2024 Volvo S60: A Refined Approach to Luxury Sport Sedans
The 2024 Volvo S60 continues its legacy as a sophisticated and safety-conscious compact luxury sedan, blending Scandinavian design with a focus on driver well-being and understated performance. While not the most aggressive sports sedan on the market, the S60 offers a compelling package for those who prioritize comfort, advanced technology, and a refined driving experience.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2024 S60 offers a choice between two potent yet efficient powertrain options, both leveraging Volvo's turbocharged four-cylinder engine architecture:
- B5 Mild-Hybrid: This powertrain features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It delivers a balanced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing brisk acceleration and improved fuel efficiency through regenerative braking and electric assistance.
- Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (T8): For those seeking enhanced performance and the ability to drive on electric power, the Recharge T8 variant boasts a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. This potent combination produces a substantial 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, offering exhilarating acceleration and an estimated electric-only range of approximately 35 miles, perfect for daily commuting.
- Advanced Safety Features: Volvo is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the S60 is no exception. Key safety features include:
- City Safety with Steering Support: This suite of technologies uses sensors to detect potential hazards like pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. It can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent and can even provide steering assistance to help the driver avoid the obstacle.
- Pilot Assist: This semi-autonomous driving system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, allowing the driver to relax during highway journeys by maintaining a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping the car centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert: BLIS alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, while the Cross Traffic Alert warns of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation: This system helps prevent accidental lane departures by steering the vehicle back into its lane if it drifts out of its lane while oncoming traffic is detected.
- Trim Summary: The 2024 S60 is offered in distinct and well-equipped trims:
- Core: The entry-level Core trim sets a strong foundation, offering essential comfort and technology features, including a premium infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems, and stylish interior appointments.
- Plus: Stepping up to the Plus trim enhances the luxury and convenience with upgraded materials, additional comfort features like heated seats and steering wheel, and potentially more advanced safety and driver-aid technologies.
- Ultimate: The range-topping Ultimate trim represents the pinnacle of S60 luxury, providing the most premium interior finishes, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and convenience features.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Scandinavian Design: The S60 embodies Volvo's clean, minimalist, and elegant Scandinavian design language, both inside and out. Expect sophisticated lines, premium materials, and an uncluttered interior focused on driver and passenger comfort.
- Infotainment System: A large, vertically oriented touchscreen serves as the hub for the S60's infotainment system, offering intuitive control over navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard.
- Comfortable Ride: The S60 prioritizes a comfortable and composed ride, making it an excellent choice for long commutes or road trips.
What to Expect
Owning a 2024 Volvo S60 typically translates to a refined and reassuring experience. The focus on premium materials and thoughtful design creates an inviting and luxurious cabin. The driving dynamics are generally composed and comfortable, making it well-suited for daily use.
Maintenance: Volvo vehicles generally have reasonable maintenance schedules, with routine oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations being standard. For the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, additional checks for hybrid system components will be part of the recommended service intervals. It's advisable to follow Volvo's recommended maintenance schedule closely to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Insurance: As a luxury vehicle with advanced technology and safety features, insurance premiums for the S60 may be higher than for a non-luxury or less technologically advanced sedan. Factors such as your driving record, location, and the specific trim level chosen will influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
- Rear Seat Space: While the front of the cabin is spacious, the rear seat space in the S60 can be a bit tighter than some of its direct competitors, especially for taller passengers.
- Infotainment System Learning Curve: While modern and feature-rich, the touchscreen-centric infotainment system can have a slight learning curve for some users to navigate all its functions, particularly when on the move.
- Sportiness: While the S60 offers capable performance, especially in Recharge T8 guise, it leans more towards a comfortable and refined sporty sedan rather than an outright performance machine. Drivers seeking the sharpest, most aggressive handling might look elsewhere.
Overall Summary
The 2024 Volvo S60 is a compelling choice for those seeking a sophisticated, safe, and comfortable compact luxury sedan. With its elegant Scandinavian design, advanced safety technologies, and refined powertrains, it offers a well-rounded package. The S60 excels in providing a tranquil and technologically advanced driving environment, making it an attractive option for discerning buyers who value well-being and understated luxury.
