As expected, the new Volvo S60 is packed with technology, with features previously seen only on high-end cars, and with ideas that could revolutionize the entire car market. In addition to the fantastic Pilot Assist system, which basically makes the S60 a semi-autonomous, mid-size saloon, the S60 boasts the cool and convenient Sensus Connect Infotainment system.

However, the most amazing feature that sets it apart from the rest of the pack isn’t a feature at all. You can subscribe through the Care by Volvo subscription service and drive the new S60 thought actually buying or leasing it. This pioneering effort by Volvo offers you a car for a fixed monthly fee. No strings attached.

1. Pilot Assist

Volvo smartly describes the Pilot Assist as a driver support system, but in fact, this is a system that enables semi-autonomous driving. Combining the main aspects of the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Lane-keeping Assist, the Pilot Assist can control steering, distance, and speed thanks to an intricate system of radars, sensors, actuators, and some smart programming.

Although available as standard on theS90, the Pilot Assist is actually optional gear for the 60 series of cars, including the new 2019 Volvo S60. Now, the system can work on well-marked roads and up to 80 mph. Today, with so many different semi-autonomous systems in use, it does not seem that the Pilot Assist is that special. However, bear in mind that I am writing here about a car with an entry-level price of around $35,000.

The system should work flawlessly on well-marked roads and in traffic jams. I have no doubt that having the Pilot Assist activated in traffic jams will improve and extend our lives. No more all of that stop and go stress.

The main advantage of the Volvo S60 Pilot Assist compared to similar systems in other Volvo cars is the cornering improvement. The Pilot Assist here will corner the S60 with more confidence and will probably mimic the behavior of a seasoned driver.

Expectedly, the Pilot Assist will turn off as soon as the driver removes his or her hands from the steering wheel. One guy tried to hack the Pilot Assist by taping a water bottle to the steering wheel. Don’t do that. I am sure that some over-the-air updates will make the Pilot Assist even more useful in the coming years.

2. Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect Infotainment System

With the development of Infotainment systems, the whole car world was changed. Manufacturers looked for ways to bring your smartphones to your car displays, to provide you with audiobooks, email connectivity, and even Facebook updates. The Volvo Cars Sensus Connect infotainment system offers all of this with the Apple Carplay and the Android Auto Integration.

However, its futuristic character is not only highlighted by its smartphone capabilities, but by its self-reliance. The Sensus Connect infotainment includes a number of features:

-* Built-in USB

-* Bluetooth connectivity

-* 3G SIM capability

-* Wifi hotspot

-* Smartphone tethering

-* Roadside assistance

-* Service booking

-* Remote control via Volvo On Call app

-* Apps for streaming music, podcasts and use of smartphone features

-* Sensus Navigation system with Park and Pay function

-* Local Search app to help you with your points of interest

-* System Send to Car that can sync your planned trips and routes from your laptop

-* smartphone or PC directly to your car and more

And then, it can be controlled via a voice control function, a button on the steering wheel, or a touch display. It is an all-in feature which enabled Volvo to remove almost all buttons from the dash to provide for a seamless experience. With future updates, the system will definitely grow and become even more functional.

3. Care by Volvo Subscription Program

In short, you can subscribe for a fixed monthly fee and start driving around in the new Volvo S60. Just like you are using Netflix. With Care by Volvo, the subscription starts at $775 for a 310hp S60 T6.

So, What’s Going on with the Subscription Program?

We did write about the Care by Volvo idea before; however, this program is so important that it may revolutionize the way we think about cars in general.

Moreover, the Care by Volvo most certainly sets the new Volvo S60 apart from its competition. Volvo introduced this service to the U.S. by offering their new XC40 compact crossover. It did not work well. Not because potential customers were difficult to come by, but because the Care by Volvo system was too overwhelmed with the growing demand, customer questions, administrative hurdles, and various insurance unknowns. However, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

With working out the kinks, the Care by Volvo could become the next big thing in the world of cars. Volvo is the first one to offer such a service (Cadillac has something similar but their service is much more expensive and requires a down payment,) so I think we should play along and see where Volvo takes us.

With the sophisticated new Volvo S60 and an army of potential customers eager to get behind its wheel, the Care by Volvo may be overwhelmed once again. This time, I hope, the Swedes will be ready.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Volvo S60.

Read more Volvo news.