929lb "sports tourer" to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds through a standard AWD system. Both cars engines channel their power through a 7-speed automatic. While the exterior styling may not push any passion buttons, the interior will pull you in on its own. The R500 features standard leather seating that coddles you along with the supple suspension as you cruise down the autobahn while listening to your favorite music on the standard 6-disc CD stereo system. Also, you can view the sky as you drive with a very large panoramic sunroof.

Mercedes-Benz R5005

Offered as an option is an entertainment system, a power lift gate, and an Airmatic rear air suspension. On the SUV side of things, the R-class can carry 6 people and with both the second and third rows folded flat, there is 85 cubic feet of storage to fill.
The R-class seems to fulfill all three categories, but doesn't the Chrysler Pacifica (it started this kind of cross) as well? Mercedes denies that the Pacifica and R-class are very much alike but one can't help seeing the similarities. Still, in and of itself, this is one classy, luxurious automobile.

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Thank you,

Ben