2023 Volvo S60 Review

Summary

The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid sedan offering a blend of luxury, performance, and electrification. With a refreshed design, it features a distinctive look and a high-quality interior. The T8 powertrain delivers 455 horsepower and 41 miles of electric range, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Standard features include dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, while higher trims offer advanced options like a crystal gear shifter and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The S60 Recharge starts at $51,590, but with the EV tax credit, it becomes a more attractive option for those looking to transition into electrified vehicles.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Volvo S60 is one of the two sedans still produced by Volvo, offering mild hybrid, gas-powered, and plug-in hybrid versions.
• 🔋 The S60 Recharge is the plug-in hybrid version, which received a mid-cycle refresh for 2023 with styling updates and a new trim lineup.
• 🌟 The refreshed S60 features a new bumper design and a dark grille, with the top trim called Ultimate.
• 🚀 The S60 Recharge has a T8 powertrain combining a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 14.9 kWh battery, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque.
• 🔌 It offers up to 41 miles of all-electric range in pure driving mode and has standard all-wheel drive.
• 💺 The interior is understated and high-quality, with standard features like dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats.
• 🛋️ The Ultimate trim includes advanced features like the Orrefors crystal gear shifter, power cushion extension, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
• 🔒 Safety features are comprehensive, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.
• 💰 The S60 Recharge starts at $51,590, which is nearly $10,000 more than the gas-powered or mild hybrid version, but the EV tax credit can offset some of the cost.
• 🔌 Volvo supports electrification with partnerships for public and home charging, making the transition to electric power easier for customers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is a review of the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid sedan, comparing it to the gas-powered S60 and its competition.

How does the Volvo S60 Recharge differ from the regular S60?

The S60 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid version with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 14.9 kWh battery, offering 455 horsepower, 523 pound-feet of torque, and up to 41 miles of all-electric range in pure driving mode.

What are the new trim levels for the 2023 Volvo S60?

The new trim levels for the 2023 Volvo S60 are Core, Plus, and Ultimate.

What are some exterior design updates for the 2023 S60?

The 2023 S60 has a new bumper design and a new dark grille look, especially with the Black Edition package.

What are the standard wheel sizes for the S60 trims?

Core and Plus trims come with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Ultimate trim comes standard with 19-inch wheels.

How much cargo space does the S60 Recharge have?

The S60 Recharge has 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

What are some standard interior features on the Core trim of the S60 Recharge?

Standard interior features on the Core trim include dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and heated front seats.

What is the starting price for the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge?

The starting price for the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge is $51,590.

What are the standard safety features included in the S60 Recharge?

Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.

How does the S60 Recharge compare to its competitors?

The S60 Recharge is compared to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It stands out as the only plug-in hybrid in the group, offering a unique blend of luxury and performance.

What support does Volvo provide for customers transitioning to electrified power?

Volvo partners with ChargePoint and Starbucks for public charging and with Qmerit for home charger installation to support their customers' transition to electrified power.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Introducing the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge

The script begins with a discussion on the rarity of sedans in the current market dominated by SUVs and crossovers. It introduces the Volvo S60, a sedan available in mild hybrid, gas-powered, and plug-in hybrid forms. The video focuses on the plug-in hybrid version, highlighting the 2023 mid-cycle refresh with styling updates and a new trim lineup. The base trim is Core, the middle is Plus, and the top is Ultimate. The script describes the exterior design, including the new bumper and dark grill, and the Black Edition package. It also mentions the interior features, cargo space, and the standard equipment on the Core trim.

05:05

🌟 Volvo S60 Recharge: Performance and Features

This paragraph delves into the performance aspects of the Volvo S60 Recharge, discussing its drive modes, steering, acceleration, and handling. It contrasts the car's nimble feel with the expectations of a European sports sedan. The infotainment system is described as basic and subtle, with Google-based features, Apple CarPlay support, and standard USB-C ports. The paragraph also covers safety features, pricing, and how the S60 recharge compares to its competitors. It mentions the unique position of the S60 recharge as a plug-in hybrid and the support Volvo provides for customers transitioning to electrified power.

