A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
4.1
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an executive saloon that blends Scandinavian sophistication with genuine practicality? The Volvo S60 might be exactly what you need. This premium four-door saloon offers a compelling mix of refined luxury, advanced safety technology, and understated elegance that appeals to drivers who value substance over flash. It’s the car for those who want executive presence without the ostentatious styling of some German rivals.
From first glance, the S60 makes a sophisticated statement. Its clean lines and distinctive Thor’s hammer LED headlights create a modern yet timeless appearance that ages gracefully. The cabin continues this theme with high quality materials, intuitive technology, and those famously comfortable Volvo seats. You immediately notice the attention to detail and build quality that Volvo is renowned for. The driving position feels commanding yet relaxed, setting the tone for what this car is all about.
The S60 excels at being a refined, comfortable executive saloon. The available engines deliver smooth performance while maintaining impressive fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for long distance cruising or daily commuting. It handles with confidence and composure, though it’s more focused on comfort than outright sportiness. Rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A3 might offer more dynamic driving experiences, but the S60 counters with superior comfort, safety technology, and that distinctive Swedish design philosophy that prioritises well being over pure performance.
What's the Volvo S60 Like to Drive?
The Volvo S60 offers a refined range of powertrains designed for smooth, efficient performance rather than outright speed. The mild hybrid B5 petrol engine produces around 250 horsepower and delivers strong acceleration with a 0-60 time of approximately 6.5 seconds. For those wanting more power, the T8 plug-in hybrid combines petrol and electric power for around 400 horsepower and impressive 0-60 times under 5 seconds. All engines prioritise smoothness and refinement over raw excitement.
Where the S60 truly excels is in its composed, mature driving character. The steering is precise and well weighted, providing confidence without being overly sporty. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining good body control through corners. This makes it an excellent choice for covering long distances in comfort. The ride quality is particularly impressive, with the S60 feeling planted and serene at motorway speeds. It’s the kind of executive saloon that makes every journey feel effortless and relaxing.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
-
Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder petrol mild hybrid / T8 plug-in hybrid
-
Power Output
250 - 400 bhp
-
0-60 mph
6.5 - 4.7 seconds
-
MPG Combined
35 - 55 mpg
- Boot Space
- 442 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Volvo S60?
Step inside the S60 and you’re greeted by one of the most thoughtfully designed interiors in the executive saloon class. The dashboard features clean, minimalist Scandinavian styling with premium materials throughout. The central touchscreen runs Volvo’s intuitive infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Physical controls are kept to a minimum, but the important ones like climate control remain easily accessible. The overall ambience feels modern, airy, and distinctly premium.
The front seats are absolutely exceptional, offering superb comfort and support for long journeys. Volvo’s reputation for creating some of the best car seats in the world is well deserved here. There’s excellent adjustment range, and higher trim levels feature heating, cooling, and massage functions. The cabin is remarkably quiet at speed, with excellent sound insulation creating a serene environment. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, making the S60 genuinely practical for four adults. The attention to ergonomics and passenger well being is evident in every detail.
The Volvo S60 is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritise comfort, safety, and build quality over pure driving excitement. It successfully delivers a premium executive car experience with distinctive Scandinavian character that sets it apart from German rivals. The interior is beautifully crafted, the ride quality is exemplary, and the advanced safety technology is among the best available.
Is the Volvo S60 Expensive to Run?
As a premium executive saloon, the S60 has running costs that reflect its positioning, but they’re competitive within its class. The mild hybrid engines deliver impressive real world fuel economy, with the B5 typically achieving 40-45 mpg in mixed driving. The T8 plug-in hybrid can return exceptional efficiency if you make use of its electric only range for daily commuting. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, though they’ll be higher than for mainstream family cars.
The initial purchase price positions the S60 competitively against German rivals, often offering better value for money when you consider the standard equipment levels. Volvo’s reputation for reliability has improved significantly in recent years, and the S60 benefits from comprehensive warranty coverage. Servicing costs are in line with other premium brands, and the strong residual values help offset the higher initial investment. car finance options make the S60 accessible to more buyers, with competitive rates often available through Volvo’s own finance programs.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
|
Volvo S60
|
BMW 3 Series
|
Audi A4
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £38,000 | £36,000 | £37,000 |
|
Performance
|
|||
| Engine | 2.0L B5 mild hybrid | 2.0L 320i petrol | 2.0L TFSI petrol |
| Power | 250 bhp | 184 bhp | 204 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
|
Running Costs
|
|||
| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 45 mpg | 44 mpg |
|
Practicality
|
|||
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 480 litres | 460 litres |
|
Standard Features
|
|||
| Key Features | Superior comfort, Advanced safety tech, Scandinavian design | Dynamic handling, Rear wheel drive, Premium badge | Refined interior, Quattro available, Virtual cockpit |
Volvo S60 Practicality & Boot Space
The S60 strikes an excellent balance between executive car sophistication and real world practicality. The 442-litre boot is a good size for the class, easily accommodating golf bags, suitcases, or a substantial weekly shop. The loading lip is reasonably low, and the rear seats fold to extend cargo capacity when needed. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of useful storage spaces including a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones and well designed door pockets.
Rear seat space is generous, with comfortable seating for two adults and adequate room for three at a push. The flat floor helps with middle seat comfort, and there are rear air vents plus USB ports for passenger convenience. For families or business users who need to carry passengers regularly, the S60 offers genuine four-door practicality. Compared to other used Volvo cars, the S60 represents excellent value in the executive segment, offering space and comfort that rivals much more expensive alternatives.
I’ve had my S60 for two years now and it’s been brilliant. The seats are incredibly comfortable for long drives and the build quality feels rock solid. The only minor niggle is the touchscreen can be slow to respond sometimes, but everything else is spot on.
The Volvo S60 stands out in the competitive executive saloon market by offering a distinctly different approach to luxury motoring. It prioritises passenger comfort, advanced safety technology, and Scandinavian design elegance over outright performance or sportiness. The result is a car that excels at making every journey pleasant and relaxing, whether you’re commuting across town or covering hundreds of motorway miles.
You choose the S60 because you want an executive car that feels genuinely premium without being pretentious. Its exceptional comfort, impressive build quality, and comprehensive safety features make it an ideal choice for discerning drivers. The mild hybrid powertrains deliver excellent real world economy, while the available plug-in hybrid offers impressive efficiency for the right usage patterns. For those seeking a refined, comfortable executive saloon with character, the S60 represents excellent value with cars under £10,000 available in the used market.
