2025 Volvo S60 Overview What’s new: You can now get the best cut. So very thin. For the Black Edition right now, only the Ultra trim is offered. Plug-in hybrids are no longer called “recharge.” Part of the third version of the S60, which will be released in 2019. Sedans aren’t as popular as they used to be, but they look like they would make great small luxury cars. There are a lot of cars in this class that are better than the humble and underrated Volvo S60. The Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been the best for a long time. The S60 brings Scandinavian style and design to the market, along with a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain that gives it a lot of power and range. This car, too, is made in the US and is safe and comfy. Don’t miss this great Volvo car. Plug-in hybrids let you travel totally on electricity during the daily grind, but they have the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer trips and commutes. As of recently, the S60 T8 (formerly the S60 Recharge) has a plug-in hybrid engine with all-wheel drive and, according to Volvo, an electric range of about 41 miles. In addition, the plug-in gets about 31 mpg on the highway when it is only powered by gasoline. Before you say it must be hard to drive, think about the fact that it has an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, which is about the same as the Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack. This plug-in hybrid from Volvo is said to be able to reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, but it is less appealing to drive than its German rivals because it is quiet. We think the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Genesis G70, and Lexus IS are all good options for the Volvo S60. The Audi, BMW, and Mercedes are our top picks in this class. However, the three cars that compete with the Volvo feel smaller and less comfortable. Also, since BMW took the 330e out of the 3 Series lineup, the S60 T8 is now the cheapest small luxury car with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Pros vs Cons Pros Extremely comfortable and supportive seats. Remarkable power and electric range in the available plug-in hybrid model. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivers excellent sound. Cons A very small touchscreen display. The buttons on the steering wheel are annoying. Trunk that is smaller than most of its rivals. Performance How does the S60 feel to drive? We looked at the plug-in hybrid S60 T8. It only took 4.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph on Invoice Pricings’ test track. When going on the highway or faster, it doesn’t run out of steam. Volvo calls this “Pure” EV mode. The powerful electric motor also means you don’t have to baby the throttle when going in this mode. It looks fast and light, and it has the power to easily move onto the freeway even though it only runs on electricity. It is easy to switch from regenerative to regular braking, and the brakes work well. More than that, the S60 T8 handles better than its tires and looks would suggest. Comfort How well does the S60 fit your body? This car, the S60, has seats that live up to Volvo’s reputation for being very comfy. The front seats can also be adjusted in many ways. Many really like the S60’s ride because it stays stable even on rough ground, and the suspension quickly smooths out cracks and bumps. Also, the cabin is pretty quiet, even when all or some of the electricity is on. On the other hand, the climate control device might be simpler to use. The touchscreen system is hard to get used to, but once you do, it’s not that great. It feels like you’re just turning it on and off because you have to keep changing the system to get it to the right temperature, and there aren’t many fan speed choices. Comfort How well does the S60 fit your body? This car, the S60, has seats that live up to Volvo’s reputation for being very comfy. The front seats can also be adjusted in many ways. Many really like the S60’s ride because it stays stable even on rough ground, and the suspension quickly smooths out cracks and bumps. Also, the cabin is pretty quiet, even when all or some of the electricity is on. On the other hand, the climate control device might be simpler to use. The touchscreen system is hard to get used to, but once you do, it’s not that great. It feels like you’re just turning it on and off because you have to keep changing the system to get it to the right temperature, and there aren’t many fan speed choices. Interior How is the inside? The S60’s confusing mix of hard buttons and screen-scrolling makes us want something easier to use. It can also take some time to get used to the controls on the steering wheel that aren’t labeled. Being inside is very nice because you can see out very well, and both front seats can be adjusted in many ways. Because the S60 sits pretty low, bigger people may need to bend down a bit to get into their seats. However, the door holes are big enough that people can get in and out without having to lean too far. There is a lot of space in the front seat, but the back seat may be too small and lack headroom for people over six feet tall. Technology How does the tech work? This infotainment system is built on Android and has a strong Google integration. Google Maps for cars has replaced the original mapping program. Now, there is an app store on your phone where you can get things you need often. However, Android Auto is no longer built-in. It only works with Apple CarPlay, and you need a USB cord to connect it. The Google-based voice command technology is very helpful, but you will need to sign in with your Google account. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a choice that is highly recommended because it works so well in concert halls. The S60’s adaptive cruise control does a great job of keeping you at a set distance from the car in front of you. However, the lane-keeping device might be too busy, and not everyone who drives for us wants it on. Storage How are things with the storage? When it comes to internal storage, the S60 T8 falls short of promises. The middle console only goes down about an inch deep. You can fit a phone or some keys in there, but that’s about it. There are also a few cupholders and thin cubbies in the front row for storage. The wide trunk is just as roomy as the trunk in a regular S60s, which is a plus. It’s big enough for the class (11.6 cubic feet), and the chairs can be folded down to make room for longer things. The back row is wide, and the front seats can be adjusted all the way around to fit big child seats. Because the car is so low to the ground, you might have to squat to put in a seat. But there is enough space in the back to tie down two seats safely, and the anchor hooks and tethers are in a good spot. Fuel Economy How much fuel does it use? The EPA says that the S60 plug-in hybrid can go 40 miles on electricity alone. After that, the gas mileage for driving in both cities and highways should be 31 mpg. To start checking its electric range, we took our test car on our mixed-driving test route with the battery fully charged. In electric-only mode, it went 46.7 miles, but the trip computer showed that it still had about 5 miles of range left when it turned to hybrid mode and used the gas engine for about a mile. After that, our test drive of our S60 plug-in hybrid got 36.7 mpg, which was much better than what the EPA predicted. Value Should you pay that much for the S60? This high-end car looks and feels like a real deal. The airtight cabin and lots of high-quality leather and metal inside make the ride very quiet. The S60 T8 is priced fairly, especially considering how advanced its engine is. Other companies offer more comprehensive packages, but Volvo’s basic coverage and powertrain warranty of four years and 50,000 miles are the norm in the business. The S60 also comes with free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles and roadside assistance for four years or an endless number of miles. Wildcard From the outside, the S60 T8 looks like a sleek and stylish luxury car, but inside, it’s fun and useful. Both the gas engine and the electric motor give the Volvo 455 horsepower, which gives it a lot of speed. It also handles better than you think. You also get an electric range of more than 40 miles. What is Invoice Pricing 's Recommendation? Upgrading to the plug-in hybrid powertrain costs Volvo more than $7,000. However, the S60 T8’s longer electric-only range and better speed make the cost worth it. This is why the S60 T8 Plus is best. The interior of the Plus trim is more stylish than that of the basic Core trim, and it has more features to help the driver. It’s worth it to get upgrades like 19-inch wheels, metallic paint, and a Harman Kardon luxury sound system. 2025 Volvo S60 Video Review