Keywords

💡Sedans

Sedans are a type of car with a separate compartment for the engine, passengers, and cargo. In the context of the video, sedans are becoming less common compared to SUVs and crossovers, but the Volvo S60 sedan is highlighted for its features and performance.

💡Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan manufactured by Volvo Cars. It is one of the two sedans still produced by Volvo. The video focuses on the S60 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid version, which is notable for its design, performance, and technology.

💡Mild Hybrids

Mild hybrids are vehicles that combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery for improved fuel efficiency. The 2023 Volvo S60 comes with a B5 powertrain, which is a four-cylinder engine combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

💡Plug-in Hybrid

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a rechargeable battery and can be plugged into an external power source to charge. The S60 Recharge is a PHEV that offers a combination of electric driving range and the flexibility of a gasoline engine, making it suitable for those interested in electrification without the range anxiety of a full EV.

💡Drive Modes

Drive modes refer to the different settings a vehicle can have to adjust its performance characteristics. The S60 Recharge has four drive modes: Pure, Hybrid, Power, and Constant AWD, allowing the driver to choose between electric-only driving, a balance of power and efficiency, sporty performance, or all-wheel drive.

💡Infotainment System

The infotainment system in a car integrates various entertainment, navigation, and communication features. The Volvo S60's system is Google-based, offering Google Play, Google Assistant, and Google Maps, which are key features for the user experience in the car.

💡Safety Features

Safety features in vehicles are designed to protect occupants and other road users. The Volvo S60 comes with a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring, among others.

💡Black Edition Package

The Black Edition Package is an optional upgrade for the Volvo S60 that includes aesthetic enhancements such as 19-inch triple-spoke wheels and a unique exterior design. It adds a sporty and menacing look to the vehicle, as mentioned in the video.

💡EV Tax Credit

The EV tax credit is a financial incentive provided by the government to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. The video mentions that the S60 Recharge, being a plug-in hybrid, may qualify for a $7,500 EV tax credit, which can significantly reduce the effective cost of the vehicle.

💡Competition

In the context of the video, competition refers to other vehicles in the same market segment. The Volvo S60 Recharge is compared to models like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, highlighting its unique position as a plug-in hybrid in a segment where most competitors are traditional luxury sedans.

Highlights

Volvo S60 is one of the two sedans still produced by Volvo.

The S60 is available in mild hybrid, gas-powered, and plug-in hybrid forms.

The S60 received a mid-cycle refresh for 2023 with styling updates and a new trim lineup.

The base trim is now called Core, the middle is Plus, and the top trim is Ultimate.

The S60 Recharge is the plug-in hybrid version of the S60.

The S60 Recharge features a new bumper design and a dark grille look.

The car has a distinctive Volvo lighting signature, including Thor's hammer daytime running lights.

The trunk offers 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a bit small for its class.

The S60 Recharge comes with a T8 powertrain, combining a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 14.9 kWh battery.

The total system output is 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

The S60 Recharge has standard all-wheel drive and can do 0-60 in 4.3 seconds.

It offers up to 41 miles of all-electric range in pure driving mode.

The car has four drive modes: Pure, Hybrid, Power, and Constant All-Wheel Drive.

The steering is light, making the car feel nimble and zippy.

The ride is firm but not uncomfortable, and the cabin is quiet.

The infotainment system is Google-based, offering Google Play, Google Assistant, and Google Maps.

Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Volvo S60 starts at $42,000 for the gas-powered or mild hybrid version, and $51,590 for the plug-in hybrid.

The S60 Recharge has few direct competitors due to its unique plug-in hybrid offering.

Volvo provides support for customers transitioning to electrified power, including partnerships for public and home charging.

