LOOKS

The S60 is a compact luxury sedan, but still is quite roomy for the segment — which features competition from other luxury rides including the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

In Volvo tradition, the Scandinavian style means the S60 looks sporty but it’s not flashy or gaudy in its design. 

My test vehicle featured sharp-looking 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with all-season tires, a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, an attractive front grille with high-gloss black mesh, and black window trim and mirror caps.

The S60 is low to the ground, sleek in shape, and draws your attention. The bold red paint scheme on my test vehicle was particularly eye-catching.

Moving inside, this compact sedan isn’t huge, but is still quite comfortable for all five passengers, offering sufficient leg and head room.

Seating materials are high-end and provide comfort even on longer journeys — with a variety of seating options available from leather to tailored wool, depending on your preferences.

Materials used throughout the vehicle are at a high quality that justifies Volvo’s luxury status — including the signature crystal shifter.

The front seats have a memory function and include a lumbar feature, and the S60 also offers interior lighting options, power-folding rear head restraints, heated front seats and multi-zone automatic climate control.

Higher trim levels get a tailored dashboard, passenger seat memory; and a power cushion extension in the front seats.

The S60’s trunk provides 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is not a massive number, but you can increase storage space by folding down the rear seats.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2025 Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, plus an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery.

Total combined output from all these components is 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque (312 horsepower from the gas engine, plus 143 horsepower from electric motor).

The vehicle uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, and includes anti-lock brakes and stability control.

The plug-in is AWD in all trims, but the non-hybrid S60 comes in both FWD and AWD.

If you opt for the non-hybrid S60, the four-cylinder engine will get you 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.

The S60 is a light vehicle and super fun to drive, flying from 0-to-60 in just over 4 seconds. This sedan handles well and is responsive to the driver. It’s a vehicle that can be both a solid car for smaller families, and a fun weekend getaway car if you want to let loose. With these types of driving credentials, it’s a shame to see it go after the 2025 model year.

The S60 also has a supportive suspension that limits the impact of road imperfections and maintains a smooth ride while keeping out external noise.

Those who are resistant to accepting the changeover to EVs, or even unwilling to embrace hybrids or plug-ins, don’t realize what they are missing in terms of pure driving enjoyment.

The S60 plug-in is just one example of many showing that a move to a more electric future does not mean that our driving experiences need to be diminished. This is the type of vehicle you look forward to driving each day, and the electric component is what makes that a reality.

Drive modes in the S60 plug-in include Hybrid (which optimizes fuel consumption), Power (which enhances the steering and suspension feedback), Pure (strictly electric power), and Constant AWD (which offers more traction)

Towing is not a strong point on the S60, with its ability limited to 2,000 pounds.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The tech/infotainment setup in the 2025 Volvo S60 centers around a Google-based system that is operated through a vertical center touchscreen that’s reminiscent of a tablet.

This system runs smoothly both when operated by touch or via voice commands. Below the main touchscreen, there are some physical dial controls for things such as music volume, channel changing, defrost, and hazard lights. All in all, it’s a simple but effective design.

Among the Google features incorporated into the tech setup are Google Maps, Google Play Store and Google Assistant.

Other tech features include a 12.3-inch digital driver display, four USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, remote start and unlock via a Volvo app, satellite radio, and a
Harman Kardon stereo. You can upgrade to a higher-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which delivers striking features such as a concert hall mode.

In line with Volvo’s reputation as a safety leader (as its recent acclaimed ad so brilliantly explored), a large number of safety systems are included on the S60.

The Pilot Assist driver assistance system lets the car handle basic self driving through its lane-keeping system and adaptive cruise control, and completes this function effectively.

Other helpful safety features include:
— Blind Spot Information System and intervention (steers car back into lane)
— Collision Avoidance and Mitigation (this system detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals)
— Front, side and curtain airbags with driver side knee airbag
— Whiplash Protection System in front seats
— Automatic Unlocking after collision
— Lane Keeping Aid
— Forward Collision Warning (warns of collision and applies brakes)
— Post Impact Braking

There’s also a helpful Head-up Display to keep the driver focused on the road.

One odd thing is that the backup camera only fills half the center screen. But when you move to the 360-degree SurroundView camera, it fills the full screen.

FUEL MILEAGE, RANGE

The 2025 Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid delivers an impressive 74 MPGe (combined electric/gas), and 31 miles per gallon when running on gas only.

Officially, 40 miles can be run on electric power alone, but depending how you drive that number can be extended a bit.
In total, the combined gas plus EV capabilities of the S60 plug-in top 500 miles in total range.

To think of it another way, with the 40 mile EV range, people with short commutes who regularly charge their vehicle at home will rarely have to go to the gas station, as the gas-only mileage will rarely be used.

And when you do need to take longer drives or go on a vacation that requires extensive driving, you’re able to do so without worrying about having to charge the vehicle on your trip. This is why a plug-in is a smart alternative for buyers who want gas savings but aren’t yet ready to commit to a full EV.

Charging the S60 plug-in’s battery can be done at home in 5 hours with a Level 2 charger, and the vehicle automatically switches to gas operation when the electric battery is running low.

If you opt for the non-hybrid version of the S60, FWD versions are rated at 26 mpg in the city/35 highway/30 combined. AWD versions are rated at 25/33/28.

PRICE

The 2025 Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid sedan that I tested was priced at $62,545, and its base price starts about $52K. Trim levels include Core, Plus and Ultra.

These numbers are not unexpected, as Volvo is a legit, high-quality luxury brand. If the plug-in comes in a bit too steep for your tastes, the regular version of the S60 starts around $43K, which is a fairly reasonable number for a luxury ride. You’ll need to decide if it’s worth upgrading to the plug-in version.

Warranties offered include a 48 month/50,000 mile overall warranty, a 96-month/100,000 mile hybrid battery warranty, and 144-month/unlimited miles of corrosion protection. You also get Volvo on-call roadside assistance for four years, and complimentary factory scheduled maintenance for the first three years.

BOTTOM LINE

Time is running out to pick up this very solid sedan, as the 2025 model is the last year for the Volvo S60 — a vehicle that delivers sharp and upscale design, a powerful drive quality, a user-friendly tech setup, and strong safety features, all while offering a longer range if you choose the plug-in hybrid version.

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