2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD Final Black Version

Class: Premium Midsize Sedan

Passenger capability: 5

Shade: Onyx Black Metallic

Miles pushed: 140

Actual-world gas financial system: 52.0 mpg

Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway

EPA-estimated gas financial system: 74 MPGe/31 mpg (metropolis/freeway mixed)

EPA-estimated EV vary: 41 miles

Gas kind: Premium gasoline advisable

Base value: $57,950 (not together with $1095 destination charge)

Choices: Local weather Bundle ($750), particular paint ($695),

Value as examined: $63,690

Fast Hits

The nice: Stylish understated look, athletic character

The great: Spectacular plug-in hybrid vary, snug journey

The not so good: May very well be roomier, dear in Recharge trim

Tom Appel:

Query: How typically to you buy a brand new equipment or digital gadget, 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 the best way to use it for that objective. Simply footage up to now. As a substitute, I file what video I would like on my telephone, which needs a little bit by way of high quality.

However a pleasant digicam solely prices just a few hundred {dollars}. What in case you have been to purchase a pleasant automotive, and by no means totally maximize its potential? I ask as a result of analysis shared earlier this yr means that the drivers of plug-in hybrid automobiles 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 vehicles just like the Volvo S60 Recharge are such good rides when working on battery energy. To be truthful, the S60 Recharge is at all times a pleasant automotive, it’s only a lot higher after plugging in.

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Fact: Volvo’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, obtainable in numerous configurations, is a spunky little powerplant—environment friendly, too—however not particularly refined. In truth, related engines from BMW, Ford, and Common 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—a minimum of not in routine weekday driving—and the overall goodness of Volvo’s smallest sedan actually shines via.

And concerning the plugging in factor: It’s not only a matter of drivability. Extra on that in a second.

Costs for the standard 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 obtainable 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 just 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 computerized transmission. To energy the motor, an 18.8-kWh battery is a part of the system; it may be totally charged from utterly depleted state on a level-2 dwelling charger in about 5 hours.

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Client Information not too long ago spend every 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 bundle ups the ante by one other $2340. Additionally obtainable, however not included on our check car, is the Polestar Engineered bundle, 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 bundle, it clothes issues up with a novel black grille, particular badging, particular black-leather and textile upholstery, and a charcoal-black headliner. It’s a cool look, and for the value now we have no complaints. Be aware that metallic paint, at $695, is a required choice with the bundle.

We famous earlier that the S60 is Volvo’s smallest sedan, however it performs in an odd house 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 tough to categorize, we discovered the S60 each loads roomy within the entrance row, and tidy sufficient to simply squeeze via visitors.

The doorways of the S60 aren’t particularly giant, which might complicate entry and exiting for bigger people, however there’s loads of room as soon as behind the wheel. The cabin itself feels recent, fashionable, and upscale. Like all At present Volvos, the touchscreen interface offers fast entry to many features, however not all. Many lesser-used features, together with audio tone controls, are buried in submenu that’s tough sufficient to search out that many people may surrender making an attempt. That stated, the system appears good, and the graphics are easy, shiny, and straightforward to learn in direct gentle.

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Regardless of the S60’s rakish silhouette, outward visibility is mostly good. The low roofline takes a toll on rear-seat headroom, nonetheless, and stepping into and out of the rear-seating space could be difficult for taller passengers.

However on the street, the S60 Recharge shines, once more, particularly when totally charged. From a cease the automotive pulls away quietly and with turbine-like smoothness. Push the pedal a little bit more durable and the gasoline engine will begin up and offered extra energy, however in routine driving that not often occurs.

Test Drive: Volvo XC60 Recharge

For no matter motive, Volvo’s sedans and wagons appeared to be tuned for higher dealing with than the Swedish maker’s crossovers, and the S60 isn’t any exception. Whereas BMW 3-Collection, the S60 is a deft handler, that includes glorious management in corners, properly managed lean, and direct, correct steering. Regardless of the athletic poise, the S60 serves up refined high quality, and glorious long-haul-trip consolation. Wind and street noise are saved properly in test, too.

Oh, and at $3200, the Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system is a giant add. We have been mighty impressed by the sound, however suspect the improve could be misplaced on some consumers. In the event you’re not particularly severe about your music, it’s possible you’ll not admire the worth right here.

Charging as typically as handy—which is all that may be requested of a plug-in-hybrid proprietor–we noticed 52 mpg. Be aware that have been a weekend not a part of our analysis, we might have consumed no gasoline in any respect. This as a result of our check 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 gas financial savings alongside. Fortunately, the 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, do you have to go together with the Recharge? We are saying sure, however provided that you put in a house charger, after which provided that you hassle to truly cost the automotive.

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