2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid Review: Hybrid Swede-Heart

The S60 Sedan has the honor of being labeled as the first Volvo to be produced in the United States; it rolls off the South Carolina factory floor in its top-most guise as the range-topping S60 T8 Plug-In Hybrid with two trims available - the sporty R-Design, or the elegant Inscription, both of which are equipped with the same 2.0-liter hybridized engine, capable of producing an impressive 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. A high-performance Polestar Engineered version was also released, but the only available twenty units were snatched up and spirited away soon after its launch. We don't miss too much though, as the S60 Hybrid has a great deal to offer; a superlative cabin design, brilliant powertrain, and comprehensively specified equipment list make for an above-average small luxury sedan. Marred only by an unintuitive infotainment system and less-than-stellar handling dynamics, the S60 Hybrid stands alone in the segment until such time as the new 3 Series Plug-In arrives, leaving only the likes of the Honda Accord Hybrid capable of rivaling it.

What's the Price of the 2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid?

With two trims to choose from, entry to the S60 Hybrid lineup comes in the form of the S60 Hybrid T8 R-Design, with an MSRP of $54,400. For the less sport-oriented T8 Inscription, expect to pay $1,000 more; these prices exclude licensing, registration, taxes, and Volvo's destination fee of $995.

2019 S60 Hybrid Exterior

Dimensions

2019 S60 Hybrid Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

With quite a substantial amount of power under the hood, the S60 Hybrid promises something which it doesn't quite deliver on: although it provides enthusiastic take-off and acceleration, the excitement wanes just a little in the wake of a less dynamic drive than the compact luxury sedan segment is renowned for. Still, Volvo has ticked the boxes for adequate grip and handling, although tackling any corner too hard will induce default understeer. The low center of gravity (due to clever battery placement and smart weight distribution) means that very little body roll shows up around winding roads, and the S60 T8 hides its extra weight well. The brakes lack finesse and communication but are a minor fault in an otherwise exemplary drive that soaks up road imperfections with aplomb.

The S60 Hybrid also has four hybrid-exclusive drive modes: Pure, for fully electric driving; Power, which combines the optimal outputs from the turbocharged gas engine and electric motors for instant acceleration; AWD, to enhance traction; and Hybrid, the default setting for automatic optimization of efficiency and power.

2019 S60 Hybrid Interior

2019 S60 Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is The 2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid A Good car?

As far as plug-in hybrid sedans go, the Volvo S60 T8 plug-in offers the best of the many worlds it seeks to represent. Firstly, as a plug-in hybrid, it manages an average all-electric range of 22 miles and an above-par gas mileage figure of 32 mpg in mixed driving styles. As a family carrier, the S60 Hybrid excels, with superior safety features, sufficient cargo space for school bags or grocery runs, and seating for up to three kids in the rear - LATCH car seat anchors are also notable inclusions in this regard. And finally, as a luxury sedan, the S60 Hybrid is arguably one of the finest on the market. The sublime cabin, comfortable seats, beautiful finishes, and attention to detail make a trip in this vehicle something to look forward to. It is only in terms of the fun-to-drive factor that the S60 Hybrid comes up a little short, with many rival sedans providing a few more thrills. Still, it has sufficient grunt to get going without batting an eyelash, so we feel this is less of a complaint and more of an observation. Overall, the S60 Hybrid is a brilliant vehicle to invest in.

What Volvo S60 Hybrid Model Should I Buy?

There isn't a vast difference in price between the two trims available, with the T8 R-Design focusing more on sporty aesthetics, while the T8 Inscription offers a more elegant, classy profile. Major differences between the two are limited to exterior trim accents - which are blacked out in the R-Design and chrome-accented on the Inscription - as well as interior finishes. For the R-Design, embossed Nappa leather sports seats, a perforated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, sports pedals and a lowered sport chassis are standard. By contrast, the Inscription boasts leather seats with a genuine driftwood interior trim, and an optional tailored dashboard to complete the lounge-like interior setting. While the sporty theme may appeal to the younger generation - which was a smart move on Volvo's part, in terms of doing away with the "old-man-mobile" heritage of Volvo vehicles - we prefer the sheer class and opulence of the Inscription, with its magnificent interior.

2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid Comparisons

2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid vs Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

There isn't a vast difference in price between the two trims available, with the T8 R-Design focusing more on sporty aesthetics, while the T8 Inscription offers a more elegant, classy profile. Major differences between the two are limited to exterior trim accents - which are blacked out in the R-Design and chrome-accented on the Inscription - as well as interior finishes. For the R-Design, embossed Nappa leather sports seats, a perforated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, sports pedals and a lowered sport chassis are standard. By contrast, the Inscription boasts leather seats with a genuine driftwood interior trim, and an optional tailored dashboard to complete the lounge-like interior setting. While the sporty theme may appeal to the younger generation - which was a smart move on Volvo's part, in terms of doing away with the "old-man-mobile" heritage of Volvo vehicles - we prefer the sheer class and opulence of the Inscription, with its magnificent interior.

2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid vs Lexus ES Hybrid

More than $12k separates the base model Lexus ES Hybrid from the Volvo T8 in either of its guises, with even top-of-the-range ES Hybrids remaining under the $50,000 mark. Fitted with a 2.5-liter engine and electric motor that produce about half the horsepower that the Volvo does, the slower, less powerful Lexus does offer the advantage of superb fuel economy in return. With EPA estimates of 44/45/44 mpg decimating the Volvo's 27/34/31 mpg, the Lexus is definitely more budget-friendly but lacks the ability to move under electric propulsion alone. It does offer 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space and four inches more legroom in the back seat, giving it the edge over the S60 Hybrid in terms of practicality. Additionally, Volvo doesn't hold the monopoly on opulent cabins, with the Lexus offering high-quality finishes, upscale materials, and plush design inside, too. The S60's charm lies in the thoughtful design and Swedish minimalist elegance though, just beating the Lexus - even with the much lower pricing point on the latter. Be thankful if your choice is governed by finances, though, as it makes it easier to just pick the cheaper option for the sake of saving money. Still, if money wasn't a concern, the Lexus wouldn't even be considered here - the Volvo is by far superior.