The Volvo S60 Recharge is a Criminally Underrated Luxury Car
The world of luxury cars is dominated by a few names, while other brands simply make up the best of the rest. The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are perennial leaders, while the Genesis G70 is quickly gaining traction. However, the Volvo S60 Recharge is one of the more underrated luxury cars available today. We think that’s a shame.
Stunning power
The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but it’s what Volvo attaches to that block that makes this sport sedan impressive.
Both a turbocharger and supercharger shove extra air into the combustion chamber, making 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. Then, an electric motor gets tacked onto the whole arrangement, bringing total power up to 455 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque.
The Volvo S60 Recharge will travel up to 41 miles on electric power alone in Pure EV mode. And that electric powertrain makes more power than a Toyota Corolla all on its own. At 145 horsepower, even highway drives are a breeze without the need for gasoline.
Drive modes to control it all
Not only does the Volvo S60 Recharge include Pure EV mode, but for the lead-footed among us, Sport mode combines both powertrains at full song. In this mode, zero to 60 mph flies by in just 4.3 seconds, making it plenty of fun when it’s time to get to highway speeds.
However, the S60 Recharge’s suspension ends up letting down the powerful hybrid engine. While previous models offered an R-Design trim with sport-tuned shocks and a lowered ride height, the newest version does not. That means we’re left with just the standard springs and dampers, and they allow for more body roll than we appreciate.
Immense comfort in the Volvo S60 Recharge
While handling is a letdown, comfort in the S60 Recharge is sublime thanks to the supple suspension setup. In addition, available Nappa leather upholstery wraps heated and ventilated seats to provide a wonderful platform for a day’s driving. One downside, no S60 models offer massaging seats, not even the Recharge.
Big tech upgrade for 2023
Unfortunately, the display size in the S60 Recharge hasn’t changed since 2019. However, the interface behind that screen is now completely new. Powered by Android, it now makes Google Maps standard, along with Google Assistant, Play Store, and more.
Even better, every 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Car and Driver testers used it as a full-screen map view, leaving the center display for media and phone calls. On-board efficiency readouts display both battery and fuel economy info to make the most of the versatile powertrain.
Is this S60 an underrated and underpriced luxury car?
As weird as it is to say, the Volvo S60 Recharge isn’t just underrated — it feels like a bit of a bargain. With an MSRP of less than $55,000, it is well deserving of more attention. The handsome looks are timeless, the interior plenty comfortable, and the power feels outrageous, despite the engine feeling a bit unrefined on occasion.
