Review: 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge Review
The vitals: 64 km of all-electric range, 455 net total horsepower and 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Add in a professional office-like cabin, built-in Google, lovely Bowers & Wilkins audio, plenty of driver-assistance technology and energy efficiency that comes in at 3.0 combined Le/100 km if you drive a certain way, tailored to maximize the plug-in advantage.
S60 Recharge T8 profile.
And so we turn our attention to the Volvo S60 Recharge sedan. Sedan? Yes, I said sedan.
Volvo still sells the odd sedan, though like all automakers, four-door cars that seat five are not a core business in a world where most customers want an SUV (sport-utility vehicle) or a crossover wagon of some sort. Volvo, of course, has lots of those on offer.
S60 Recharge T8 behind.
The S60 remains, most of all, a personal driving machine. I expect this to be the type of car that might interest a baby boomer professional type, or an older Gen Xer who lives in a big, suburban home with a Level 2 charger in a garage that also houses at least one SUV.
Consider the pricing. It starts at $58,390 for the Core model, then quickly soars by $9,050 for the Plus version and $16,250 for the S60 Ultimate. I tested the best-dressed Ultimate model, with AWD (all-wheel drive), Nappa faux leather upholstery in a cabin with high-quality materials, and impressive 19-inch wheels. These are not just any wheels, either. They are six-spoke, black diamond cut wheels. Very handsome.
S60: refined, professional cabin.
What we have here is a well-engineered compact sedan aimed at drivers with an interest in wheel time. These are the sorts of customers who might also look at the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, along with the Cadillac CT4, Lexus IS 350 and Genesis G70.
Yes, this Volvo has an electric motor capable of giving you the total EV experience for 60-odd km. When the battery has been drained, it becomes a traditional gasoline-electric hybrid with a turbocharged gas engine. That’s all very nice, but hardly novel.
S60 Nappa Leather.
That sounds like I am damning the S60 with faint praise. I am not. Indeed, in Pure EV mode, the throttle responses are exciting, the handling is engaging and braking is smooth, even in transitions from regenerative to physical brakes. That said, most of the S60’s rivals are very pleasant machines, too.
What makes the S60 stand out is the seating. Brilliant. Every time I test a Volvo, I ask myself: why can’t other automakers make seats as good as these.
What is not so thrilling is the confusing touchscreen interface, which despite its Google foundation is, in a word, clunky. To accomplish almost anything, from adjusting the climate control to turning on Bluetooth audio, you must tap and scroll through this screen and that one. The Google-based voice command system is available, though you need to log into your Google account to use it. If you are an Apple CarPlay person, bring your USB cable.
S60 Recharge T8: the view from above.
I was also troubled by the lack of storage. Space in the centre console is miniscule, the cupholders are unimpressive and door cubbies are slim. If you are looking for a place to tuck your tablet or locate your purse/bag, good luck. The trunk is undersized, too, though the opening is wide.
S60: brilliant seats.
The S60 Recharge is a driver’s car with an electric twist, and as such it is a success. However, I don’t imagine Volvo will continue down the traditional sedan trail for very much longer.
Volvo is a small-volume player here, and could surely use available resources elsewhere, with more profitable and more popular SUVs and crossovers. Enjoy this one while you still can.
