This is a swift sport sedan with an equal serving of refinement. That’s fast in anyone’s book! And since the plug-in hybrid can go up to 41 miles in pure EV mode, it’s also very frugal. Shifting over to Power mode enhance the delivery, and 0-60 mph comes in just over 4 seconds. Combined with an 8-speed automatic in Normal mood the little 4 is quiet or absent – S60 is happy to run in pure EV mode – but that big hit of torque just lets you ride a wave of power to pass slower traffic, dust unsuspecting muscle cars, or what have you. The carmaker proudly says that makes this the most powerful Volvo ever! Holy lingonberry pancakesĪnd it’s a sweet package, too. With a turbo 2-liter, plus a rear electric motor, the numbers frankly are stunning – 455 horsepower and 523 lb.-ft. If the fact that all Volvos are going hybrid or EV makes you think they’re boring, you’re in for a great surprise.įor 2023 Volvo has given the plug-in hybrid a serous power boost. This is a major plus, since the previous system was a quite laggy, but now the S60 is state of the art, quick to start up, and of course Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work effortlessly. For 2023, Volvo has updated the system to be Google driven, and that includes built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store. There’s also a large Tesla-like info tablet in the center console. Information is served up by a handsome 12.3-inch Progressive Digital Driver Display that gives you digital gauges and call also pull up maps and more on the display for a quick look. OK, it’s neat to look at, but ultimately, we’d probably rather just have a leather lever. Partner to that is a nice chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a somewhat amusing Orrefors Crystal shift knob. And once you sit in them, the excellent support and firm cushioning make this the seat of choice whether you’re doing a long trip or tearing up your favorite twisty road. Swedish leather has a unique lush smell, and with the design and contrasting white piping, the front seats are extra-inviting. Open the door and you’re greeted by the Black Edition’s charcoal leather and leatherette combo front sport seats with deep bolsters and pull-out lower cushion. Volvo interiors – like Audi – always seem to push the envelope on good design and quality, and here the S60 once again excels. Handsome, refined and tasteful, our S60 was a looker, and we got lots of compliments on the overall design. Helping to sell all the dark trim, our tester was painted a tasteful Crystal White Metal. The rear is equally sporty with U-shaped LED taillights, blacked-out rear badging and a sporty blacked out lower fascia. This is one mean looking S60! Those in the know will also notice the access flap for the charging port on the driver’s front fender. We loved the blacked-out 19-inch, diamond cut alloy wheels and blacked-out mirrors. The profile is typical sport sedan, with 4-doors, a coupe-like roof line and a bit of fender muscle to imply athleticism. Lower blacked out grilles and nacelles for the fog lights make for a simple but aggressive vibe. You get a nice large black grille that is not oversized like BMW, with LED headlights with the signature “Thor’s Hammer” design for the full Swedish Effect. Up front, the lines are clean and modern. That said, our Black Edition sedan is one of the sexiest versions we’ve seen. The S60 is Volvo’s BMW 3-series fighter, and has always walked the line between sporty and 4-door family-car sensible. We were concerned that this would mean a dramatic shift in the way Volvo’s go, but we’ve just tested the S60 sedan with plug-in hybrid, and with a combined 455 horsepower it’s got a smiling about a bright future for drivers.Ĭould this swift Swede be right for you? Let’s take a look. Well for Volvo the times they are a changing – for 2023 they announced every single vehicle will be either a light hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV. We think hybrids are the best way to go right now – the joy of EV combined with the reliability of a gas-powered engine. But we’ll also point out that it wasn’t always easy finding a charging station and a range of 208 miles or so did fire up the occasional range anxiety. Take our recent test of the Kia EV6 GT, with 576 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. We have to admit, we are slowly changing our opinion about electrification of vehicles.
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