The dashboard flows in a pleasant shape. Where available, attractive wood trim appears sparingly on the glovebox lid and on all four doors; while the sportier versions eschew wood for metallic trim.
New for 2007, aluminum inserts brighten the steering column stalks and steering-wheel-mounted switches. The quality of the material used to cover other surfaces is good. For 2007, a compass is built into the rearview mirror and the DSTC (stability and traction-control) shut-off has moved to the steering wheel stalk.
The standard gauges are attractive, with their flat-gray background, and easy to read. Switches are intuitive and easy to use.
For 2007, the T5 gets the watch dial instrument cluster introduced on the S80 and S60 R. The four blue-faced instruments are surrounded by grey rings with subtle blue hash marks. They feature clear, attractive gray numerals and thin red pointers on blue hubs.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are well designed and easy to operate, with big metaphoric controls to direct the airflow. Power-window buttons with auto-down are conveniently mounted on the door. Inside door handles are easy to grab.
The innovative radio controls take some familiarization to master. Changing preset channels involves turning a knob, rather than pressing a button, for example. Once understood, the system works well. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has controls for the audio system that makes operating it easier while driving.
The center console features a covered storage bin and cup holders that fit all standard sizes of beverage container. There's another mini cup holder on the center of the dash. The manual shift lever has a silver-colored plastic cover at its base that looks like silver-colored plastic.
The back seats require a duck of the head to get in. Once back there, the S60 offers good rear headroom, though taller adults find it short on legroom.
The trunk is roomy and deep and will hold a lot of small bags. However, Volvo had to make design concessions that constrict the trunk opening to carve the S60's swoopy shape, so loading big hard-sided cases might present a challenge. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down to carry long items. Fold down the right rear seat and front passenger seat, and you can carry something quite long.
