Volvo S60 Review 2026

June 2018

Volvo reveals 2018 S60

The new S60 is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel offer, signalling the company’s commitment to electrification.

Two turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid petrol engines will be available in the new S60: Volvo’s T6 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340PS and the T8 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that delivers 400PS. Volvo’s proven T5 and T6 petrol engines will be available at launch in selected markets.

The new S60 shares Volvo Cars’ own Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, safety technology and infotainment system with the new V60 premium mid-size estate, as well as the top-of-the-line 90 series cars and award-winning XC60, all of which have achieved industry-leading safety ratings. This makes the new S60 one of the safest cars on the road.

The City Safety with Autobrake technology assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions, and is the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. In a world first for the mid-size saloon segment, City Safety now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions.

The optional Pilot Assist system – which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80mph – has been upgraded with improved cornering performance. The S60 also includes Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering-assistance systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake further enhances safety for people inside and outside the car.

Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G, and keeps drivers connected at all times. The intuitive control is a tablet-style touchscreen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment apps.

Electrified versions of the new S60 also offer a performance handling upgrade called Polestar Engineered – developed by Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm, Polestar.

Polestar Engineered is available exclusively on the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid and is a complete offer that upgrades the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit, boosting the S60 T8's combined output to 415PS.

March 2019

Volvo S60 on sale with prices from £37,920

Orders now open for Volvo S60 saloon with deliveries from May 2019.

Initially sold in high-spec R-Design Edition, power comes from a 2.0-litre T5 turbocharged petrol engine producing 250PS with eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Fuel economy ranges from 35.3 to 39.8mpg while CO2 emissions start at 152g/km. 0-62mph can be covered in 6.5 seconds.

Standard equipment includes a driver's head-up display, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel and a 600W 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system. The Sensus Connect infotainment system features a nine-inch touchscreen display with access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pilot Assist controls the car's acceleration and braking, and assists with the steering to keep the S60 at the right speed, at a safe distance from any vehicles ahead and correctly positioned in its lane. To help guard against common collision risks, the S60 R-Design Edition also comes with BLIS – Blind Spot Information System – with Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Collision Mitigation.

A number of further trim levels and engines will be offered later in 2019, including a petrol-electric hybrid model. It won't be offered with diesel power.

August 2019

Volvo announced installation of Vodafone data SIM car in all 2020MY Volvos. Allows car and occupants to be fully connected, with a WiFi hotspot, access to apps, real-time traffic information and safety alerts. Access to up to 100GB of data, independent of the user's own SIM-enabled devices. Operation is seamless across 42 European countries and territories. Available for up to 12 months for no extra charge on top of the car's initial purchase price, after which customer has the option to extend the agreement and continue to use the service by way of purchasing a data plan from Vodafone. SIM card available on all Model Year 2020 Volvo models, with a simple retro-fit option for cars already purchased.

October 2019

Polestar version of Volvo S60 announced at £56,105 OTR. Boosts combined output of T8 2.0 litre PHEV from 390HP to 405HP (engine power alone up from 303HP to 318HP + 87HP from electric motor). 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, yet has EV range of 27.3 miles and fuel economy is 104.5mpg WLTP combined. Software changes to the automatic transmission bring quicker gearshifts and a more precise shift programme that minimise gearchanges when cornering quickly. Brembo brakes. Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers which use a dual-flow valve for accurate response to changes in the road surface and driving conditions, ensuring an excellent balance between handling precision and ride comfort. A strut bar between the front suspension towers also helps to improve steering response and handling. Equipment additions to the S60 and V60 R-Design Plus grade include a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon premium audio system and aluminium front tread plates. 19-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels with a sporty five-Y-spoke design with contrast polished and black surfacing.