Volvo S60 (2025)
Comfortable, safe, and refined, with potent hybrid performance, but limited practicality and sportiness.
The Volvo S60 (2025) is a quietly confident luxury sedan for commuters and families who want less stress, not more speed drama. Its standout strengths are exceptionally comfortable seats, a serene ride, tasteful Scandinavian design, and strong safety equipment. Volvo’s plug-in-hybrid pitch is supported by real-world praise: the T8 delivers 455-hp acceleration and roughly 40 miles of electric driving, while the B5 is better described as adequate. Owners and experts do flag touch-heavy infotainment, remote steering, and a small 328-liter trunk. Pricing is most convincing when you value comfort or regularly use the T8’s electric range, less so when sportiness or practicality comes first. Overall, its value rests on comfort, safety, and hybrid flexibility outweighing usability compromises.
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Benefits
Exceptionally comfortable seats and a calm ride make long commutes easier on your body.
Quiet cabin keeps highway conversations easy and helps passengers arrive feeling less worn out.
Standard safety aids quietly watch traffic, reducing effort during busy commutes and highway driving.
T8’s electric range handles many short trips quietly, while gasoline power keeps longer journeys simple.
Supportive rear seating and generous legroom make carrying adults more comfortable than expected.
Understated Scandinavian styling feels premium without demanding attention at every stop.
Trade-Offs
Touch-heavy climate controls make simple adjustments distracting when you’re driving.
The small trunk makes groceries, luggage, or a stroller harder to pack.
B5 acceleration feels merely adequate during highway merges, leaving less immediate passing power.
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Publications
6 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Car and Driver views the 2025 Volvo S60 favorably, but with clear reservations about its value and sporting credentials. The sedan stands out for its elegant Scandinavian design, excellent build quality, exceptionally comfortable seats, spacious rear accommodations, and thoughtful cabin details. Its plug-in-hybrid version is genuinely quick, offering 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and useful electric range, while the standard model provides a composed, comfortable ride. Still, the gas-powered S60 feels merely adequate rather than exciting, with slower acceleration and less steering feel than rivals such as the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C300, and Alfa Romeo Giulia. The hybrid’s roughly $10,000 premium further limits its appeal, and storage space is modest. With the S60 ending production after 2025, Car and Driver considers it a polished luxury cruiser—but ultimately ranks its sportier competitors higher.
By Larry Printz
MotorTrend views the 2025 Volvo S60 favorably, though its appeal is more distinctive than class-leading. The reviewer admires its handsome styling, upscale cabin, spacious front seats, strong safety credentials, and genuinely quick T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain, which offers 40 miles of electric range and a 4.0-second 0–60-mph time. The well-equipped B5 AWD Ultra is also considered a relative luxury bargain. Still, the S60 feels less engaging than the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with inferior ride and handling, limited cargo space, and frustrating infotainment menus. The expensive PHEV makes sense mainly for drivers whose commutes fit within its electric range. Overall, the S60 is presented as a stylish, comfortable niche alternative that will be missed, even if its discontinuation is understandable in an SUV-dominated market.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver views the 2025 Volvo S60 favorably, but with clear reservations about its value and sporting credentials. The sedan stands out for its elegant Scandinavian design, excellent build quality, exceptionally comfortable seats, spacious rear accommodations, and thoughtful cabin details. Its plug-in-hybrid version is genuinely quick, offering 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and useful electric range, while the standard model provides a composed, comfortable ride. Still, the gas-powered S60 feels merely adequate rather than exciting, with slower acceleration and less steering feel than rivals such as the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C300, and Alfa Romeo Giulia. The hybrid’s roughly $10,000 premium further limits its appeal, and storage space is modest. With the S60 ending production after 2025, Car and Driver considers it a polished luxury cruiser—but ultimately ranks its sportier competitors higher.
By Larry Printz
MotorTrend views the 2025 Volvo S60 favorably, though its appeal is more distinctive than class-leading. The reviewer admires its handsome styling, upscale cabin, spacious front seats, strong safety credentials, and genuinely quick T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain, which offers 40 miles of electric range and a 4.0-second 0–60-mph time. The well-equipped B5 AWD Ultra is also considered a relative luxury bargain. Still, the S60 feels less engaging than the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with inferior ride and handling, limited cargo space, and frustrating infotainment menus. The expensive PHEV makes sense mainly for drivers whose commutes fit within its electric range. Overall, the S60 is presented as a stylish, comfortable niche alternative that will be missed, even if its discontinuation is understandable in an SUV-dominated market.
