Volvo has revealed the mildly updated S60/V60 with a new range structure, the latest Android-based infotainment system, small design changes that can easily go unnoticed, and a new automatic gearbox resulting to lower emissions in certain trims.
The current generation Volvo S60/V60 was
originally introduced in 2018, and now, four years later, the time has come for
a mid-lifecycle update. This comes as no surprise of course, following the
recent facelift of the XC60 SUV.
Visual changes are limited to the slightly
revised bumper intakes finished in gloss black, and the new rear apron with
hidden exhaust pipes. We can also see a new wheel design with six spokes that
suits the Swedish sedan pretty well. Besides the four-door S60, the same
changes are applied in the more practical V60 estate.
In line with Volvo’s latest strategy, the
updated S60 is available in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims, with the Bright and
Dark packages adding chrome or black accents. Inside the cabin, there is
Volvo’s latest infotainment system powered by the Google Android software that
was already available in other models of the lineup bringing Google Maps,
Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. We also expect it to receive
the latest version of the Pilot Assist function as part of Volvo’s ADAS suite.
The engine lineup for the S60 and V60
consists of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine produces 161 hp in the
entry-level B3, 194 hp in the mid-spec B4, 247 hp in the B5, and up to 295 hp in the V60-exclusive B6.
All of them are combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system adding an extra 13
hp. Additionally, the V60 is also available with a turbodiesel
mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 194 hp.
In the B3 and B4 models, power is sent to
the front axle through a new seven-speed DCT gearbox, while the B5 and B6
retain the old eight-speed torque-converter automatic coming in FWD and AWD
flavors. According to the spec sheet, the combined WLTP fuel consumption
figures are slightly lower in the B3 and B4 (by 0.3-0.7 lt/100 km) alongside
reduced CO2 emissions (down by 5-15 g/km) compared to the outgoing models.
The PHEV models of the range still carry
the Recharge badge from the outgoing model. The plug-in hybrid powertrain
combines the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing either 249 hp or 306 hp, with an electric motor producing 144 hp. The lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 14.9 kWh
allows an electric range between 75-94 km in the combined cycle.
The fastest 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge T8 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, while top speed is limited to 180 km/h as with every
new Volvo model.
The updated S60 will be produced in
Volvo’s Ridgeville plant in South Carolina, US. The market launch in Europe is
expected in the coming weeks. As for the US, Volvo recently announced the S60
Black Edition which is limited to 450 units so we expect the facelift to arrive
shortly after that. The Volvo S60 will compete with the likes of the Audi A4
and BMW 3-Series which are up for updates soon, alongside the new generation of
the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
