What transmission does the Volvo S60 use?
2 Answers
The transmission brand used in the Volvo S60 is Aisin. Established in 1969, Aisin is a world-renowned professional research, development, and manufacturer of automotive automatic transmissions. In the field of automotive automatic transmissions, Aisin's products hold the highest market share globally. The Volvo S60 is equipped with an 8-speed automatic manual transmission. Vehicles with automatic manual transmissions feature both automatic and manual modes, and the 8-speed automatic manual transmission offers 8 levels of gear shifting. When the car is switched to manual mode, the 8th gear is the highest gear. When using the Volvo S60's transmission in daily driving, pay attention to the following points: Do not delay replacing the transmission oil for extended periods. Although many modern vehicles come with maintenance-free transmission oil, "maintenance-free" does not mean it never needs replacement. Prolonged failure to replace the transmission oil can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the transmission housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long durations. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers tend to coast in neutral. However, for automatic transmission vehicles, coasting in neutral can cause the transmission to overheat, and shifting back into Drive (D) mode may result in noticeable jerks. Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Many drivers, aiming to showcase "smooth" operation, engage the opposite gear before the car fully stops. This practice significantly damages the transmission gears and may lead to gear grinding or other malfunctions over time. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D) mode. When tackling steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles often overheat due to high loads or shift prematurely, resulting in insufficient climbing power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in lower gears or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to transport it while the transmission is in Neutral (N). Avoid using tow ropes or dragging the vehicle directly, as this can cause severe damage to the transmission.
As a long-term owner of the Volvo S60, I find its transmission design quite refined. Most post-2018 models use Aisin's 8-speed automatic transmission, also known as 8AT, which shifts incredibly smoothly with almost no jerkiness, making it ideal for daily commutes and highway cruising. It employs a torque converter to cushion power impacts and maintain comfort. I've also driven the hybrid T8 version, which uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for more direct acceleration and quicker response. The transmission's electronic control system is intelligent, adapting to driving habits—like immediately downshifting for extra power on uphill climbs. However, older S60 models once used a 6AT, and post-upgrade fuel consumption dropped significantly, averaging 7-8L per 100km in city driving. Regular oil changes are essential for maintenance to prevent issues.
