Volvo S60 Review 2024

Volvo S60 At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Volvo S60 is a slightly leftfield alternative to the default German premium saloons. It combines handsome styling with a high-quality and calming interior, but the driving experience is less dynamic than its rivals.

+Excellent range and performance from the plug-in hybrid model. Comfortable and spacious interior feels truly plush. Plenty of high-end technology included as standard.

-Driving experience feels a bit remote. No diesel engines available. Can get expensive.

New prices start from £37,935
Insurance Groups are between 34–43
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

The Volvo S60 takes on upmarket executive saloon such as the BMW 3 Series, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE. A four-door version of the V60 estate, the S60 blends a premium image with a sense of Scandinavian style. It is very comfortable and spacious, and offers a choice of petrol or hybrid power.

Not everyone wants to follow the herd, even when it comes to buying a compact executive saloon. Although German vehicles have long dominated this sector, the Volvo S60 makes a bold stand as an alternative option from Sweden.

There is a strong degree of family resemblance between the S60 and Volvo’s larger S90 saloon, but this is no bad thing. The Volvo S60 is certainly handsome, thanks to its wide front grille and elegantly sloping roofline. It looks expensive as well, ensuring co-workers or neighbours will know you’re doing well.

Volvo offers the S60 with a choice of just two engines, which is slightly polarising in the fleet-heavy executive saloon market. There is no diesel option, with buyers having to pick between the 250PS B5 mild hybrid petrol and the 455PS T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid. They each offer strong performance, and the T8 can travel up to almost 56 miles on battery power alone. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard, and both engines are now combined with all-wheel drive.

Despite those sizable power outputs, the Volvo S60 is not a truly sporting saloon. The driving experience is tailored more towards comfort than outright dynamism, and is none the worse for that. With a taut, but  relatively comfortable ride, the S60 makes for an effective long-distance cruiser.

Adding to the Volvo S60’s relaxing vibe is an interior that maximises comfort and quality. Even in a segment packed with upmarket German alternatives, the Volvo S60 stands out for its luxurious feel and high-quality components. Plenty of standard safety equipment adds to its appeal, too.

For a fairly compact saloon, the Volvo S60 is spacious inside. Passenger room in the front and rear is generous, with ample space for adults. Boot space is only average for the class, but there is at least an electrically opening bootlid. For those who need to carry more luggage, there is, of course, the option of the Volvo V60 estate.

With its simplified engine range and upmarket image, prices for the Volvo S60 are at the higher end for the executive saloon market. Volvo has made all the trim levels particularly well-equipped, but a starting price of more than £46,000 for the cheapest model will look steep.

At least the plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge comes with a low Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rate of eight percent, meaning it will hold considerable appeal for fleet drivers.

Choosing the Volvo S60 means eschewing the usual executive saloon ideas of sportiness and Germanic design. Instead, the Volvo focuses on delivering a calm and relaxing environment, turning long commutes home into a time to unwind. Only the relatively high prices, plus the lack of a diesel engine, seem like reasons not to consider the S60.

Ask Honest John

What is a reliable family car?

"I need to trade in my three-year-old Mazda 6 2.2 diesel. I drive approximately 20,000 miles per annum but over winding country roads and usually short journeys of 5 to 20 miles with only occasional motorway/long distance journeys. Should I buy diesel/petrol/hybrid? And can you recommend a reliable five-seater family car (ideally comfortable to drive and with a big boot) that won't give me problems?"
A hybrid could work - but there aren't many hybrid family cars as big as your Mazda, and many are plug-in hybrids which can be quite thirsty without regular charging. We'd be looking for a petrol. If you like your Mazda, issues aside, the petrol Mazda 6 is more reliable than the diesel. Also, consider a Skoda Superb or Volvo S60. Both are very comfortable options.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Which midsize saloons and 4x4s offer the most comfortable and quiet ride?

"Although I am a similar age to Jeremy Clarkson, I do not share his passion for 200mph supercars with rock hard suspension and the ability to send my false teeth through the back of my neck upon accelerating. Which midsize saloons and 4x4s offer the most comfortable and quiet ride? "
Many Citroens put comfort ahead of sportiness. The new C5 Aircross is a good example of this - it's much more comfortable than firmer rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. The same could be said for Volvo - all its models favour comfort over driving dynamics. The Skoda Superb is another good option if you're after a comfortable car.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Volvo S60 cost?