By Billy Rehbock
Car and Driver views the 2025 Volvo S60 favorably, but with clear reservations about its value and sporting credentials. The sedan stands out for its elegant Scandinavian design, excellent build quality, exceptionally comfortable seats, spacious rear accommodations, and thoughtful cabin details. Its plug-in-hybrid version is genuinely quick, offering 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and useful electric range, while the standard model provides a composed, comfortable ride. Still, the gas-powered S60 feels merely adequate rather than exciting, with slower acceleration and less steering feel than rivals such as the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C300, and Alfa Romeo Giulia. The hybrid’s roughly $10,000 premium further limits its appeal, and storage space is modest. With the S60 ending production after 2025, Car and Driver considers it a polished luxury cruiser—but ultimately ranks its sportier competitors higher.
By Larry Printz
MotorTrend views the 2025 Volvo S60 favorably, though its appeal is more distinctive than class-leading. The reviewer admires its handsome styling, upscale cabin, spacious front seats, strong safety credentials, and genuinely quick T8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain, which offers 40 miles of electric range and a 4.0-second 0–60-mph time. The well-equipped B5 AWD Ultra is also considered a relative luxury bargain. Still, the S60 feels less engaging than the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with inferior ride and handling, limited cargo space, and frustrating infotainment menus. The expensive PHEV makes sense mainly for drivers whose commutes fit within its electric range. Overall, the S60 is presented as a stylish, comfortable niche alternative that will be missed, even if its discontinuation is understandable in an SUV-dominated market.
By Billy Rehbock
YouTube
14 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
savagegeeseSavageGeese is pleasantly surprised by the updated Volvo S60 T8 Recharge. They praise its quiet, refined cabin, understated styling, quick acceleration, smoother hybrid calibration, and roughly 40 miles of electric range. However, the dated chassis brings noticeable high-frequency vibration over rough pavement, while heavy stability-control intervention makes the car dull in corners. The infotainment is frustrating, the digital gauges feel underdeveloped, and the expensive Bowers & Wilkins audio system is weakened by sedan-specific speaker placement. Overall, it is a much-improved and surprisingly appealing luxury cruiser, but Lexus offers greater simplicity and refinement, while German rivals remain more engaging.
CarsGuideEmily Agar is strongly impressed by the Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition, especially its effortless 340kW performance and smooth, quiet ride. After a week of family testing, she found it comfortable, well-equipped, practical for a small family, and surprisingly efficient even with limited charging. The heated Nappa leather seats, spacious rear, 90km electric range, and reasonable pricing add real appeal. Still, the cabin lacks storage, the rear middle seat is compromised, the boot is smaller than rivals, and some features feel quirky or unfinished. Her 8.3/10 verdict is enthusiastic but sensibly qualified.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors are broadly positive about the 2025 Volvo S60, especially its design, comfort, and distinctive character. Owners praise the refined cabin, excellent seats, strong safety reputation, and, in T8 versions, startling acceleration and impressive efficiency. The sedan feels modern and better equipped than similarly priced luxury rivals, while its fading availability creates urgency. Reservations center on mediocre resale value, expensive repairs, laggy infotainment, occasional electronic issues, and less engaging transmission behavior. B5 models seem simpler and sensible, whereas the powerful T8 is adored but mechanically complex. Some shoppers also worry Volvo’s discontinuation reflects declining sedan appeal, despite strong affection for the car.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Calm Ride QualityDesigned for relaxed, long-distance travel.
- •T8 Hybrid PerformanceAdvertised to combine 455-hp speed and efficiency.
- •Supportive Premium SeatsMarketed as providing exceptional long-drive comfort.
- •Comprehensive Safety TechnologyCompany highlights its extensive driver-assistance equipment.
Considerations
- •Touchscreen Usability IssuesGoogle-based controls can feel confusing and distracting.
- •Small Trunk CapacityLimited space complicates luggage and stroller loading.
- •Muted Driving EngagementRemote steering and understeer limit cornering enjoyment.
- •Adequate B5 PerformanceBase engine feels merely sufficient under acceleration.
Volvo’s S60 is a comfort-first luxury sedan for commuters who value calm refinement over German-style cornering drama. Positioned against the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4, it pairs Scandinavian cabin design with a quiet ride, strong safety technology, and exceptionally supportive seats. The T8 plug-in hybrid is the headline act, delivering 455 horsepower and roughly 40–41 miles of electric driving, while the B5 mild hybrid offers a simpler, more economical daily-driving option. In the sections ahead, we’ll examine ride quality, real-world acceleration and efficiency, steering and braking feel, cabin craftsmanship, and the practical trade-off between generous rear legroom and a 328.4-liter trunk. It’s especially appealing to professionals, families, and long-distance drivers who prefer polished ease to overt sportiness—but the touch-heavy Google infotainment and muted handling deserve scrutiny before you decide whether this elegant Swede is your ideal everyday companion.
