2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD Final Black Version
Class: Premium Midsize Sedan
Passenger capability: 5
Shade: Onyx Black Metallic
CG Report CardRoom and ComfortBPower and PerformanceA-Match and FinishA-Gas EconomyAValueBReport-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup.Massive & Tall ComfortBig GuyCTall GuyC+Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.Drivetrain Engine Specs455-hp 2.0LEngine TypeTurbocharged, supercharged, 4-cylplug-in hybridTransmission8-speed automaticDrive WheelsAWD
Miles pushed: 140
Actual-world gasoline financial system: 52.0 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 74 MPGe/31 mpg (metropolis/freeway mixed)
EPA-estimated EV vary: 41 miles
Gas kind: Premium gasoline really useful
Base value: $57,950 (not together with $1095 vacation spot cost)
Choices: Local weather Package deal ($750), particular paint ($695),
Value as examined: $63,690
Fast Hits
The nice: Elegant understated look, athletic character
The nice: Spectacular plug-in hybrid vary, comfy experience
The not so good: Might be roomier, expensive in Recharge trim
Tom Appel:
Query: How usually to you buy a brand new equipment or digital system, and fail to make the most of the merchandise to its full potential? Right here’s an instance: I personal a pleasant Nikon digicam which has video functionality, however I’ve by no means gotten round to studying easy methods to use it for that objective. Simply photos up to now. As an alternative, I document what video I want on my telephone, which desires a bit when it comes to high quality.
However a pleasant digicam solely prices just a few hundred {dollars}. What for those who had been to purchase a pleasant automotive, and by no means absolutely maximize its potential? I ask as a result of analysis shared earlier this yr means that the drivers of plug-in hybrid autos are largely NOT plugging in. That is disgrace within the broader sense as a result of federal tax credit might have been distributed to no good finish, and in a narrower sense as a result of automobiles just like the Volvo S60 Recharge are such good rides when operating on battery energy. To be truthful, the S60 Recharge is all the time a pleasant automotive, it’s only a lot higher after plugging in.
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Reality: Volvo’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, accessible in numerous configurations, is a spunky little powerplant—environment friendly, too—however not particularly refined. In actual fact, related engines from BMW, Ford, and Normal Motors, amongst others, are a lot smoother and quieter in operation.
However, within the case of the Volvo S60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid with a wholesome EPA-estimated 41 miles of electrical vary, the gasoline engine doesn’t get used all that a lot—at the least not in routine weekday driving—and the overall goodness of Volvo’s smallest sedan actually shines by.
And in regards to the plugging in factor: It’s not only a matter of drivability. Extra on that in a second.
Costs for the traditional 2023 Volvo S60 begin round $42,000. The least-expensive plug-in hybrid Recharge begins a full $10,000 larger. For that $10,000 you get a substantial bump in accessible horsepower, from 247 to 455, and, as talked about earlier, greater than 40 miles of EV operation.
That 455 horsepower breaks all the way down to 312 coming from the gasoline engine, and 143 from the electrical motor. Throughout EV operation, the gasoline engine is barely tapped as wanted, for added oomph throughout acceleration and for passing and merging, or, simply lead-footed enjoyable.
The Recharge’s gasoline engine (which is turbocharged and electrically supercharged) and electrical motor are mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automated transmission. To energy the motor, an 18.8-kWh battery is a part of the system; it may be absolutely charged from fully depleted state on a level-2 residence charger in about 5 hours.
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Client Information not too long ago spent per week evaluating a 2024 S60 Recharge AWD Final in stealthy Black Version trim. The Final gear group provides $5450 to the underside line, whereas the Black Version trim package deal ups the ante by one other $2340. Additionally accessible, however not included on our take a look at car, is the Polestar Engineered package deal, which provides a cool $16,800 to the tab, and contains such go-fast goodies as a sport suspension, Brembo-brand high-performance brakes, and distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels.
As for the Black Version package deal, it attire issues up with a singular black grille, particular badging, particular black-leather and textile upholstery, and a charcoal-black headliner. It’s a cool look, and for the worth we have now no complaints. Word that metallic paint, at $695, is a required possibility with the package deal.
We famous earlier that the S60 is Volvo’s smallest sedan, however it performs in an odd area someplace between compact and midsize. It’s 113-inch wheelbase falls proper between the compact Cadillac CT4’s 109-inch wheelbase, and the midsize Cadillac CT5’s 116-inch stretch. But, although troublesome to categorize, we discovered the S60 each a lot roomy within the entrance row, and nonetheless tidy sufficient to simply squeeze by site visitors.
The doorways of the S60 aren’t particularly giant, which might complicate entry and exiting for bigger of us, however there’s loads of room as soon as behind the wheel. The cabin itself feels recent, fashionable, and upscale. Like all At the moment Volvos, the touchscreen interface supplies fast entry to many features, however not all. Many lesser-used features, together with audio tone controls, are buried in a submenu that’s troublesome sufficient to search out that many people would possibly surrender making an attempt. That stated, the system seems to be good, and the graphics are easy, shiny, and simple to learn in direct gentle.
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Regardless of the S60’s rakish silhouette, outward visibility is usually good. The low roofline takes a toll on rear-seat headroom, nevertheless, and moving into and out of the rear-seating space may be difficult for taller passengers.
However on the street, the S60 Recharge shines, once more, particularly when absolutely charged. From a cease the automotive pulls away quietly and with turbine-like smoothness. Push the pedal a bit tougher and the gasoline engine will begin up and offered further energy, however in routine driving that hardly ever occurs.
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For no matter motive, Volvo’s sedans and wagons gave the impression to be tuned for higher dealing with than the Swedish maker’s crossovers, and the S60 isn’t any exception. Whereas no BMW 3-Collection, the S60 is a deft handler, that includes glorious management in corners, average lean, and direct, correct steering. Regardless of the athletic poise, the S60 serves up refined experience high quality, and glorious long-haul-trip consolation. Wind and street noise are stored properly in examine, too.
Oh, and at $3200, the Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system is an enormous add. We had been mighty impressed by the sound, however suspect the improve may be misplaced on some customers. If you happen to’re not particularly severe about your music, you might not respect the worth right here.
Charging as usually as handy—which is all that may be requested of a plug-in-hybrid proprietor–we noticed 52 mpg. Word that had been a weekend not a part of our analysis, we’d have consumed no gasoline in anyway. This as a result of our take a look at drivers are all inside 20 miles of the workplace, the place our level-2 charger is situated.
Paying $10,000 to improve from the usual S60 to the Recharge can’t be justified by gasoline financial savings alongside. Fortunately, this handsome sedan enjoys enhanced energy and refinement as a part of the improve. And, the Recharge shall be price extra at trade-in time. So, must you go along with the Recharge? We are saying sure, however provided that you put in a house charger, after which provided that you trouble to really cost the automotive.
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