The Volvo S60 Recharge is an interesting proposition in the modern automotive landscape where crossovers still rule supreme and all-electric powertrains are what grab the headlines. It’s a plug-in hybrid sedan that, in T8 specification, gets just 31 miles to the gallon combined but puts down an impressive 455 horsepower. The shrug-inspiring fuel economy, however, is offset by an all-electric driving range of up to 41 miles – enough to save a gallon of gas every day on the morning commute.
There are a few minor changes from the 2023 range, with the big news being the loss of the Polestar Engineered trim (Polestar Engineered Optimization can now be added as a package, however). Other changes are that Vapour Grey metallic paint replaces Black Stone, some packages have changed slightly and for the better, the exterior ‘Dark’ theme is now standard, and the top-tier trim, the Ultimate, is now only available with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. And that’s the trim Volvo sent us over to drive for a week to see how it holds up for 2024.
Exterior: Suave Swede
Volvo has absolutely nailed the exterior design on its sedans with its traditional proportions and minimal creases used for maximum impact. It’s a car that will still look relevant in 10 year’s time in a way many Mercedes and BMW models won’t. As mentioned in the intro, the Dark theme is now standard, and that’s a good thing as chrome trim doesn’t look right on a modern Volvo – that is to say, we love that modern Volvos don’t shout “Look at me!” but do catch the discerning eye. Even the wheels aren’t over the top with 19-inch black diamond cut six-spoke alloys coming on the top trim rather than 20-inch wheels that would look faintly absurd.
Interior: Wonderfully Volvo
The interior of the S60 Recharge is an excellent example of Volvo’s build quality and use of premium materials to create a relaxed environment. Space is adequate for two adults in the front and two in the back, while a third is a squeeze only to be used for short trips. Knurled dials and switches and the optional crystal Orrefors gearshifter add to the feeling of refinement and style. Trunk space is just as adequate and the sedan will take a couple of fully loaded golf club bags without strain.
Volvo’s typical tablet-style screen controls infotainment, and it now runs a Google-based system that only improves useability. However, climate control is still accessed via the screen and isn’t optimal in terms of ergonomics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but audiophiles should budget $3,200 for the excellent 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. It’s worth the outlay.
Powertrain: Rapid, But Locked To 112 MPH.
Under the S60 Recharge T8’s hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine backed by electric motors and an 18.8 kWh battery. On a fully charged battery, we got 38 miles on the battery alone in far from ideal conditions. On the gas engine only, you can expect 31 mpg, and between them, an estimated 74 MPGe combined between city and highway driving.
It’s a head-scratcher that Volvo delivers a sedan with 455 hp that can zip from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, then restricts the top speed to a seemingly arbitrary 112 mph in the name of safety. Still, that swish to 60 mph is more about a smooth rapidity that marks out a luxury car over a sports car. The eight-speed automatic transmission doesn’t smash through the gears, that’s for sure – it’s a smooth change that passengers will hardly notice.
On The Road: Swift Yet Calm
The Volvo S60 Recharge T8 might pack a lot of horsepower and have a brag-worthy 0-60 mph time, but it’s not a sport sedan. It’s a cruiser, whether that’s on the daily commute or for getting out of town at the weekend. The suspension keeps the bumping around on badly kept roads to a minimum and road noise is kept to a minimum for conversation or listening to the excellent optional sound system (seriously, it’s one of the best sound upgrades available in 2024).
Try and push the S60 Recharge around on a backroad, and the disconnect between the road and driver that helps make it such a comfortable cruiser shows itself. That doesn’t mean you have to hold up traffic, but given the styling and the performance numbers, it’s worth reiterating. In every other sense, from smooth brakes to light and easy (although various settings are available in the menus) steering and friendly suspension damping, the S60 is a lovely car to drive and be driven around in.
Who’s The Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate For?
If BMW’s 3 Series Hybrid doesn’t quite appeal to you or the Lexus ES Hybrid is a little too edgy, then you’re likely the perfect candidate for the S60 PHEV – and the S60 Recharge Ultimate is top of the trims when it comes to swishing around. However, at $58,150 before adding destination charges and the BMW-esque $750 climate package to get a heated steering wheel along with heated rear seats, it’s not cheap (and we haven’t yet added that sound system we simply must have). Still, rivals from BMW and Lexus don’t make nearly as much power, and when specced similarly, aren’t exactly budget-friendly either.
Volvo delivers something different from the norm, in an airy comfort-focused package with elegant refinement in an understated way, rather than trying to smack you around the head with the latest and greatest in technology and big screens. It’s an easy, pleasant, refined car to drive and we love the S60 Recharge for that – at any trim level. Despite the US market’s preference for crossover SUVs and trucks, we hope these sedans remain.