Transcripts

sedans feel like a bit of a rarity these days  with so many SUVs and crossovers out there on  

the road but we've snagged one for today's  video this is the Volvo S60 which is the  

smaller of the two sedans that Volvo still makes  it's available in mild hybrids so basically gas  

powered and plug-in hybrid form we have the S60  recharged today so the plug-in hybrid version the  

S60 got a mid-cycle refresh for 2023 with some  subtle styling updates and a new trim lineup the  

base trim is now called core the middle term is  plus and the top trim is Ultimate that's what's  

behind me today so we're going to talk about how  the S60 recharge compares to the gas powered S60  

and to its competition and of course we're going  to talk about what might make this a good fit  

for you or not if that sounds useful please  make sure you're subscribed to this channel  

with that refresh the S60 got a new bumper design  and a new dark Grill look now I think it's a  

really good looking car and especially with that  black edition package it almost verges on menacing  

a friend of mine describes it as Macho I can see  it but personally I'm gonna go with handsome from  

the side I get maybe slightly old school Vibes  but really only in that the styling back here  

so clearly references very well established Volvo  design language which I would say is a good thing  

core and plus trims come with 18 inch alloy  wheels but you can get 19 inch if you prefer  

and the ultimate trim comes standard with 19 inch  wheels I really don't like the default design of  

the 19-inch Wheels it looks very cyber to me and  I don't think that it does this particular car any  

favors but this five triple spoke 19-inch wheel  design that comes with the black edition package  

this I really like and I think it looks great the  lighting signature is very distinctive Volvo we've  

got that Thor's hammer look to the daytime running  lights these tail lights probably look a little  

familiar they're strong looking but also refined  which I think of as a Hallmark of the brand

inside this trunk we've got 11.6 cubic feet  of cargo space which is a little small for the  

class so if you need more space you might consider  the V60 hybrid station wagon be aware though that  

that is 15 to 20 000 more the other option you  might have is the spring for the Plus or ultimate  

trim that'll get you the folding rear seats and  headrests which will at least make it easier to  

access the full volume of the cabin the S Dixie's  interior is really nice in an understated kind of  

way it's not in your face with a lot of quilting  and lights it's just comfortable and high quality  

the kind of thing that you don't really notice  kind of flies under the radar because you just  

don't have any complaints about it the materials  feel nice especially for the price very reasonable  

I can't actually speak to the synthetic leather  that's standard on the core trim but I can tell  

you that I really like this leather and textile  combo that we've got as part of the black edition  

package I just have to keep my coffee away from  the textile parts Dual Zone climate control a  

panoramic sunroof ambient interior lighting and  heated front seats are all standard on the core  

trim of the S60 recharge and the interior lighting  becomes more advanced with higher Trims on this  

ultimate trim we have the oriforce crystal gear  shifter plus power cushion extension and four-way  

power lumbar adjustment there are 37.4 inches  of Headroom up here in the front row and 37.2  

for people in the back seats now I'm told that  that does feel like plenty of Headroom for a  

passenger over six feet tall partly because  you can get these chairs pretty low [Music]

plenty of vehicles that we think of as gas powered  are actually mild hybrids these days and the same  

is true of the Volvo S60 so the regular old 2023  S60 comes with Volvo's B5 powertrain which is  

a four-cylinder engine combined with a 48 volt  mild hybrid system but this one the S60 recharge  

this comes with all those T8 powertrains so that  combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with  

a 14.9 kilowatt hour battery total system output  is 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque  

now the S60 recharge has standard all-wheel drive  it can do 0-60 in 4.3 seconds it can tow up to 2  

000 pounds and it gets up to 41 miles of  all electric range in pure driving mode  

so let's talk about those Drive modes it has four  of them pure Hybrid Power and constant all-wheel  

drive so that means that if you've got sufficient  battery charge you can operate the S60 recharge as  

an EV as a hybrid or as a sports car but you're  gonna have to go into this menu here to change  

drive modes there's no dial for that which is  a little disappointing I was surprised at how  

light the steering is it's not a bad thing it's  just not what I've come to expect from a European  

