Luxury sedans have long been synonymous with German carmakers and models, such as the Audi A3, BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz EQS, etc. But Volvo is coming hot on the heels of German automakers, solidifying its place in the luxury sedan segment with its 2022 plug-in hybrid lineup that includes the XC60 and XC90 SUVs and S60 and S90 sedans.
The Swiss automaker gave its hybrid cars
a powertrain overhaul, giving them a new extended range for them to cover more mileage on a single charge. Although the Volvo S60 has its shortcomings in handling, it's an excellent choice for in-market shoppers looking for aesthetics and luxurious features. The 2022 S60 is part of Volvo's plug-in hybrid upgrades
A few months ago, Volvo announced that it would give its plug-in hybrid a powertrain upgrade. With the engine and motor overhauls, the newly rolled-out 2022 Volvo S90 and S60 Recharge models are expected to deliver an extended EV range, enhanced performance, improved drivability, and reduced CO2 emissions.
The Volvo S60 is part of the Swiss car brand's flagship PHEV lineup, comprising the S90, XC60, XC90, and V60. According to Car and Driver
, the new, powerful electric motor and larger battery capacity are limited to the S90 and S60 Recharge versions, which include the Inscription, R-Design, and Polestar Engineered (exclusive to the S60) trims. The improved hybrid powertrain will increase the Recharge T8 AWD models' total horsepower to 455 hp and torque spikes to 523 lb-ft. Additionally, the hybrid cars' EPA-estimated EV driving range will increase to 41 miles for the S60 and V60, 35 miles for the XC60 and XC90, and 38 for the S90. Apart from that, the upgrade also includes a one-pedal drive mode on the Volvo S90 and XC60 models.
What are the features and specs of the 2022 Volvo S60?
The engineers behind the Volvo S60's construction designed a car more steeped in luxurious features than acceleration power and handling capabilities. In a segment dominated by sporty models, Volvo took a different approach. Although the S60 has a restrained exterior, it comes with elegant styling. It boasts the best-in-class interior trimmings with a stand-alone Scandinavian theme.
Non-hybrid S60 models (Momentum and Black Edition) feature a turbocharged inline-four that cranks out 247 hp, but as you advance higher the trim levels, the power reaches 400 hp. The flagship trim—Recharge Polestar Engineered—delivers 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. It's quicker and gracefully covers long distances, but MotorTrend
confirms it doesn't deliver a high-spirited ride like its German counterparts. Besides its slightly below-par handling, the car has its upsides. The S60 underpins Volvo's dedication to offering safety-first cars, this time compelling the NHTSA to give it a five-star rating for overall safety.
Its spacious and cozy interior offers ample legroom, headroom, and cargo space. Its deluxe features include 12.3 digital gauges, ambient lighting, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and more.
MORE: Hybrids Have Been Around a Lot Longer Than You Think
The Volvo V60: An excellent alternative to the Volvo S60
If you're a Volvo enthusiast with a high affinity for wagons, you might want to purchase the Volvo V60 instead. It's as good as the S60 in all aspects, except that it's a long-roofed, five-door wagon, a design that significantly expands its cargo space and gives the V60 an attractive appearance. It's pretty agile, as it can dash from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 107 mph in 12.9 seconds.
The only caveat is that the SUV-centric American market hasn't been quite receptive to the V60, resulting in low sales margins. To solve that, Volvo decided to discontinue all V60 models in 2022, except the top-of-the-trim-level Polestar Engineered version. Still, the SUV-inspired V60 Cross Country remains a great choice for drivers who relish a higher-riding vehicle stance.
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