Overview
Don’t confuse the 2024 Volvo S60 for a sports sedan. While it goes head-to-head with the likes of sharp-handling rivals such as the BMW 3-series and the Genesis G70, the Volvo is much more subdued. That’s not a bad thing, though, provided S60 drivers prefer its relaxed nature and Scandinavian aesthetic. The sedan’s fetching exterior pairs with a minimalistic interior that’s highlighted by handsome materials and supremely comfy seats. We only wish there was more cubby storage. The S60’s standard 247-hp turbo four is largely forgettable and pairs with front- or all-wheel drive. The plug-in-hybrid powertrain is more desirable, providing a 400-hp punch, standard all-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated 41 miles of electric-only range. Staying true to Volvo’s safety-focused ethos, every 2024 S60 has myriad standard driver assists, and all models boast desirable and popular features.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the S60 lineup doesn’t receive any significant changes. Among the minor updates are the introduction of a new Vapour Grey metallic paint, while Black Stone is no longer offered. The “Dark” exterior theme now becomes standard across the model line. The Climate package on front-drive models adds heated rear seats, the mid-level Plus trim also adds a standard air purifier, and the top-spec Ultimate is now only offered with all-wheel drive. The 2024 S60 also loses the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered plug-in-hybrid model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d choose the Plus trim as it includes a host of standard features not available on the Core, including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree exterior camera, and leather upholstery. 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.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The nonhybrid 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. We were impressed with the over-the-road prowess of the S60, but ultimately felt it lacked the driver-to-car-to-road connection and steering feel of the best sports sedans. During a comparison test against four-cylinder rivals, the Volvo 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.
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 74 MPGe estimate and an electric-only drive range of 41 miles. The PHEV we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, traveled 34 miles on electricity alone and returned 37 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 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.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every S60 features a tablet-style infotainment system that operates through a Google-based interface. 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.
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
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Volvo S60 T5
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$46,240 (base price: $37,045)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
120 cu in, 1969 cc
Power
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.7-in vented disc/11.9-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season, 235/40R-19 96V M+S VOL
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Length: 187.4 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 56.3 in
Passenger volume: 94 cu ft
Trunk volume: 14 cu ft
Curb weight: 3754 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.1 sec
100 mph: 15.2 sec
120 mph: 24.0 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 98 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 25 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 37 mpg
Highway range: 530 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 27/23/34 mpg