Space And Cargo
Passenger space is better than the sedan’s modest exterior footprint suggests, especially for adults riding in back. The 35.2 inches of rear legroom and supportive rear bench make the S60 comfortable for everyday family use, while the five-seat layout preserves useful flexibility. The main compromise is its 328.4-liter trunk, which reviewers routinely describe as small or merely average, and the rear center position is compromised. Luggage, groceries, or a stroller may require more planning than they would in a larger sedan or SUV.
Handling And Braking
The S60 is secure and capable, but its controls prioritize confidence over involvement. The remote-feeling steering provides limited feedback, and reviewers commonly find BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70 more agile and rewarding. T8 models add strong AWD traction and quick acceleration, yet their weight, understeer, and stability-control intervention can dull cornering enthusiasm. Brake feel is another weakness, with some drivers noting an unusual pedal response. It remains easy to drive quickly and safely, just not the sharpest choice for enthusiasts.
B5 Engine Efficiency
The B5 mild hybrid is sensible, but it does not provide the excitement associated with the S60’s T8. Its 247-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four delivers adequate passing and commuting power, with an eight-speed automatic keeping the experience generally smooth. Published fuel economy is around 25–27 mpg city and 34–36 mpg highway, though some reviewers found real-world efficiency disappointing and the engine coarse under load. It suits relaxed daily driving, but shoppers paying luxury-sedan prices may find its performance merely acceptable.
T8 Hybrid Performance
The T8 turns the S60 into a genuinely rapid, unusually flexible luxury sedan. Its 455-hp plug-in-hybrid system, standard AWD, and roughly 40–41 miles of electric range support both startling acceleration and quiet short-trip driving. Tests have recorded about 4.0–4.5 seconds to 60 mph, while reviewers praise the smooth EV-to-gas transitions and effective one-pedal driving. Volvo’s Google Maps integration can help coordinate energy use. The trade-off is a higher purchase price and greater mechanical complexity than the B5.
Ride Comfort Quality
The S60 is tuned primarily for calm, comfortable travel rather than cornering excitement. Its serene ride and supportive suspension make commuting and highway journeys notably easy, while the long 113.1-inch wheelbase helps stabilize the car over undulating roads. Expert reviews generally support Volvo’s comfort-first positioning, although some testing of the T8 found high-frequency vibration over rough pavement and a slightly firm edge. Overall, it feels polished and relaxed, but not quite as supple or composed as the best luxury sedans.
Seats And Cabin
The cabin’s strongest asset is its ability to make long drives feel undemanding. Volvo’s exceptionally comfortable front seats, available Nappa leather, and well-finished Scandinavian design create a genuinely premium atmosphere, while rear legroom is generous for the class. Materials and build quality are consistently praised, and the quiet cabin reinforces the sense of refinement. Storage is less impressive, with cramped door areas and limited cubbies. Touch-heavy climate controls and occasionally confusing Google infotainment also make everyday interaction less effortless than the elegant interior suggests.
Conclusion
The S60 makes its case through serene ride comfort rather than sharp-edged excitement: it is quiet, composed, and exceptionally easy to live with on long journeys. The T8 Recharge adds 455-hp plug-in performance and roughly 40–41 miles of electric range, giving buyers genuinely rapid acceleration without sacrificing road-trip flexibility. Its supportive premium seats and polished cabin reinforce that relaxed character, though the B5’s adequate power and sometimes disappointing real-world efficiency feel less special. Steering is remote, braking can feel unusual, and enthusiastic drivers will find BMW or Genesis more engaging. Rear legroom is useful, but the 328-liter trunk limits family practicality. This is a strong fit for comfort-focused commuters and hybrid shoppers—not driving purists or frequent haulers. Its balanced strengths, notable compromises, and premium pricing make it a distinctive, sensible recommendation rather than a class-leading one.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Engine Power
4/5
Acceleration
4/5
Reliability & Durability
3/5
Handling & Ride Comfort
4/5
Braking Performance
3/5
Value
Purchase Price Competitiveness
4/5
Cost of Ownership
3/5
Resale Value
2/5
Feature Value
4/5
Design
Exterior Styling
4/5
Interior Ergonomics
4/5
Cargo Space
3/5
Infotainment Quality
3/5
Health
Cabin Air Quality
3/5
Material Toxicity
TBD
Safety
Crashworthiness
4/5
Active Safety Systems
5/5
Visibility & Lighting
4/5
Child Occupant Protection
4/5
Sustainability
Fuel Efficiency
4/5
Tailpipe Emissions
4/5
Recyclability
TBD
Manufacturing Footprint
TBD
Experience Style
Driver Engagement
3/5
Customization Options
4/5
Ease of Use
3/5
Ownership Convenience
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
7 Questions
Find Yours
What is your primary use for a gas-powered sedan or compact?
Answer to find your best matches.
