Name: Volvo S60 (2019 to 2023) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Volvo S60
Rating: 68.0

Summary

The Volvo S60 is a premium medium-sized saloon, the estate version of which is called the V60. This is the second-generation car to wear this badge, which was unveiled in mid-2018 and arrived in the UK in early 2019. It was discontinued from sale in Autumn 2023.

The S60 saloon is also the first Volvo to be built in the USA, while the V60 estate is built in Volvo’s home country of Sweden. It was also the first modern Volvo not to be offered anywhere in the world with a diesel engine. Although some fleet-based media sources expressed doubt at this strategy, it quickly proved to be a prescient decision. Diesel’s market share has collapsed and the UK government brought forward the dates by which new petrol and diesel car sales will be banned. As of 2023, Volvo has now discontinued diesel engines from most of its model range.

The Volvo S60 has received generally good ratings from the UK motoring media, if not quite as strong as its acclaimed V60 estate sibling. Our unique Expert Rating aggregator has analysed 39 different UK reviews of the S60 (as of May 2024), with an overall Used Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 68%.

The S60 received widespread praise for its design (both exterior and interior) and outstanding safety ratings. However, it is not considered as rewarding to drive as rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Alfa Romeo Giulia.

In August 2023, Volvo announced that it was ceasing the sale of all its saloon and estate models (the S60, V60, S90 and V90 models) in the UK – although they will still be sold in other markets for the time being. The company said this is due to declining customer demand and the need to concentrate its investment budget on a range of new electric SUV models.

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized saloon
Engines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £39,160 on-road

Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Discontinued: Autumn 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo S60 can’t quite match some rivals for on-the-road dynamics but is a high quality, efficient all-round alternative in a more striking visual package.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
“The S60 is an excellent alternative to current and forthcoming German rivals. It’s well built, beautifully finished and looks good out on the road.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Polestar Engineered
Score: 5 / 10
“The new Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered promises 399bhp and 104.5mpg, but the overall experience somewhat misses the mark.”
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Model reviewed: T5 Inscription Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo S60 T5 Inscription may not be perfect, but it’s a credible alternative for buyers after a comfort-focussed compact executive saloon.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volvo S60 piles on the style, but lacks the extensive engine and trim line-up of the highly-rated V60 estate.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo S60 looks fantastic inside and out and every model is powerful and well equipped. It’s exceptionally safe and comfortable, too. It’s a worthy rival for the A4, 3 Series and C-Class, but although the hybrid models have very low emissions the S60 is rather costly to buy and run.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: S60 T8 Polestar Engineered
Score: 8 / 10
“The S60 T8 Polestar Engineered sits comfortably among the ranks of its German peers. In fact Audi, BMW and Mercedes could all learn a thing or two from Volvo about fusing comfort with control. Design, too. Not a bad mix of talents, is it?”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Super-sophisticated, closely damped ride and first-rate body control.”
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Model reviewed: T8 Twin Engine
Score: 8 / 10
“Want a fast executive saloon but don’t want to shout about it? Volvo’s new S60 T8 could be for you.”
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Model reviewed: T5
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a decent-sized boot and plenty of space in the back for grown adults to sit behind the same in the front.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 R-Design Edition
Score: 7 / 10
“Fundamentally the Volvo S60 is a good car – actually, it’s a great car. But for it to be a good company car, we need to see the lower CO2 alternatives. We also hope the plug-in hybrid offering extends beyond the high-performance T8 to include something with a bit less power and lower costs.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid T8 Polestar
Score: 9 / 10
“Volvo’s design department has been producing some of the best-looking new cars in showrooms of late, especially the S60’s sister car, the V60 estate, and this latest is no different.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Our pick of the bunch, however? That’ll be the T8 R-Design, as it has all the power, with all the comfort you’d expect.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“It looks good, and once you’re up to speed with operating the screen, it’s a comfortable and restful place to spend time in.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest S60 is a big step forward for Volvo. The stunning interior and class-leading refinement feels like a rival to the class best, while the styling also now looks crisp and modern.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine
Score: 9 / 10
“It’s safe to say that even though the design is very similar to many of its siblings in the Volvo line-up, it is yet another great car to come from the Swedish manufacturer. If you’re in the market for a saloon at the start of 2019, the Volvo S60 should be very near the top of your list of options.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Volvo S60 is an impressive all-rounder but the hybrid models hold the most appeal, particularly as company cars.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volvo S60 is a safe and stylish saloon car with a plush interior and decent cabin space, but alternatives are more fun to drive and can be had with a wider range of engines.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: T8 plug-in hybrid automatic R Design Plus
Score: 7.9 / 10
“Volvo’s moves to a plug-in hybrid version of each model in its range continues, and the S60 delivers PHEV efficiency in a high-quality but high-price package.”
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Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 R-Design Edition
“Volvo’s svelte new third-generation S60 saloon is a sportily smooth operator that drives like a delight and marks a few significant firsts.”
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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 R-Design
Score: 8 / 10
“Safe, stylish and ever so slightly sporty.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 Inscription Plus
“The Volvo S60 is a car of outstanding ability. The engine is sweet, the dynamics exceptional, the ambience relaxing and soundproofing superb.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic R-Design Edition
“The 2.0-litre engine is gutsy and efficient, with plenty of power on tap for strong acceleration from rest or when overtaking, while remaining smooth and quiet. It steers and stops with agility and ability and you never feel the Volvo S60 is getting away from you or you’re over-reaching your limits.”
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Fleetworld+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 R-Design Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The most dynamic Volvo yet isn’t quite up to BMW levels of involvement, but it looks great and drives well.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic T5 R-Design Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volvo S60 is what you would expect from Volvo today, a well-designed, comfortable and refined car, and the petrol powertrain has better responses compared to the diesel V60 that we tested recently.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Good looks and safe, the Volvo S60 isn’t without appeal, but it’s seriously stymied against its key rivals by limited engine choice, high prices and some odd gaps in standard equipment.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Based on the same platform as most of Volvo’s current range, the S60 – unsurprisingly – looks like a saloon version of the V60 or a smaller version of the S90.”
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Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we think most will agree that the Volvo S60 is one of the best-looking cars in its class.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Volvo’s 3 Series rival is more than just a leftfield choice”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plugin hybrid automatic T8 Polestar Engineered
“The Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered is a brilliant bit of kit with epic body control.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic T8 Polestar Engineered
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a beautiful four-door with a classy interior, and first-rate stereo that is capable of beating most other cars away from the lights. Yet it could also save you a packet at the pumps and won’t gas pedestrians along the way.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: T5 R-Design Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“Rivals do the sporting bit better but the Volvo S60 will seldom be embarrassed in their company and as a result this T5 version makes a rather lovely machine.”
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Model reviewed: T5
Score: 8 / 10
“Rivals do the sporting bit better but the Volvo S60 will seldom be embarrassed in their company and, as a result, this T5 version makes a rather lovely machine.”
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Model reviewed: S60 T8 Engineered by Polestar
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s too much going on under the bonnet (and the boot) for this car to ever be a super-refined super-cruiser, but despite its flaws, the plug-in hybrid Volvo S60 T8 offers an alternative to the German hegemony of performance saloons and is quite likeable as a result.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Everything we’ve come to love about new-age Volvos in a smaller size.”
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Model reviewed: Polestar Engineered
Score: 7 / 10
“Sure, it looks just like any other Volvo S60 – that is to say, handsome and understated – but unlike any other Volvo S60 it has a very fancy set of toys.”
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Model reviewed: T5 R-Design
Score: 7 / 10
“The foglight housings are more angular, the exhausts more prominent, and the interior is dark and business-y, like Bruce Wayne’s office.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Great to sit in and impressive on the safety front, but rivals are more comfortable, practical and fun.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 76%

