“Its an excellent car to drive, good mpg and looks great. Haven't experienced the service dept yet but I am sure it is just as good as the car is. It is definitely my favorite car I had in my life.”
Volvo S60: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan known for its strong safety focus, supportive seats, clean Scandinavian design, and relaxed road manners. Recent models pair that understated character with gas mild-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid power.
The S60 has long offered a quieter take on the luxury sport sedan, putting comfort, safety, and understated design ahead of aggressive handling. Successive generations made it sleeker and more driver-focused without losing its calm, easygoing character. In recent years, electrified powertrains and extensive collision-avoidance technology have become central to its identity.
Strengths
- Its supportive seats and calm cabin make long commutes and road trips easier to live with.
- Safety has remained a defining strength, with collision-avoidance technology spreading broadly through recent lineups.
- Its clean, understated design feels luxurious without trying to look flashy.
- The 2025 plug-in hybrid was rated for 40 miles of electric driving, enough to cover many daily trips without using gas.
- The plug-in hybrid also delivered 455 horsepower in 2025, giving the S60 strong acceleration without changing its relaxed personality.
Who it's for
The S60 fits commuters and small families who want a comfortable, low-key luxury sedan with a strong emphasis on safety. It especially suits drivers who prefer calm road manners to sharp sports-car responses, while recent plug-in-hybrid models make sense for someone who can charge at home and cover many everyday trips on electricity.
Volvo S60 lineup
In recent years, Core has served as the entry point, Plus as the middle equipment tier, and Ultra as the most fully equipped version, so the choice mainly comes down to how much comfort and convenience equipment you want. Pick a B5 for the simpler mild-hybrid gas setup, or a T8 plug-in hybrid for electric driving and much stronger acceleration. Black Edition models are mainly for shoppers who want a darker, more distinctive appearance. On older S60s, Momentum generally filled the value-minded role, R-Design emphasized a sportier look and feel, Inscription leaned toward comfort and luxury, and Polestar models sat at the performance end.
Volvo S60 generations
From 2009 to 2025, the S60 spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation (2011–2018).
3rd Generation (2019–2025)
The third-generation S60 moved to Volvo’s SPA platform with a cleaner cabin, a stronger focus on safety, and a broader mix of gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains. A mild styling and touchscreen-system update followed for 2023, and 2025 was its final U.S. model year.
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2025Trim changes
The top equipment level was renamed Ultra, Recharge plug-in hybrids became T8 AWD plug-in hybrids, and a B5 AWD Ultra Black Edition joined the lineup.
2024Trim changes
Dark Theme exterior trim became standard across the range, the top B5 grade became AWD-only, and Plus gained a cabin air purifier.
2023Mid-cycle update
Volvo revised the grille and rear bumper, installed its Google-based touchscreen system across the range, and reorganized the equipment levels.
2022Trim changes
Gas models switched to B5 mild-hybrid power, while later plug-in hybrids gained a larger battery, a stronger rear motor, and a longer electric range.
2021Trim changes
The Recharge R-Design Expression trim joined the lineup, and several safety and convenience features became standard.
2020
A 12.3-inch digital instrument display became standard, with smaller equipment upgrades for R-Design and Polestar Engineered models.
2019New generation
The redesigned S60 arrived on Volvo’s SPA platform with new trims, new gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and U.S. production.
2nd Generation (2011–2018)
The second-generation S60 introduced a sleeker body, a more upscale cabin, standard low-speed automatic braking, and an initial T6 model with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and AWD. It received a substantial styling refresh for 2014, followed by newer four-cylinder engines and additional body and trim variants.
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2018
The long-wheelbase Inscription range was split more clearly into Inscription and Inscription Platinum, with minor equipment and package changes elsewhere.
2017Trim changes
The lineup was simplified around a new Dynamic trim and the long-wheelbase Inscription models, while Polestar received a new 362-hp four-cylinder engine.
2016Trim changes
The longer-wheelbase S60 Inscription and raised S60 Cross Country joined the lineup.
2015Trim changes
Front-wheel-drive models adopted new Drive-E four-cylinder engines and an 8-speed automatic, while later 2015.5 cars received an updated touchscreen system.
2014Mid-cycle update
Volvo redesigned the front end, updated the rear styling and cabin trim, and added new instrument displays.
2013Trim changes
Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum trims joined the range, creating a clearer equipment ladder.
2012Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive T5 and T6 R-Design joined the lineup, expanding it beyond the original T6 AWD.
2011New generation
The redesigned S60 launched in the U.S. with a sleeker body, a more upscale cabin, standard AWD, and low-speed automatic braking.
1st Generation — P2 (2009)
The P2-based first-generation S60 was in its final U.S. model year by 2009. Its last update focused on added standard equipment and a limited-run SE sendoff rather than structural or mechanical changes.
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2009Trim changes
Former option-package features became standard on several trims, and a limited-run S60 SE joined the lineup as a sendoff.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volvo S60.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volvo S60 a sedan or an SUV?
The Volvo S60 is a four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. The uncommon Cross Country versions from the second generation sit higher off the ground, but they are still sedans rather than SUVs.
What is the Volvo S60 known for?
The S60 is known for supportive seats, a calm cabin, clean Scandinavian design, and extensive collision-avoidance technology. It puts everyday comfort and understated style ahead of an aggressive sports-sedan feel.
Is the Volvo S60 actually sporty?
The S60 has strong powertrains and some sport-focused versions, but the regular car is more relaxed than hard-edged. It suits drivers who want a comfortable luxury sedan with capable performance rather than a constantly aggressive driving experience.
Does the Volvo S60 come as a hybrid?
Yes. Third-generation S60s include plug-in-hybrid T8 models, often called Recharge. Later versions make 455 horsepower, have AWD, and are rated for up to 41 miles of electric driving. B5 models are mild hybrids and do not plug in.
Does the Volvo S60 have AWD?
Yes. AWD appears throughout the S60’s history, although some gas versions use front-wheel drive. Recent T8 plug-in hybrids have standard AWD, while the drivetrain on B5 models varies by trim and model year.
How many generations of the Volvo S60 are there?
The S60 has three generations in this used-car range. The first ended in the U.S. after 2009, the second ran from 2011 through 2018, and the third ran from 2019 through 2025. The 2019 redesign brought the modern platform and plug-in-hybrid lineup.
Volvo S60 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volvo S60.
4.2
Volvo S60
(2,035 reviews)
“In my opinion as a retired professional engineer, the plug-in hybrid is the most technically advanced vehicle that is operational on the current state of road infrastructure today.”
“Very good looking car, inside and outside. Drives nicely. If you care about having a spare tire, make sure it's there.”
“The interior is very luxurious. The controls are intuitive. All the safety features keep insurance cost low.”
“The interior comfort and space is great. The upgraded interior features and leather are excellent.”
“I am exceptionally pleased with the vehicle. Everything is high quality and well finished. It handles and performs flawlessly. I have no fear of driving in snowy or even icy conditions.”