Volvo recently sent us a 2023 S60 Recharge (Plug-in-Hybrid)for review. They told us to expect a ‘Black Edition”. Somehow, one does not expect a vehicle from the land of “Thors Hammer” to be all black, but it was. A stealthy Black on Black and then some. A bit surprising, but downright handsome and powerfully efficient too.
AS TESTED
Our 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate Black Edition hybrid was base priced MSRP $57,970. It included the Ultimate trim level features and the Black Edition elementsincluding the Onyx Black metallic paint, Black Ironmark grille, Black badging on the trunklid, charcoal black Nappa leatherette w/textile upholstery and charcoal headliner.
A Climate Package ($750) option included High Pressure Headlight Washer, Heated Rear Seats and Heated Steering Wheel.
Other optional packages and elements included the Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound ($3,200) and Destination ($1,095).
Delivered ‘stealthily’ to our home in The Hills, Texas – it priced at $63,690.
Let’s take a look
POWERTRAIN
The hybrid powertrain system in the S60 Recharge AWD consists of a turbocharged gasoline engine working with electric motors at the axles to deliver serious horsepower and torque for this mid-sized sedan.
The gasoline engine is a specially-modified turbocharged version of Volvo’s 2.0L engine with 312 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The rear electric motor (eAWD) sits on the rear axle driving the rear wheels. The two combined give it a whopping 455 horsepower with 523 lb.-ft. of torque.
A standard Geartronic 8-speed automatic transmission – specifically tuned – to optimizes this powertrain.
The S60 Recharge AWD delivers quick acceleration clocking 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph.
The S60 Recharge AWD – quick and fast – is efficient too. It delivers 74 MPGe Pure Electric (41+ miles) and 31 mpg Gas city/highway/combined for a combined range of approximately 500 miles.
Drive Modes
The driver can select from several engine Drive Modes, HYBRID, PURE (electric), POWER (gas/electric) and CONSTANT AWD.
Battery Management options include AUTO (allows engine to draw electric for optimal performance) / HOLD (to preserve battery charge) and CHARGE (engine is charging battery while running).
This S60 Recharge AWD offers ‘one pedal’ driving for both acceleration and deceleration (battery recharging). In addition to using standard regenerative braking to charge while driving – in CHARGE mode, it uses a ‘brake by wire’ technology that enables battery recharging whenever you back off the throttle – no need to go to the brake pedal.
The S60 Recharge AWD (as a PHEV) comes with what they call a TurboCord which allows charging from either a 110V or 220V wall outlet through a changeable plug pigtail.
EXTERIOR
The 2023 S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate Black Edition continues the expected classic Volvo Styling cues augmented by “Black on Black” everywhere starting with its bold Onyx Black Metallic paint and including Black 19-inch diamond cut wheels, High Gloss Black Grille, Black “VOLVO” Ironmark on front grille, High Gloss Black Window Trim and Mirror Caps and Black Badging.
So much black that our local Constable – driving his stealth black patrol vehicle – took notice, stopping me to ask if this was really a Volvo. I assured him it was indeed.
Other elements to note include Panoramic Moonroof w/Power Sunshade, Approach Lighting, Keyless Entry/Illuminated Door Handles, LED headlights w/Daytime Running Lights (Thors Hammer), Automatic High Beams and Automatic Leveling, LED Brake Lights, Heated Windshield Washers.
INTERIOR
Those classic Volvo styling cues continued on the inside with its minimalist design executed with stylish upscale materials. Volvo classic cues included the awesome Crystal Orrefors Crystal Gear Shifter, Machined Start Stop Switch on the console and Sensus 9-inch Integrated Center Stack Touchscreen.
Of course, as the Black Edition, it featured black on black nearly everywhere with some minor accent exceptions such as Black on Black w/Aluminum Instrument Panel Insert, Piano Black Console Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents.
Some of the other key elements in the cabin included 8-way Power Bolstered Front Seats w/Power cushion extensions, Heated Front and Rear seats, Charcoal Nappa Leather & Leatherette upholstery, 2-zone Automatic Climate Control, Air Purifier, High Level Illumination, Graphical Heads-up Display and 12.3-inch Digital Driver Information Display.
Of particular note (for us big and tall people) was the very roomy and comfortable and its more than generous legroom both front and rear.
INFOTAINMENT / TECHNOLOGY
The 2023 S60 infotainment system features built-in Google Apps and Services. A Digital Services Package is the centerpiece of access to the Google Apps and Services including Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play and Over-the-Air Vehicle Updates.
A highpoint of our S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate was the Bowers and Wilkins Premium Audio w/15 channels/15 speakers/1,410W output/subwoofer and four different ‘room mode” sounds to choose from.
Other elements of note included SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth Connectivity with Audio Streaming, Bluetooth Wireless Phone service, Sensus Navigation Integrated Navigation System w/Voice Activation, Real Time Traffic Display and Volvo Cars App remote services.
SAFETY
The 2023 S60 is equipped with Volvo’s Advanced Driver Assistance System sensor platform. The scalable active system consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors to support the driver in safe operation of the vehicle.
Some of those features include: Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degree Surround View Camera, Rear Park Assist Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Information (BLIS) w/Steer Assist, Collision Mitigation Support, Lane Keeping Aid/Run-off Road Mitigation Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Keeping Aid/Run-off Road Mitigation Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation-Front, Driver Monitoring-Alert, Collision Mitigation-Rear, Low Tire Pressure Warning and more.
WARRANTY
The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD is covered by their Bumper to Bumper (includes powertrain) 48 month/50,000-mile Limited Warranty.
Hybrid battery coverage is 8 years/100,000 miles.
Complimentary Factory Maintenance is provided for 3 years and/or 36,000 miles.
FEDERAL TAX CREDIT
The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge (PHEV) does not qualify for the current Federal Tax Credit program.
S60 RECHARGE LINEUP
There are three trim levels plus the Special Edition available in the S60 Recharge Lineup.
They are
- Core MSRP $53,045
- Plus MSRP $55,995
- Ultimate MSRP $58,495
- Ultimate “Black Edition” MSRP $57,950
Check them all out HERE.
VOLVO RECHARGE LINEUP
Volvo now has five premium offerings as Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PHEV).
They are XC60, XC90, S60, S90 and the new V60.
Learn more about them HERE.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
KEY DATA: 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate (PHEV)
- Model: S60 Recharge
- Trim: Ultimate T8 eAWD
- Class: Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
- Seating: 5
- MSRP: $57,950
- As Tested: $63,690
- Powertrain 2.0 L 4-cylinder Turbo (T8) Hybrid Electric – 312/143 hp
- Powertrain EV: 14.9 kWh Electric Motors Front/Rear
- Powertrain Modes: HYBRID/PURE/POWER/CONSTANT AWD
- Horsepower: 455 Combined Horsepower NET
- Torque: 523 lb.-ft. Combined
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic w/Start Stop
- Drive System: Electronic On-Demand AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 112 mph
- Suspension: Double Wishbone/Multi-link (F/R)
- Ground Clearance: 5.8-inches
- Steering: Electric Power Assisted Rack & Pinion
- Brakes Disc 14.5-inch/12.6-inch – Front/Rear
- Wheels: 19-inch Aluminum Alloy
- Tires: 235/40 R19 Pirelli P-Zero AS
- Fuel Economy: 31 mpg – city/highway/combined
- Fuel Economy-e: 74 MPGe
- Fuel Tank: 15.9 Gallons
- Range: 492 miles combined
- EV Only Range: 41 miles
Source: Media Drive and Manufacturer PR Materials
