The S60 sedan was first introduced in 2000 and entered its third generation in 2019. I've been a fan of the S60 since its second generation launched in 2011 with a striking new look that challenged another favorite, the Lexus IS. For 2023, Volvo has renamed its trims and updated the Google-based infotainment system. Now in its current form, the S60 continues to evolve with two different powertrains. Base engines are a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder that nets up to 247 horsepower. Also available is a plug-in hybrid model known as the Recharge which comes with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to push out up to a combined 455 horsepower. Recharge models have an estimated all-electric range of 41 miles. The S60 is available with either front or all-wheel drive and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
There are three levels available known as Core, Plus, and Ultimate with prices starting at $41,300 and climbing to over $50,000. Recharge models will start at $52,345 and climb to $63,000+ as seen on my test model. The Recharge models do currently qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit which is worth taking into consideration. S60 competes with other 5-passenger luxury sedans such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4, BMW, 3-Series, Cadillac CT4, Genesis G70, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, and Infiniti Q50. I spent a week in the S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate Black Edition and here's what stood out.
Black Edition (+)
There was a time when Volvo was primarily known for having safe vehicles rather than bold, stylish looking ones. Times have changed and now Volvo's S60 is available with a new Black Edition that adds a new level of expression to its sporty design. Limited to the select models including the plug-in Recharge, they come with exclusive high gloss black 19" wheels and a standard metallic paint. Up front high gloss black covers the grille, Volvo badge, and grille slash. Window trim, badging and tailpipes are all darkened to accentuate the S60's athleticism. Available in only two colors, Onyx Black or Crystal White, the Black Edition stands out on the road. On more than one occasion I was questioned about the car while driving it with many surprised it was both a plug-in hybrid Volvo and.
Plug-In Hybrid (+)
With so much attention on full-electric vehicles lately, many are overlooking the plug-in hybrid option that blends the best of both worlds. The S60 Recharge carries on with an impressive all-electric range of 41 miles that was enough to get me to work, charge it during the day, and then back home for an overnight charge without tapping into much fuel. When fully charged with a full 15.9-gallon tank, it offers a range of around 530 miles. Combined, it is estimated at 74 MPGe or 31 MPG on the gas only side. It will take about nine hours to fully charge the battery using a standard 120-volt household-style power outlet. It takes about four hours when using a 240-volt outlet.
On top of its efficiency, it is powerful with the combination of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor to push out up to a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. With an estimated 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, it launches with a nice jolt. It seamlessly transitions from electric to gas without notice. The 8-speed transmission swiftly glides through the gears like a luxury sports sedan should. It's a comfortable riding sedan with some gusto.
Handling (+/-)
Despite its impressive power, the S60 Recharge focuses more on safety and comfort rather than BMW-like handling. It is most impressive in straight line performance. The car is still dynamic and pleasant to drive but delivers a softer overall ride that is more luxury than sport. The suspension does a good job of absorbing road imperfections and provides good body control around corners. The S60 is composed and well-grounded overall. The Recharge model is the most engaging with the sharpest handling of the S60 lineup.
Interior Detail (+)
Volvo has become one of my favorite interiors out there due to their attention to detail and upscale materials. Drivers will face a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and at the center of the dash is a vertical 9-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Surrounding the screens are a mix of materials that include genuine wood decor inlays, Nappa leather or leather free wool upholstery, and bright work accents. The vertical air vents are surrounded in chrome for a touch of elegance. However, it doesn't stop there.... the S60 Recharge offers a handcrafted crystal gear shifter in genuine Swedish crystal made exclusively for Volvo by Orrefors. This gear selector is the centerpiece of the center counsel and even lights up at night. The electronic shifter taps up or down to select gears and there's a button for parking. Also available is an extra-large panoramic roof that lets light flood in to give the interior a natural light and fresh air when open. Just below the shifter is the start/stop button which twists to turn the car on. Everything comes together well with a high-quality build. The overall vibe is clean, modern, and luxurious.
Seats (+)
The S60 seats five reasonably, especially if the rear passengers are kids or small adults. Taller adults may feel a bit cramped in the back, but this should be expected for most cars in the segment. All five seats offer supportive seats that are very comfortable. There is a lot of head, leg, and shoulder room up front, and the seats offer power adjustability to find good positioning. Synthetic leather, power seats, memory seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard on all S60 models. Available textile upholstery, genuine leather, combined Nappa and textile upholstery (seen in my test vehicle), heated front seats, and heated steering wheel are all available. Overall, I think the S60 offers more passenger space than some of its primary competitors.
Technology (+/-)
While Volvo is generally forward thinking in terms of safety and technology, it lacks user intuitiveness. New for 2023, the S60 uses a Google-based infotainment system featuring Google maps, play, and assistant. The system can be controlled via the touchscreen, a physical home button or voice control. Despite its large screen, many functions and cameras only fill a portion of it. There are several menus to click through and find the various screens which take some time to get familiar with. There is a lot of text to scroll through which distracts the driver's focus.
Once familiar, the Google-based system does work better than the previous Android-based system. For those familiar with Google, it will be even easier. The new system does integrate with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which is a welcome addition for most. A recent update to the software added even more Apple CarPlay features to the system, which should help with its usability. One big highlight for me is the available 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The sound is unbelievably crisp and features pre-determined settings and the option to customize. It's among the best systems available that really does audibly take you to a concert hall or jazz club.
Range indicator (-)
Along the lines of technology, I am a big user of the range/ miles-to-empty indicator on new cars. Most vehicles are pretty accurate, while a few like this Volvo, can really mess with one's head. On multiple occasions the range would fluctuate in buckets of 10 or more. There were times I would leave the house with a total range of 200 miles and after driving 25 miles to the office, it would increase to 230. However, after a quick lunch run, it would then drop back down to 190. It is one of the most inconsistent range indicators that I ended up just ignoring all together. At least when plugged in and fully charged, it was consistently showing an electric range of 41 miles.
Cargo (-)
Among its competitors, the S60 has one of the smallest trunks available. It offers 11.6 cubic feet of space and the rear seats do fold down. The trunk itself has a decently wide opening but is just not very deep.
Safety (+)
Staying true to its heritage, there are a lot of standard safety features that include:
* Forward collision warning
* Forward automatic emergency braking
* Pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection
* Blind-spot monitoring
* Rear cross-traffic alert
* Lane-departure warning
* Lane-keep assist
* Traffic-sign recognition
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Rearview camera
* Rear parking sensors
Additional safety and driver assist features available include adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, automated driving, head-up display, automatic parking assist, adaptive LED fog lights, front and side parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. All these features were included on my Ultimate test model and worked well. The pilot assist system is one of the best out there. It's a driver's aid that will adjust speed, alter steering, and assist with braking when engaged. It always requires hands on the wheel and works at highway speeds up to 80 MPH. The intuitive system operates smoothly and quickly adjusts as needed.
Final Statement While Volvo has plans to become an all-electric company in the future, I'm a big fan of its Recharge plug-in hybrid models like this S60. It blends both worlds well with significant power and good range. The Black Edition package will be a personal preference, but I can testify that it had people talking while I drove my test vehicle. This car has a lot going for it and remains a strong competitor in the segment, especially the Recharge. It's loaded with safety and the technology continues to improve with over the air updates. The interior is one of the best in the class both functionally and aesthetically. Test drive this one if you're considering a mid-size luxury sedan.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate (Black Edition)
Exterior Color: Black Onyx
Interior: Nappa Leather and Textile combination
Notable Options: Climate Package ($750), Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound ($3,200), Metallic Paint ($695)
Price as tested: $63,890 (With Destination)