Sports sedan it makes the car feel very Nimble  which it is acceleration is really good if you  

put your foot all the way to the floor it doesn't  feel super dramatic head pushed back against the  

headrest but it goes I don't know how I know  that if you're just trying to get around people  

in traffic it's very Nimble it's Zippy peppy feels  great and petal feel is quite intuitive not super  

grabby like you're going to get in a BMW the  ride is nice it's firm but it's not so stiff  

as to be uncomfortable and it is nice and quiet  in here the engine note does not sound half bad  

when you can hear it but you're not going to  hear much of it from inside the cabin [Music]

if you currently drive a pretty modern vehicle you  might find the Volvo's infotainment system to be  

a little bit disappointing I did it's just pretty  basic and I guess as it turns out subtlety is not  

something that I'm looking for in Tech sometimes  you learn something new about yourself when you're  

adapting to a new car every week this system  is Google based which does mean that you get  

onboard Google Play Google assistant and Google  Maps that last one would be key for me but since  

this does also have wired Apple carplay Support  I'm probably just going to be using car play all  

the time anyway so the infotainment is not going  to make that big of a difference to me as a user  

unless I want to do something like switch drive  modes four USB C ports are standard and so is an  

11 speaker sound system although do note that it's  a 10 speaker sound system with the B5 powertrain  

the ultimate trim comes with a 14 speaker Harman  Kardon premium audio system it's also possible to  

upgrade to a 15 speaker Bowers and Wilkin sound  system that's what we have today that's an extra  

charge of thirty two hundred dollars standard  safety features include forward Collision warning  

automatic emergency braking lean departure warning  rear parking sensors traffic sign recognition  

and blind spot monitoring adaptive cruise control  front parking sensors a 360 degree camera and Lane  

keeping becomes standard on the plus trim and then  ultimate gets a head up display on top of that  

the 2023 Volvo S60 starts at 42 000 if we're  talking about the gas powered or mild hybrid  

version if we're looking at the recharge which  we've seen today the plug-in hybrid that starts  

at 51 590 so just under ten thousand dollars  more expensive that's obviously a hefty chunk  

of change but if you're buying new and if you  qualify for it because the car now does you  

can factor in the 7 500 EV tax credit suddenly  you're looking at all that extra value and that  

extra powertrain technology for a quarter of  the expense for the car we've seen today it's  

important to note that the Black Edition costs an  extra sixteen hundred dollars on the ultimate trim  

more if you're adding it to the plus trim and  the Bowers and Wilkins stereo system costs an  

extra thirty two hundred dollars so how does this  compare to the competition well the gas powered  

S60 we're probably looking for competitors at the  Audi A4 the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz  

C-Class but this is a little bit different right  and not just because it's Swedish the Volvo is  

subtler so if you take for example the 3 Series  that really feels like it's going after people  

who say they want a driver's car this feels a  little bit more like it's about luxury with the  

muscle to back it up it's sophisticated but it's  still powerful if we're going to get specific to  

the S60 recharge that doesn't really have a lot  of direct competitors because this is the only  

plug-in hybrid out of the bunch and that makes a  great opportunity for getting your feet wet with  

electrification like a lot of EV manufacturers  Volvo is providing support for their customers  

to help them transition into electrified power  they're doing that in the form of Partnerships  

with chargepoint and Starbucks for public charging  and with qmerit for home charger and installation  

so do be aware that you're going to have that kind  of support from Volvo if you're interested in this  

and then it's also important to note too that a  plug-in hybrid is not the same thing as a full EV  

so if you've got range anxiety if you're worried  about long road trips something like this might  

be a really good choice yes you're going to ding  your gas mileage if you're hauling around that  

battery without a charge but you know you're  always going to be able to find a gas station  

that's my take on the 2023 Volvo S60  recharge I'm interested to hear what  

you think so please let us know in the comments  please do make sure you're subscribed to this  

Channel and check back soon because we  will be driving something else next week.