Volvo is showing off it's performance-oriented side in this week's test drive - the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge AWD Ultimate eAWD Black Edition. Recharge is Volvo's branding that denotes it's a plug-in hybrid. The S60 was all-new in 2019 and I found it fun to drive then, and even more so now in the Recharge version. Volvo builds it here in the U.S. in South Carolina.
New S60 exterior features for 2023 include the front bumper design, the grille emblem integrating the front looking radar, a Dark theme grille design, the rear bumper insert and hidden end pipes. Of course you'll see Volvo's familiar Thor hammer headlights up front which are always distinctive.
This S60 is equipped with the Ultimate Package which gives it stylish 19-inch open spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels. It's also wears a special Onyx Black Metallic paint. A Black Edition package gives it a blacked-out look with a Black front grill and black trunklid badging.
Performance is terrific. That's thanks to the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the same one that powers the XC90 recharge. A 2.0-liter Turbocharged engine delivers a fantastic 455-horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. 143-hp comes from the electric motor. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. It's also equipped with eAWD. And wow this is a surprise. The S60 Recharge can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
The S60 Recharge delivers up to 41 miles in Pure mode. It also has One Pedal Drive, which is allows you to use the accelerator both for accelerating and braking.
The S60's cabin is impeccably well-crafted with attention to detail that exemplifies clean, modern, and contemporary Scandinavian design. Soft touch surfaces and quality hardware give it a premium feel.
This Black Edition model features a Charcoal Nappa Leather and leatherette with textile upholstery and a Charcoal headliner. The front seats are well-designed and a power cushion extender for the front seats is always a welcome feature.
The driver is greeted by a bright, easy to read multi-view 12.3-inch digital driver display which looks great, especially when you have it in full navigation mode.
Always a favorite feature, the handcrafted Orrefors gear shifter in genuine Swedish crystal on the center console. The console also houses the engine start knob, parking brake and auto brake hold.
Volvo takes its air quality seriously, too, with an advanced air purifier system designed to prevent up to 95 per cent of hazardous PM 2.5 particles from entering the cabin.
My test model's optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System is just incredible as are the stylish speakers and tweeter on the tailored dash.
Above there's a nice-size "panoramic" moonroof for a sedan and I like the touch-sensitive swipe control you use to operate it.
Seating is comfortable for rear seat passengers, too. There's no stadium seating in here, so you don't lose headroom. Though it's Volvo's smaller sedan so might not be a great fit for someone really tall back there. For some reason there aren't any cupholders in the drop down center armrest.
Cargo space seems roomy to me and there's a pass-through from the rear seats to the trunk for long items. The Ultimate also has a power outlet back there.
A nine inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen is responsive and swiping between pages is easy.
You're going to need to be comfortable with accessing most vehicle features through the system including the one-touch power folding rear headrests. Including the drive modes (which I didn't particularly enjoy.) The screen also houses a back up camera and 360 camera with incredible resolution.
New this year is Google Built-in with built-in Google apps and services, as well as over the air software updates. It joins Apple CarPlay. There are two USB-C ports up front and 2 in the rear.
Volvo also does a great job with its nice graphic head-up display.
The Volvo S60 Recharge definitely dials up a sporty factor. The 455-hp and torque sees to that. Acceleration is great. Volvo cites a 0-to-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Handling is terrific thanks in part to eAWD. Steering feel could be a bit more engaging but you can firm it up somewhat through a setting in the multimedia system. Overall, it's one of the sportiest, most fun to drive Volvo's on the road.
Volvo's safety tech is terrific. The 2023 S60 is equipped with Volvo's latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and that includes Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system which is one of my favorites.
The Ultimate features 4-way power and heated front seats with power cushion extenders, an air purifier, power child safety lock, 360 degree surround view camera, 19-inch diamond cut alloys, Pilot Assist, Interior illumination, power folding rear head restraints, front and rear park assist, rear standard tailored dashboard and the graphics head up display.
Options on this model include the metallic paint is $695 and the Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound System $3,200. A Climate Package ($750) includes headlight high pressure cleaning, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. That brings the MSRP to just shy of $64,000 including destination.
The Volvo S60 Recharge is a really great plug-in hybrid compact sedan that's a fun to drive daily driver with comfy Nappa leather seats, great safety tech and impressive performance.