2024 Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid

　　

2024 Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　One of today's underrated compact luxury sedans, the Volvo S60 doesn't typically find its way into the conversation with class standouts like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. And while the 2024 Volvo S60 isn't as athletic as those rivals, or offer Mercedes-like indulgence, it provides its own brand of ice-cool luxury, with high-quality cabin materials, sublime seat comfort, and advanced driver and safety aids. It also offers a rarity for the class: a plug-in hybrid option. For drivers who prefer fluidity to fireworks in a luxury sedan, the S60 earns its place alongside its more vocal peers.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

Volvo S60 PHEV Insights

Trim:S60 Recharge T8 Core

　　Recharge T8 Core 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $51,950 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $54,900 MSRPRecharge T8 Plus Black Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $56,600 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $57,400 MSRPRecharge T8 Ultimate Black Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $58,550 MSRP

　　

All Electric Range

　　40 miles

　　EPA Estimated Electric Range

　　The S60 will automatically switch to gas when the electric battery is low.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

Hybrid Parts Warranty

　　8 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.

　　

Charging at Home

　　5 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　No rebates available in 58067

　　See All PHEV incentives

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$119/mo

　　S60

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Car Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　See All PHEV Insights

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Plug in for power

Among the features that set the 2024 Volvo S60 apart from its rivals — exceptionally comfy seats, understated style, standout Bowers & Wilkins audio system — is its optional plug-in powertrain. The Recharge T8, as it's called, pairs a rechargeable electric motor with a turbocharged gas engine for both increased fuel efficiency (the EPA rates it at up to 530 miles of range on a full tank and battery) and about 40 miles of all-electric range. The S60 Recharge also adds a wallop of horsepower and nearly double the low-end torque of the standard gas engine, and it can refill its battery in five hours on a 240-volt charger. We'd take the Recharge for its extra performance and efficiency, even with the nearly $10K premium.

　　

Competitors to consider

The compact luxury sedan class is flush with choices, starting with established benchmarks like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Then there are more affordable alternatives like the Cadillac CT4 and Genesis G70. All offer sharper handling compared to the S60 (the Mercedes leans into its luxury roots more than any performance pedigree), which is closer in execution to the similarly cushy Lexus IS 350. The S60 has an edge with its optional plug-in hybrid, though. BMW offers the only other rechargeable rival.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the S60 Recharge drive? At zzdcar' test track, the S60 Recharge sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. It doesn't feel like it will run out of steam at any point up to and past highway speeds. The strong electric motor also means that when you're driving it in EV mode (which Volvo calls "Pure"), you don't have to baby the throttle at all. It feels quick and light on just electricity, with enough power to even merge onto the freeway without too much effort.

　　The brakes are predictable, and the transition between the regenerative braking and physical brakes feels smooth. The S60 Recharge also has more handling chops than its tires and styling would suggest.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the S60 Recharge? Volvo is known for its supremely comfortable seats, and those inside the S60 don't disappoint. The front seats also offer lots of adjustability. We also like the S60's ride — the suspension smooths out bumps and cracks quickly and the S60 remains composed even over undulating surfaces. The cabin is also very quiet, especially when you're using partial or fully electric power.

　　The climate control system, however, could be easier to use. It requires diving into the confusing touchscreen interface, but once you're there things aren't great. The system needs consistent readjusting to reach your desired temperature and there aren't many fan speed choices, so it feels like you're choosing between on and off without much dexterity.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below