The 2024 Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan that competes with the likes of the BMW 3-series and the Genesis G70. While it may not be a sports sedan, it offers a relaxed driving experience and a Scandinavian aesthetic that sets it apart from its rivals. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 2024 S60, including its features, performance, fuel economy, and safety ratings.
Overview
The 2024 Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan that offers a subdued driving experience and a minimalist interior. It comes with a standard 247-hp turbo four that can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is more desirable, providing a 400-hp punch, standard all-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated 41 miles of electric-only range. Every 2024 S60 has myriad standard driver assists, and all models boast desirable and popular features.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the S60 lineup doesn’t receive any significant changes. Among the minor updates are the introduction of a new Vapour Grey metallic paint, while Black Stone is no longer offered. The “Dark” exterior theme now becomes standard across the model line. The Climate package on front-drive models adds heated rear seats, the mid-level Plus trim also adds a standard air purifier, and the top-spec Ultimate is now only offered with all-wheel drive. The 2024 S60 also loses the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered plug-in-hybrid model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d choose the Plus trim as it includes a host of standard features not available on the Core, including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree exterior camera, and leather upholstery. We’d also recommend the Climate package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated windshield washers) for anyone who lives in a cold-weather climate.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The nonhybrid S60 has a 247-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that pairs with front- or all-wheel drive. Power increases to 400 horsepower on the all-wheel-drive-only Recharge plug-in hybrid. During a comparison test against four-cylinder rivals, the Volvo finished last due to its more subdued driving nature versus sportier alternatives such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 3-series. No, the S60 leans more towards luxury than sport.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The nonhybrid S60 is rated up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The plug-in-hybrid version has a 74 MPGe estimate and an electric-only drive range of 41 miles. The PHEV we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, traveled 34 miles on electricity alone and returned 37 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Volvo flaunts its superb build quality inside the S60, which delights with upscale materials throughout and uncommon attention to detail. Its deluxe features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and more. Not only are front-seat passengers cosseted by comfortable and supportive buckets, but those in the back seat will also appreciate its generous legroom and headroom. Interior cubby space is highlighted by useful door pockets and a center console that boasts a tray with a retractable cover and a handy bin below the armrest but, unfortunately, all these storage spots have limited space. We also managed to fit five carry-on suitcases in the S60’s trunk, which is one less than the 3-series.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every S60 features a tablet-style infotainment system that operates through a Google-based interface. The system’s native-voice assistant works well, and we appreciate both the physical home button at the bottom of the screen and the large volume knob below it. However, this system—like too many others—lacks a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected to be standard; a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system is expected to be optional.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The handsome sedan also has a variety of driver-assistance technology as standard, as well as options such as a semi-autonomous drive mode. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volvo’s limited and powertrain warranty line up exactly with its luxury rivals. While its complimentary scheduled maintenance covers the same lengthy period as BMW, both are still behind Jaguar’s impressive coverage.
Conclusion
The 2024 Volvo S60 is a luxury sedan that offers a relaxed driving experience and a minimalist interior. While it may not be a sports sedan, it has plenty of desirable features and standard driver assists. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is more desirable, providing a 400-hp punch, standard all-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated 41 miles of electric-only range. If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan that’s more focused on comfort than performance, the 2024 Volvo S60 is definitely worth considering.
