My Thoughts Exactly: 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge

For the most part, I always fall for a Volvo. Usually, a good one that exudes luxury and performance.

Over the years, there had been a hodgepodge of Volvo models that either took my heart away or left me questioning a few things. In the mix, Volvo Cars were awarded two #VOTYs from us. A good sign of how this Swedish automaker continues to satisfy my driving tastes and elevate the soul. 

The first time I encountered the S60 sedan was in 2019 with a T6 R Design model. I praised it quite a bit. Although, I missed the space the larger S90 had to stretch out. Then again, the S60 is more of a premium sports sedan playing in the same sandbox as the BMW 3-Series, Genesis G70, and Lexus IS – to name a few. 

This time around, I welcomed the S60 back into the fold with something a bit different. the

Yes, the S60 is still produced near Charleston, South Carolina. It is still a four-door sports sedan. So, nothing has really changed, right?

That is until you open up the hood. 

Volvo has been on a mission to electrify its entire lineup by the middle of this decade. They already instituted this strategy by offering full battery electric XC40 and C40 models, while adding plug-in hybrids and mild hybrid systems across the rest of the lineup. 

What makes this S60 is different is its plug-in hybrid driveline. Volvo calls it their Recharge. 

Before anyone points out how the original plug-in T8 with its turbocharged and supercharged engine were allegedly problematic – that is, according to some folks – Volvo went back to work on their plug-in driveline. Now, they eliminated the supercharger and left the turbocharger on. From there, they enhanced the electric drive system combining it with an electronic all-wheel drive system. Added to this mix is an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The result is a combined performance rating of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. This type of performance is needed now that this S60 tips the scales at 4,452 pounds. 

While you can leather the throttle for a quick sprint, it does a good job keeping up with traffic – a feat sometimes here in the Twin Cities. Using the Pilot Assist helps in keeping on ace and inside your lane. The S60 Recharge is a poised experience.

Let’s talk about efficiency for a moment. Volvo claims that the battery is good for 41 miles on a full charge. Like most plug-in hybrids, you can see that battery drain rather quickly in heavy driving. Luckily, it can switch to the turbocharged gasoline engine effortlessly with some battery juice left. I noticed it served a gasoline-only range of 470 miles. In the end, my overall fuel economy average observed was 26.6 MPG. 

While the driveline is the big story for 2023, Volvo made sure to keep its S60 up to date on the latest trends. That, plus making sure it is still a unique proposition with distinct features that sets a Volvo apart from the crowd. 

For example, Volvo brought in Google to update their infotainment system. Called Google built-in, the system’s architecture allows for integration of key apps onto the vehicle’s touchscreen – such as Google Maps. When Volvo introduced this system, they omitted the integration of a key element to its infotainment infrastructure: Apple CarPlay integration. They have since done this and it works swimmingly. After all, you cannot deny over half of the smartphone users their ability to fully integrate their device into their vehicle. Especially when you have Apple iOS users using Google apps on their device.  

The portrait orientation of the infotainment touchscreen has not changed. Neither has a lot of its Swedish minimalist interior environment. The charm of a Volvo is in its elegant simplicity. Yet, it still offers a number of tactile controls that we expect in any given automobile. That unlike some start up automakers that have taken Volvo’s ideas and stepped up their notion of minimalism. 

There is one complaint. It used to be that selecting drive modes was done by a tactile control on the center console. Not anymore. You have go into the screen through the settings icon and select your drive mode through a menu. Granted, this is the same as I experienced in the XC40 Recharge and C40. Just was a bit surprised, if I’m honest.

I will say that the cabin is on the sport sedan side of things. I can fit behind the wheel, even if it meant having the seat adjusted like a sport coupe’s. Again, not a complaint. However, the front seats offer a mix of leather with mesh cloth trim with plenty of bolstering and electric adjustments for lumbar and thigh support. Rear seat room is best for average-sized adults and children. 

Volvo rated the trunk space at 11.4 cubic feet. I think it’s a conservative number. It seems bigger. You can fold down the rear seats for longer items, however.

I have not neglected the exterior design of the S60. It remains as usual, although the trim choices have changed over time. They call my tester the Ultimate, which I thought would be adorned with chrome elsewhere. However, the Volvo Car USA folks felt it needed an attitude adjustment. Granted, you can get a Polestar Engineered mode that would do exactly that. 

However, this tester is the Black Edition – an exclusive package in our market. It adds black trim where chrome should be applied – the window trim, the badging, the grille, and the alloy wheels. While this tester is already painted black and has a black interior, you can say that it has a sinister look by being simply monochromatic.

This is the Volvo you did not expect from the company that emphasizes safety above all. 

You would think this would create a transformative driving experience without resorting to going for the Polestar Engineered model. In all, it’s not bad. There were moments where the firm ride would yield to a much more solid experience on the smoothest stretches of tarmac. Handling was solid, with sharp reflexes needed to manage evasive maneuvers. 

That is reflected through a solid steering set. It turns pretty tightly, but it felt soft on-center. Not vague, but it would be helpful if it had some weight. I wished the brake pedal was more solid. I get that it’s a regenerative braking set-up, but a bit more stopping control would be great. It did turn decent stops in normal, panic, and winter situations. 

This 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge eAWD Ultimate Black Edition came with a sticker price of $63,690. It is worth noting that the S60 Recharge lineup starts at $51,250 with four trim levels available – including the Polestar Engineered model that sits on top of the Ultimate. 

The S60 Recharge is one example of Volvo’s push towards an electrified future. It has done so by improving the driveline towards simplifying it. The result is a better drive system that offers more electric-only range than before, along with better balancing between the two power sources.

If the S60 Recharge is not the right Volvo for you, this same driveline is available across most if the lineup. The XC60 Recharge is a lovely SUV that offers more passenger space and versatility. There is also the V60 Recharge for those of who love your wagons. 

If you still want your sports sedan with a mix of luxury, performance, and sustainability – the Volvo S60 Recharge is worth a look and drive. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Volvo Car USA

All photos by Randy Stern