2025 Volvo S60: Complete Luxury Sedan Review

Introduction

The 2025 Volvo S60 represents the perfect embodiment of Scandinavian design philosophy, combining minimalist aesthetics with cutting-edge safety technology and refined luxury. As Volvo's midsize luxury sedan, the S60 delivers a unique blend of safety, comfort, and performance that appeals to buyers seeking a more thoughtful alternative to traditional German luxury brands. This comprehensive review examines every aspect of the S60 to help you understand why it's considered one of the most distinctive choices in the luxury sedan market.

Built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the S60 combines the brand's legendary safety credentials with modern luxury and performance. The sedan is available in multiple configurations, from the efficient base model to the high-performance Polestar Engineered variant, ensuring there's a model to suit different priorities and budgets. Whether you're looking for comfortable daily commuting or spirited weekend driving, the S60 delivers with characteristic Volvo refinement.

What sets the S60 apart from its competitors is its commitment to safety, sustainability, and Scandinavian design principles. The result is a vehicle that offers the luxury and performance expected from a premium sedan while maintaining Volvo's core values of safety, environmental responsibility, and human-centered design.

Exterior Design

The 2025 Volvo S60 features a clean, minimalist design that embodies Scandinavian design principles while maintaining the sophistication expected from a luxury sedan. The front end is dominated by Volvo's signature grille with the diagonal slash, flanked by the distinctive Thor's Hammer LED headlights that give the S60 a unique and recognizable appearance. The overall design language is cohesive and modern, with clean lines and purposeful details throughout.

The S60's profile is elegant and aerodynamic, with a low, wide stance that emphasizes its performance potential while maintaining the understated sophistication that Volvo is known for. The roofline flows smoothly from the front to the rear, creating a sleek silhouette that's both timeless and contemporary. The sedan's design prioritizes both aesthetics and function, with careful attention to aerodynamic details that help improve fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise.

Build quality is exceptional throughout, with precise panel gaps, high-quality materials, and attention to detail that's expected from a luxury brand. The S60 feels solid and well-constructed, with a sense of permanence that suggests it will age gracefully. The available R-Design and Polestar Engineered packages add more aggressive styling elements, including larger wheels, sportier bumpers, and unique trim pieces that enhance the S60's athletic appearance.

Lighting is a particular highlight, with Volvo's Thor's Hammer LED headlights providing excellent visibility and a distinctive appearance. The adaptive LED headlights automatically adjust their beam pattern based on driving conditions, while the taillights feature a unique design that's instantly recognizable as Volvo. The overall exterior design successfully balances sophistication and sportiness, creating a vehicle that looks both elegant and capable.

Interior Quality and Comfort

The 2025 Volvo S60's interior represents the pinnacle of Scandinavian design, with materials and craftsmanship that justify its premium positioning. The cabin is dominated by Volvo's latest Sensus infotainment system, which features a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen that provides intuitive access to various functions while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that Volvo is known for.

Seating comfort is exceptional, with supportive front seats that provide excellent comfort for long drives while maintaining the lateral support needed for spirited driving. The seats are available in multiple configurations, including sport seats with enhanced bolstering and luxury seats with additional comfort features. The rear seats offer good space for adults, with adequate headroom and legroom for most passengers.

Interior materials are of the highest quality, with premium leather, aluminum trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. The attention to detail is impressive, with carefully crafted stitching, precise fit and finish, and thoughtful design elements that enhance the overall experience. The S60's interior feels like a proper luxury vehicle, with a level of refinement that matches or exceeds its competitors.

Noise levels are impressively low, with Volvo implementing active noise cancellation and acoustic glass to create a quiet cabin environment. The result is a serene driving experience that allows you to enjoy the premium audio system or simply appreciate the quiet operation of the powertrain. The overall interior experience is comfortable and luxurious, with a level of sophistication that reflects Volvo's commitment to human-centered design.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2025 Volvo S60 is available in multiple powertrain configurations, each offering different performance characteristics and efficiency levels. The base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides excellent performance with a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

The T6 configuration features a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine that produces 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides strong performance with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds while maintaining good fuel economy. The T8 Polestar Engineered represents the high-performance variant, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds.

All configurations feature Volvo's all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction and handling in all weather conditions. The system can send up to 50% of the engine's power to the rear wheels and can distribute that power between the left and right wheels for improved cornering performance. This makes the S60 particularly capable in challenging driving conditions.

Driving dynamics are refined and comfortable, with the S60 maintaining Volvo's reputation for smooth, composed handling. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, providing excellent ride quality while maintaining adequate responsiveness for spirited driving. The S60 feels stable and secure on the highway, with excellent high-speed stability and minimal wind noise.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Fuel economy is a crucial consideration for any luxury sedan, and the 2025 Volvo S60 delivers competitive numbers that should satisfy most drivers' needs. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, which is excellent for a luxury sedan with this level of performance. The T6 with its turbocharged and supercharged engine provides 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, which is still respectable given its performance capabilities.

The T8 Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid provides the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 69 MPGe combined and 22 miles of electric-only range. This makes it an excellent choice for buyers who want both performance and efficiency, as it can operate in electric mode for short trips while providing strong performance when needed.

Real-world fuel economy will vary based on driving style, weather, and other factors, but most owners report achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates. The S60's efficient powertrain and aerodynamic design help maximize fuel economy, while the available drive modes allow drivers to optimize performance or efficiency based on their needs.

For buyers who prioritize maximum efficiency, the base 2.0-liter engine provides the best fuel economy while still delivering excellent performance. The T8 Polestar Engineered offers the best of both worlds, with electric-only operation for short trips and strong performance when needed.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2025 Volvo S60 features Volvo's latest Sensus infotainment system, which represents a significant improvement over previous generations in terms of technology and user experience. The system is centered around a large, portrait-oriented 9-inch touchscreen that provides intuitive access to various functions while maintaining the clean, minimalist aesthetic that Volvo is known for.

