2024 Volvo S60 evaluation | CarExpert

For the primary time since 2020, you should purchase the final remaining Volvo sedan with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) energy in Australia.

The Recharge T8 Black Version is the brand new flagship of the Volvo S60 vary, and one among simply two variants nonetheless accessible Down Underneath.

It brings large efficiency and effectivity good points in addition to a black aesthetic bundle, however Volvo can also be asking a $19,000 premium over the bottom Final B5 Vibrant.

That pits the five-year-old S60 up towards phase staples from the massive three German manufacturers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

It additionally doubtlessly worsens the worth equation when in comparison with cheaper electrified rivals within the phase such because the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Mannequin 3.

With that stated, does an injection of contemporary powertrain tech and unique styling add to the attract the S60?

How does the Volvo S60 evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Volvo S60 towards equally sized automobiles.

Volvo

S60

How a lot does the Volvo S60 price?

The 2024 Volvo S60 vary includes simply two variants, however the pair are separated by almost $20,000.

To see how the Volvo S60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability instrument.

What’s the Volvo S60 like on the within?

If you happen to’re an avid follower of CarExpert and really feel like this inside appears to be like acquainted, that’s as a result of it’s!

The format and supplies within the S60 Black Version are almost an identical to the XC60 Black Version we reviewed just lately, albeit on a smaller scale. That’s no dangerous factor, as a result of there’s rather a lot to love inside each automobiles.

Sliding into the low-riding S60, it takes subsequent to no time to get comfy.

Volvo has a repute for producing seats that put plush couches to disgrace, and the gadgets on supply listed below are a few of its greatest.

Trimmed in black perforated leather-based the seats are mushy and supportive, with a lot adjustability Volvo devoted a whole part of the infotainment menus to it.

You’ll be able to tinker with bolster width, thigh help and lumbar, along with the anticipated capabilities through the display screen or toggles on the facet of the seat. Reminiscence settings can be found to avoid wasting time when your higher half desires a drive.

To prime it off, each entrance seats have three-stage heating and cooling capabilities that can assist you battle Australia’s unpredictable parts.

The remainder of the cabin feels upmarket. Stitched leather-based, mushy plastic, and carpet fill a lot of the house – all in black, in fact.

Volvo stopped simply wanting subjecting the whole inside to the blackout therapy, retaining the attention-grabbing Orrefors crystal gear selector together with a wraparound woven metallic sprint end.

In addition to being comfy, drivers even have easy accessibility to leisure within the S60 with its Android Automotive infotainment setup. Packaged right into a portrait 9.0-inch touchscreen, the Google-based system works similar to a contemporary smartphone and due to this fact has a flat studying curve.

The identical could be stated of the digital instrument cluster, which shows customary dials with the choice of a Google Map within the center.

Simply don’t count on the identical stage of customisation because the shows provided by different premium producers.

Restricted cupboard space additionally leaves some room for enchancment. The entrance door bins are shallow and, as a result of lithium-ion battery sitting within the transmission tunnel, there’s solely room for a cellphone beneath the centre armrest. It’s the place the twin USB-C ports dwell.

Close by cupholders are nearly sufficiently big and the glovebox is roomy, however there are not any additional cubbies to talk of.

It’s a special story within the second row, which provides consolation and practicality in spades.

The outboard rear seats are heated so everybody can get heat, and there’s loads of legroom for taller adults though resting knees towards the arduous seat backs isn’t suggested. Headroom is enough for average-tall adults, and there can be more room if not for the sunroof.

Rear passengers are additionally in a position to unfold out, as the center seat is barely appropriate for very young children as a result of a excessive transmission tunnel.

As you’ve most likely gathered by now, black is the dominant shade all through this automotive which has the potential to make the cabin really feel smaller than it’s. The sunroof and enormous home windows stop this by exposing all occupants to pure gentle from each angle.

It’s not stuffy both, with air vents situated at chest top to maintain recent air circulating.

As a passenger the temptation is all the time to vie for entrance seat rights, however a declare might be made that you simply’re nearly higher off at the back of the S60, which additionally provides USB-C connectivity, storage nets, door bins, and a centre armrest with retractable cupholders.

Simply deal with it as a four-seater if you would like the optimum occupant expertise as an grownup.

The boot of the S60 Black Version left a lot to be desired. With a claimed 442L of house, the S60 provides much less room than all the principle German rivals, though it does prime the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Genesis G70.

It’s a guide activity to open the boot and the aperture isn’t all that enormous both, so it’s troublesome to load cumbersome gadgets.

There aren’t many options inside to talk of. You get a 12V energy outlet and facet nets to maintain gadgets safe, however it’s a comparatively plain space in any other case. Area can also be taken up by the drive battery charging tools which is saved in a (detachable) bag held on the wall.

Extra cargo room is accessible through the 60/40 folding rear bench, though that doesn’t make it any easier to suit objects by way of the boot opening.

To see how the Volvo S60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparison instrument.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

There are two engines provided with the 2024 Volvo S60.

S60 B5 fashions are fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs are rated at 183kW and 350Nm and Volvo claims the S60 B5 can speed up from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The highest-spec S60 T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid groups a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electrical motor and 18.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The petrol engine makes 223kW and 400Nm by itself, whereas the rear-mounted electrical motor develops 107kW and 309Nm. System outputs are 340kW and 709Nm, and Volvo claims the S60 PHEV can dash from 0-100 in 4.5 seconds.

To see how the Volvo S60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparison instrument.

How does the Volvo S60 drive?

In some ways the S60 Black Version seems like a contemporary interpretation of the sporty sedans that used to dominate Australian roads, however it additionally has a distinctly Volvo flavour.

