2023 Volvo S60
Overview
The 2023 Volvo S60 is a stylish and likable sedan that delivers a more laid-back driving experience than several sportier rivals. Drivers who like to be engaged behind the wheel will prefer a BMW 3-series, Genesis G70 or an Alfa Romeo Giulia over Volvo’s entry-luxury sedan. However, buyers more interested in a car with a roomy, handsomely designed interior that’s lined with rich materials will find the S60 an attractive ride. Its standard turbo-four powertrain is too subdued for our tastes but the plug-in-hybrid versions provide much stronger acceleration and 22 miles of electric-only range. The S60 Polestar Engineered is the sportiest model, featuring 415 horsepower and other performance enhancing equipment. The 2023 S60 lineup is bolstered by upscale standard features and, of course, plethora of driver-assistance tech—a legacy of Volvo’s long history of safety innovations.
What’s New for 2023?
The S60 lineup receives a facelift and new infotainment software. The appearance changes are subtle, with small design tweaks made to the front and rear bumpers and some new wheel designs. Inside, the S60’s large, vertically oriented touchscreen now features a Google-based interface that brings new graphics and a different menu structure than its predecessor. Unfortunately its on-screen icons make it harder to operate while on the move than the previous version of the system.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d choose the sporty R-Design trim with all-wheel drive. Its standard features include front and rear parking sensors, a Harman/Kardon audio system, leather upholstery, added front-seat adjustments and bolsters, a power-operated trunk lid, unique exterior trim, and more. We’d also recommend the Climate package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated windshield washers) for anyone who lives in a cold-weather climate. And the Advanced package is worth it for the enhanced luxury provided by its 360-degree camera system, an additional 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, head-up display, and a semi-autonomous drive mode.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The non-hybrid S60 has a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that pairs with front- or all-wheel drive. Power increases to 400 horsepower on the all-wheel-drive-only Recharge plug-in hybrid, and the top-of-the-line Recharge Polestar Engineered is even sportier. The latter makes 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque. Along with adaptive dampers and exclusive 19-inch wheels, the Polestar edition is solely available as part of the Care by Volvo subscription plan. We were impressed with the over-the-road prowess of a T6 R-Design model we tested in 2019, but ultimately felt it lacked the driver-to-car-to-road connection and steering feel of the best sports sedans. And during a comparison test against four-cylinder rivals, a more basic S60 model finished last due to its more subdued driving nature versus sportier alternatives such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 3-series. No, the S60 leans more towards luxury than sport.
More on the S60 Sedan
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The nonhybrid S60 is rated up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The plug-in-hybrid version has a 69 MPGe estimate and an electric-only drive range of 22 miles. Once we run one on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate their real-world mpg. For more information about the S60’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Volvo flaunts its superb build quality inside the S60, which delights with upscale materials throughout and uncommon attention to detail. The design is undeniably forward-thinking and replete with flourishes such as jeweled switchgear and supremely comfortable seats. Its deluxe features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and more. Not only are front-seat passengers cosseted by comfortable and supportive buckets, but those in the back seat will also appreciate its generous legroom and headroom. Interior cubby space is highlighted by useful door pockets and a center console that boasts a tray with a retractable cover and a handy bin below the armrest but, unfortunately, all of these storage spots have limited space. We also managed to fit five carry-on suitcases in the S60’s trunk, which is one less than the 3-series.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every S60 features a tablet-style infotainment system that operates through a Google-based interface. While we haven’t yet had our hands on one inside the sedan, we’ve interacted with a version in the compact luxury XC60 SUV, which was a mostly pleasant experience. The system’s native-voice assistant works well, and we appreciate both the physical home button at the bottom of the screen and the large volume knob below it. However, this system—like too many others—lacks a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected to be standard; a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system is expected to be optional.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The handsome sedan also has a variety of driver-assistance technology as standard, as well as options such as a semi-autonomous drive mode. For more information about the S60’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volvo’s limited and powertrain warranty line up exactly with its luxury rivals. While its complimentary scheduled maintenance covers the same lengthy period as BMW, both are still behind Jaguar’s impressive coverage.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
More Features and Specs
