Everything you need to know about the Volvo S60

In a Saloon market that has been dominated by the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the BMW 3 Series, the Volvo S60 has a lot to write home about.

We have taken a deep dive into the Volvo S60 to pick out all of the key features and information that we deem useful for anybody considering a personal or business lease deal on this executive saloon.

Volvo S60 Model Lines and Standard Equipment

With the S60, you have three different models to choose from; the R-Design, Inscription and the Polestar Engineered. Let’s see what they all have to offer and pick out some of our favourite elements.

R-Design

• Bluetooth and Sat nav
• 18" 5 Double Spoke (Diamond Cut/Matt Black) Alloy Wheels
• Electronic tailgate
• Metal Mesh Inlays
• Adaptive LED lights head lights
• Electronic folding door mirrors
• Sports Chassis

Inscription

• Driftwood Inlays
• Bluetooth and Sat nav
• Dynamic Chassis
• 18" 10 Multi Spoke (Diamond Cut/Black) Alloy Wheels
• Electronic tailgate
• Adaptive LED lights head lights
• Electronic folding door mirrors

Polestar

• Bluetooth and Sat nav
• 19” 5 Y Spoke (Polished/Black) Forged Alloy Wheel
• Harmon Kardon surround sound system
• Polestar Engineered Chassis
• Electronic tailgate
• Adaptive LED lights head lights
• Electronic folding door mirrors
• Polestar Engineered Black Chrome Exhaust Pipes

Engines

There are two types of petrol engines available for anyone looking to get their hands on an S60 – either a 2.0L Mild Hybrid or a petrol Plug-In Hybrid option which combines the petrol engine with an electric motor for up to 37 miles of pure electric range. R-Design and Polestar Engineered are the trims available for the Plug-In, whilst R-Design and Inscription are the two choices for the Mild Hybrid variants. 

Is there a diesel S60? There was, but Volvo made the bold decision to cease offering the S60 with a diesel engine to coincide with the electrification of their range and aid their aim towards greener driving.

All of the current engine options come with an automatic eight-speed gearbox as standard and depending on the model you opt for they are available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variations.

Performance

While it may appear to be a sporty saloon, the S60 offers a comforting and steady drive as well as punchy acceleration. 

With just over 400bhp available in the T8 Polestar Engineered Plug-In Hybrid model, it is the fastest Saloon that Volvo has ever produced. The Mild Hybrid S60s are no slouches either, powered by a 250bhp, 2.0 litre petrol engine with a 0-62mph time of just 6. seconds.

The S60’s 250bhp is also an improvement on its rivals, the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the BMW 3 Series. With the comparable engines offering slightly less in performance stats than the Volvo. 

For fuel consumption, both the R-Design and the Inscription are available as Mild Hybrid variants. Volvo's claimed CO2 emissions for the two stand between 153-170g/km and they are capable of roughly 37.7-41.5mpg. Meanwhile, the the Polestar Engineered versions emit between 39-56g/km - a great choice for those looking for a lower emission car. 

If you are eager to find out more about how the S60 managed over the course of a full test drive, you can read our full review of the Inscription model here.

Hybrid Technology

Volvo promises ‘low to zero tailpipe emissions, excellent flexibility and a powerful driving experience’ through their latest hybrid technology.

Thanks to the Recharge technology, the S60 promises fewer tailpipe emissions, more traction and instant power to the driver. The Recharge range is also present across other favourite Volvo models including the XC60 and XC40. 

Design

We've raved about how good this new S60 looks in the past, and will continue to do so now. This latest model is dynamic and athletic, with low chunky stance, complimented by distinctive headlights, and model dependent, some really sporty styling. 

Both the R-Design and the Inscription come with striking 18-inch alloy wheels, (either 5 or 10-spoke) while the Polestar model benefits from eye-catching 19" alloys. 

Combine this sporty aesthetic, and good-looking alloys with dual-integrated exhaust pipes and the S60 certainly means business.

It more than holds its own when compared to the likes of a Mercedes C Class or a BMW 3 Series, but it's still no doubt a difficult decision as to which is the best looking saloon out there -  we may have to leave this one down to personal preference.

Interior

Inside, the S60 includes a striking nine-inch portrait touchscreen that makes up a large portion of the dash. With much of the navigation needed in the cabin done through the touchscreen, you are left with what is a quiet and sleek dash.

Ahead of you, you get an 12-inch drivers display that can be controlled via the steering wheel and it complements the touchscreen display nicely. The Harmon Kardon audio system comes as standard in the Polestar model, while there is also the option to upgrade to the improved 1,100 Watt Bowers & Wilkins system.

Your interior options depend on the model you choose to go for. In the R-Design you have a smart charcoal leather upholstery and the Inscription model has Nappa leather upholstery as standard.

The S60 also offers drivers a comfortable drive with a soft-leather finish that adds to the overall quality finish of the interior.

Safety features

Safety is high on the list of priorities for Volvo and the S60 is no different. You have four different types of airbags available, including front-impact, side-impact, knee and overhead airbags, meaning you will be protected at all angles.

The car's technology also allows it to detect and anticipate any unwanted vehicles that are getting too close for comfort. While the stability control is able to gauge when the driver has exceeded the handling limits and it will automatically reduce the engine power.

The S60 also achieved a Euro NCAP score of 96 per cent adult occupant category, with Volvo aiming to produce some of the safest cars on the road.

Optional Extras

The S60 comes with a host of exciting optional extras - too many to mention! But one of our favourites has to be the Volvo On Call App. Depending on the model you choose, the app will become your general hub of activity. It has access to the remote engine start, a find my car service and even remote access to the S60's heated seats. Ensuring your car is nice and cosy before you get in it.

Elsewhere, you have the option to add in a sun roof, a great way to further brighten up the cabin. Or if you would like to make the car even safer, you can add in the optional Pilot Assist system. This includes extras such as adaptive cruise control, plus cross-traffic alert, rear collision mitigation and a rear parking camera.

Pricing

If we're talking OTR prices, the R-Design starts from just over £39,000 and the Inscription model is the slightly pricier alternative, starting at around £40,000. Meanwhile, the Polestar model comes in just above the £51,000 mark. However if you are looking for a more affordable way to finance your new car, a Volvo S60 lease deal here at Carparison is available for low monthly payments, customisable with your initial payment and lease term. 

Like the look of the this Volvo or any others? View our latest Vovlo lease deals available across the entire range.