Quick Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores weren’t solely fast in a straight line, you heard them coming from kilometres away.

The S60 Black Version undoubtedly ticks the previous field with a 0-100km/h dash of 4.5 seconds, however it good points velocity in a quieter and extra insulated method.

On the spot electrical torque propels the Volvo off the road round city, and acceleration at metropolis speeds of 0-60km/h is easy.

It’s simple to journey from A to B in fast time, however you’ll by no means have to boost your voice to carry a dialog with the passenger. Ought to visitors convey your journey to a standstill, auto-hold is readily available to take a load off your brake foot, and the inside is properly protected against the sounds of metropolis life.

That’s till you attempt to negotiate tight suburban streets – in my expertise the collision warning system was overly delicate, typically triggering a loud beep and vibrations by way of the automotive when passing automobiles parked on the facet of the street.

When charged diligently, the S60 can also be an environment friendly commuter automotive. Volvo’s 1.4L/100km gas financial system declare is completely achievable with a full battery, particularly contemplating it has an electrical vary of 90km and the common commute in Australia is a 33km spherical journey.

Plugged into a daily wall socket, the battery recovers from empty to completely charged in a single day (or about 8.0 hours).

Gas consumption averaged out at 4.2L/100km throughout my one-week mortgage, which could be put all the way down to a few lengthy street journeys and a few spirited driving.

5 selectable drive modes – hybrid, energy, pure EV, off-road, and fixed all-wheel drive – allow you to activate every totally different persona inside the S60 on the contact of a display screen. That is useful while you go away the town and tackle the open street.

Whereas EV mode supplies a quiet, environment friendly expertise in city environments, one other facet to this sedan comes alive when the ability sources work in tandem.

At freeway speeds the T8 PHEV shines, chewing up the tarmac with out fuss. Regardless of driving on 21-inch alloys street noise is minimal, and a compliant suspension setup cossets you down the street, night out lumps and bumps within the floor.

A mixed 340kW of energy additionally makes it simple to soundly overtake labouring B-Doubles, and even simply cruise behind them with the help of the graceful and simple to make use of adaptive cruise management system.

Nonetheless, don’t get it twisted while you attain the twisty stuff, this straight-line slingshot isn’t a nook carver.

With 1849kg to maneuver the S60 isn’t as nimble as lighter, extra firmly sprung sedans, and it tends to understeer when pushed by way of turns.

It’s no boat by any means, however don’t count on the dealing with dynamics of a BMW M3. As such, the S60 Black Version is greatest suited to a mixture of every day commuting and cross-country touring.

What do you get?

The brand new Black Version brings a number of upgrades over the Final B5 Vibrant.

S60 Final B5 Vibrant highlights:

• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• Head-up show
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Satellite tv for pc navigation (Google Maps)
• 10-speaker 220W sound system
• Leather-based upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Energy-adjustable entrance seats with reminiscence, energy lumbar
• Heated steering wheel
• Crystal gear shifter
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• 4-zone local weather management with air air purifier
• Aluminium sill plates
• Keyless entry and begin
• Panoramic sunroof
• Automated headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Wiper blades with built-in washers
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Adaptive LED headlights
• 19-inch alloy wheels

S60 Recharge T8 Black Version provides:

• 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system
• Onyx Black exterior paint
• Onyx Black grille and badging
• Black window trims
• 21-inch black alloy wheels
• Black Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Energy adjustable facet help

Is the Volvo S60 secure?

The Volvo S60 B5 has a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out in 2018. The T8 PHEV, nonetheless, is unrated.

B5 variants acquired an grownup occupant safety score of 96 per cent, a baby occupant safety score of 88 per cent, a weak street person safety score of 74 per cent, and a security help score of 77 per cent.

Normal security tools contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keep help
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Pilot Help
• Encompass-view digital camera
• Entrance, rear and facet parking sensors
• Site visitors signal recognition
• Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags

How a lot does the Volvo S60 price to run?

Like the broader Volvo line-up, the S60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with eight years of complementary 24/7 roadside help.

To see how the Volvo S60 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparison instrument.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volvo S60

The addition of the PHEV Black Version provides the S60 a a lot wanted level of distinction in a phase boasting loads of choices.

Efficiency good points elevate the Volvo above a lot of the competitors bar the Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency when it comes to straight-line velocity, and the S60 is now extra environment friendly than its ICE opponents supplied you keep on prime of charging the battery.

It’s not a real sports activities sedan although, so don’t count on a discount BMW M3 or Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Efficiency.

An upgraded sound system and plush seats are worthwhile inside upgrades, and the Black Version feels premium consequently. It might not have all of the toys present in newer sedans, however the accessible tech is person pleasant and that’s extra essential now than ever.

Inside storage is unchanged although, which is a downside of this automotive when in comparison with its alternate options.

The black pack is neither right here nor there. Some will love the look and others will hate it, however it shouldn’t be the one choice accessible. At a minimal, a number of exterior color choices couldn’t damage.

So, do you have to purchase one? If you would like a fast, comfy, black govt sedan, the S60 Black Version is a singular choice with lots to love. It provides a really totally different driving expertise to the bottom S60 B5, and builds on a strong basis in different sides.

Nonetheless, powertrain apart the Lexus ES wins on luxurious for much less cash, whereas a BMW 3 Collection is extra succesful when the street will get twisty. A Tesla Mannequin 3 Efficiency outpoints the S60 on each velocity and effectivity.

As such, the S60 Recharge T8 Black Version will seemingly stay a distinct segment various on this planet of mid-sized sedans.

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