The infotainment system is responsive and intuitive to use, with clear menus and logical organization that makes it easy to find and access various functions. The system supports both touch and voice control, as well as steering wheel controls for those who prefer them. The interface is clean and modern, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.

Smartphone integration is excellent, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto providing seamless access to your phone's apps and features. The system also includes Volvo's On Call services, which provide real-time traffic information, remote vehicle functions, and emergency assistance. The S60 can also function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing internet connectivity for passengers.

Audio quality is exceptional, with the available Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system providing rich, detailed sound reproduction. The system includes 15 speakers and a 1,100-watt amplifier, creating an immersive audio experience that's perfect for music enthusiasts. The system also includes advanced features like wireless charging for compatible devices.

Safety Features and Ratings

The 2025 Volvo S60 comes standard with Volvo's comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The S60 has received excellent safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

Additional safety features available on higher trims include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. These features enhance situational awareness and help prevent common types of accidents. The S60's advanced driver assistance systems are among the best in the industry, providing a high level of automation while maintaining driver engagement and control.

In the event of a collision, the S60's structure is designed to protect occupants effectively, with advanced airbag systems and crumple zones that help absorb impact energy. Volvo has a legendary reputation for safety, and the S60 benefits from this expertise with comprehensive safety systems and robust construction.

Child safety features include LATCH anchors for car seats and rear door child locks. The S60's rear doors open wide, making it easy to install and remove child seats. The compact size also makes it easier to keep an eye on children in the back seat, which is important for parents.

Driving Experience

The 2025 Volvo S60 provides a refined and comfortable driving experience that emphasizes luxury and safety over sportiness. The powertrain delivers smooth, linear power delivery that makes the S60 feel responsive and capable, particularly in the T6 and T8 configurations where the engines provide abundant power and torque. The transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Ride quality is excellent, with the suspension effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections while maintaining the composed, controlled feel that Volvo is known for. The S60 feels stable and secure on the highway, with excellent high-speed stability and minimal wind noise. The all-wheel drive system enhances confidence in all weather conditions.

Handling is competent but not particularly engaging, with the S60 prioritizing comfort and stability over sportiness. The steering is well-weighted and provides adequate feedback, making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it. The S60 feels planted and confident in corners, with good body control and predictable handling characteristics.

Overall, the S60 excels at providing a comfortable, refined driving experience that maintains Volvo's core values of safety and luxury. It's not the most exciting car to drive, but it's exceptionally well-suited to its intended purpose of providing safe, comfortable transportation for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

The 2025 Volvo S60 benefits from Volvo's strong reputation for reliability and dependability, with a proven track record of long-term durability. The powertrain is well-engineered and has been tested extensively, with few reported issues or problems. This reliability translates to lower maintenance costs and greater peace of mind for owners.

Routine maintenance is straightforward and follows Volvo's recommended service intervals. The S60's powertrain is designed for longevity, with components that are built to last and easy to service. The all-wheel drive system is also reliable and requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership.

Resale value is generally good for the S60, as Volvo vehicles tend to hold their value well over time. The combination of reliability, safety, and luxury makes the S60 an attractive choice for used car buyers, which helps maintain its resale value. The Polestar Engineered variant typically holds its value even better due to its performance credentials.

Insurance costs are generally reasonable for the S60, as it's not considered a high-risk vehicle and has excellent safety ratings. However, insurance costs can vary significantly based on location, driving history, and other factors, so it's important to get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Volvo S60's pricing makes it a competitive choice in the luxury sedan segment, with a starting MSRP of $41,250 for the base model and $55,300 for the T8 Polestar Engineered. These prices put the S60 in competition with other luxury sedans while offering unique features and capabilities that set it apart from its competitors.

When compared to its direct competitors, the S60 offers good value for money, with similar performance and features at a competitive price point. The base model provides luxury and performance that rivals sedans in the same price range, while the T8 Polestar Engineered offers unique plug-in hybrid capabilities that are hard to find elsewhere.

Total cost of ownership is generally favorable for the S60, with good fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and strong resale value helping to offset the initial purchase price. The combination of reliability and safety makes the S60 an excellent long-term investment for buyers who want both luxury and peace of mind.

For buyers who prioritize safety, sustainability, and Scandinavian design, the S60 represents an excellent choice that offers unique features and capabilities that are hard to find elsewhere. It's not the cheapest sedan on the market, but it's one of the most distinctive choices in the luxury segment.

Competitors Comparison

The 2025 Volvo S60 competes in a crowded segment of luxury sedans, including the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Acura TLX. Each of these vehicles offers different strengths and weaknesses, making the choice largely dependent on individual priorities and preferences.

The BMW 3 Series offers similar performance and handling but features more advanced technology and a more prestigious brand image. However, the 3 Series is more expensive than the S60, and the S60 offers better safety features and more distinctive design. The S60 also provides a more comfortable ride and better reliability.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers similar luxury and technology but features a more refined interior and more advanced autonomous driving capabilities. However, the C-Class is more expensive than the S60, and the S60 offers better safety features and more distinctive design. The S60 also provides better value for money and lower ownership costs.

The Audi A4 offers similar technology and all-wheel drive but features a more conservative design and less distinctive styling. However, the A4 is more expensive than the S60, and the S60 offers better safety features and more distinctive design. The S60 also provides better value for money and more engaging styling.

Overall, the S60's combination of safety, design, and value makes it a strong choice in the luxury sedan segment, offering a compelling alternative to more traditional European competitors while maintaining Volvo's unique identity and values.