Our Opinion - 2023 Volvo S60 Review The 2023 Volvo S60 is a sleek and attractive sedan that is easier to drive than some of its competitors, which are more sporty. A BMW 3-series, a Genesis G70, or an Alfa Romeo Giulia would be better for active drivers than Volvo’s entry-level luxury sedan. The S60, on the other hand, will be a good choice for people who want a car with a big, well-made, expensive-looking interior. The standard turbo-four engine needs to be more potent, but the plug-in hybrid versions are much faster and can go 22 miles on electricity alone. The most athletic model is the S60 Polestar Engineered, which has 455 horsepower and more features that improve performance. Volvo’s long history of safety innovations lives on in the 2023 S60 series, which comes with high-end standard features and, of course, many driver-assistance technologies. What's New? New infotainment software and a new look are coming to the S60 line. They changed the front and back bumpers and some wheels in small ways, making the car look a little better. Inside the S60’s large touchscreen, which is set up vertically, there is now a Google-based interface with better graphics and a different menu layout than its predecessor. Unfortunately, the symbols on the screen make it harder to use while moving than the previous system. The trim level names for the S60 have changed from Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription to Core, Plus, and Ultimate, just like the rest of Volvo’s models. Pros And Cons Pros: A roomy and stylish cabin Seats with extra support A comfortable ride Cons: A pretty small trunk The learning curve of the entertainment system Engine, Transmission, and Performance The non-hybrid S60 comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for its turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 247 hp. The plug-in hybrid Recharge with all-wheel purpose now has 400 horsepower, and the even sportier Recharge Polestar Engineered has even more power. The second one has 523 pound-feet of torque and 455 horsepower. The Care by Volvo subscription program is the only way to get the Polestar version, which has adjustable dampers and unique 19-inch wheels. We tested a 2019 model that was great off-road, but it didn’t have the steering feel or connection between driver, car, and road that we find in the best sports sedans. In a test against other four-cylinder vehicles, a cheaper S60 model came in last because it didn’t drive as shortly as cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the BMW 3-series. On the other hand, the S60 is more about comfort than speed. Safety The stylish sedan has many driver-assistance features, such as a semi-autonomous drive mode. Among the essential safety features are the following: Automatic emergency braking and a warning of a possible front-end collision are standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning come as standard features. As well as the usual lane-departure sign, it has a system that helps you stay in your lane. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The S60 is an excellent example of how well Volvo builds cars. It has high-end materials everywhere and great attention to detail. The design is undeniably futuristic, with jewel-covered switches and very comfortable seats, among other things. Among the high-end features are a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and more. Passengers in the back will like how much legroom and headroom there is and how comfortable and supportive the front bucket seats are. There are practical door pockets, a center console with a tray and a cover that can pull back, and a convenient bin under the armrest, but these storage areas are small. The S60 could also hold five carry-on bags, while the 3-series could hold six. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The regular S60 can get up to 26 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. The plug-in hybrid model is said to get 74 MPGe and has a driving range of 41 miles on electric power alone. As part of our rigorous testing process, we will drive one of them on our 75 mph fuel-economy route. This will let us figure out what their real-world mpg is. Infotainment and Connectivity Every S60 has an infotainment system that works like a tablet and is based on Google. Even though we haven’t been able to sit in the car yet, we have been able to talk to a model in the compact, high-end XC60 SUV, and it was a generally good experience. The system’s built-in voice assistant is great, and we like the large volume knob and physical home button at the bottom of the screen. But, like far too many other systems, this one doesn’t have a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, and a Bowers & Wilkins high-end sound system is likely an option. Price and How to Choose We’d go with the Plus model because it has more standard features than the Core, like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree exterior camera, and leather upholstery. People who live where it gets cold should also consider getting the Climate package.