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of May 2024, the Volvo S60 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 11
Average repair cost: £918.32
Last updated: January 2023

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Volvo S60 has a reliability score that’s bang average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation S60 and the previous (pre-2019) versions.

A third of all reported problems with the S60 relate to its suspension, with an average repair bill of about £600. Braking system repairs account for anoter third of all reported faults, costing around £350 on average. Be aware of engine problems, however, – although rare, they are expensive with an average repair bill of more than £2,500.

If you’re looking at a used Volvo S60, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	162 g/km	C	152 – 163 g/km	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	17 g/km	A	17 – 47 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	58 miles	C	34 – 58 miles	C – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	38	C	33 – 49	C – E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£311	C
Year 2	£759	C
Year 3	£1,152	C
Year 4	£1,390	C
Year 5	£1,841	C
Overall	£5,453	C

The Volvo S60 saloon is entirely average when it comes to running costs, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

As you can see from the tables above, the S60 scores a ‘C’ in pretty much every category. We don’t currently have fuel consumption data, but given that the CO₂ scores for petrol models are a C, it’s entirely likely that the fuel consumption scores would be similar.

Insurance and servicing costs are also slap-bang in the middle of our A-to-E scale. Although the plug-in hybrid looks to be very efficient on paper, scoring an A for its emissions, that’s simply a function of the rather useless EU/UK government lab tests that produce completely unrealistic results for plug-in hybrids.

On a positive note, an official battery range of nearly 60 miles is very good for a plug-in hybrid, meaning that you can do most of your day-to-day running on electric power – as long as you are able to keep the battery charged on pretty much a daily basis.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: 2019

The Volvo S60 hasn’t specifically been tested for anti-theft protection by Thatcham Research but its sister model, the Volvo V60 estate, has. The two cars share their security technology (along with most other parts) so the same rating would apply.

The V60 automatically received a Poor rating from Thatcham because it failed a relay attack test, which measures the security of a car’s keyless entry and/or keyless start system. The Volvo S60 and V60 are susceptible to thieves intercepting the car’s keyless signal and using it to steal the car.