The Volvo S60 has long been recognized for its elegant design, refined interior, and commitment to safety. As we approach the 2025 model year, the Swedish automaker has continued to refine and enhance its luxury sedan, making it an attractive choice in the increasingly competitive compact luxury sedan market. The 2025 Volvo S60 promises to build on the success of its predecessors by offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and a powerful yet efficient driving experience.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features, performance, and overall driving experience of the 2025 Volvo S60 based on early reviews, expectations, and insights.
1. Overview of the 2025 Volvo S60
The 2025 Volvo S60 remains a standout in the compact luxury sedan category. Volvo has maintained its reputation for combining minimalist Scandinavian design with advanced technology and a strong emphasis on safety. The 2025 model is expected to offer a range of improvements, including better hybrid options, upgraded infotainment, and even more refined driving dynamics.
The S60 continues to be available in a variety of trims, including the base Momentum, the sportier R-Design, and the more luxurious Inscription. Additionally, the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered trim offers a more potent powertrain for those seeking more power and a thrilling driving experience. Hybrid options are also available, aligning with Volvo’s commitment to sustainability.
2. Design and Comfort
Exterior Design
The 2025 Volvo S60 follows Volvo’s design philosophy of clean lines and a modern, elegant look. Its sleek silhouette, bold front grille, and signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights continue to stand out on the road. The sedan’s coupe-like roofline, sculpted sides, and muscular stance create a vehicle that looks both sporty and sophisticated. Subtle design details, such as chrome accents and a well-defined rear, further enhance the S60’s premium appeal.
Interior Design
Inside, the 2025 S60 stays true to Volvo’s Scandinavian-inspired design, offering a spacious, minimalist cabin with high-quality materials. Soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and carefully crafted wood or metal accents create an atmosphere of refinement and luxury. The cabin is designed for comfort, offering ample space for both front and rear passengers.
The Sensus infotainment system, which includes a large touchscreen interface, remains a highlight, with intuitive controls and easy access to navigation, media, and climate functions. The cabin also features a premium sound system and customizable ambient lighting, making it a comfortable space for both short commutes and long road trips.
3. Performance and Handling
The 2025 Volvo S60 continues to offer a variety of powertrains that cater to different performance preferences. Whether you opt for the standard turbocharged engine or the sportier Polestar-engineered hybrid, the S60 provides a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Engine Options
- Standard Engine: The base S60 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces around 250 horsepower. It offers a smooth and composed ride with plenty of power for daily driving and highway cruising.
- Polestar Engineered: The top-of-the-line Polestar Engineered trim includes a more powerful hybrid setup, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined output of 415 horsepower, resulting in quick acceleration and exhilarating performance. The hybrid engine provides a perfect blend of power and efficiency, making it ideal for those who crave both performance and fuel savings.
- Hybrid Powertrains: The 2025 S60 offers several mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, aligning with Volvo’s environmental goals. The hybrid versions are designed to provide an efficient driving experience without compromising on power, and the plug-in hybrid can run on electric power alone for short commutes, making it a great option for eco-conscious drivers.
Driving Dynamics
Whether in the standard configuration or the high-performance Polestar model, the S60 offers a refined driving experience. It delivers precise steering and a well-tuned suspension, ensuring that the car is agile in corners yet comfortable during long drives. The ride is smooth, with the suspension absorbing most road imperfections, and the car feels stable at high speeds.
One of the standout features of the S60 is its balanced driving character—offering enough sportiness for driving enthusiasts while maintaining comfort for those who prioritize a relaxed ride.
4. Safety Features
As with all Volvo models, safety is a top priority for the 2025 S60. Volvo continues to equip its vehicles with a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect both occupants and pedestrians. The S60 includes Volvo’s Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that provides adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Other safety features include:
- City Safety: A collision avoidance system that can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, providing automatic braking if a potential collision is detected.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot, enhancing safety while changing lanes.
- Cross Traffic Alert: Helps detect approaching traffic when backing out of parking spaces, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Run-off Road Protection: If the car detects that it may unintentionally leave the roadway, it can steer the vehicle back into its lane and apply brakes to prevent an accident.
The 2025 Volvo S60 is expected to receive top safety ratings, and with Volvo’s commitment to a Vision 2020 goal of zero fatalities or serious injuries in new Volvo cars, the S60 continues to embody the brand’s safety-first philosophy.
5. Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 S60 incorporates Volvo’s latest Sensus Connect system, featuring a large vertically oriented touchscreen that integrates most of the car’s functions. The system is user-friendly and responsive, with improved processing speeds and a more intuitive interface.
Connectivity and Features
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration.
- A premium sound system from Harman Kardon enhances the in-car audio experience, with clear, rich sound quality.
- Volvo’s new Google Assistant integration allows voice control for various functions, from navigation to music and climate control, providing a more connected and hands-free experience.
Additionally, the S60 offers available head-up display, wireless charging, and navigation with real-time traffic updates, making it a well-equipped option for tech-savvy drivers.
6. Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the 2025 Volvo S60 depends on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base turbocharged engine should provide solid fuel economy figures, estimated around 23 MPG city / 34 MPG highway. For the plug-in hybrid version, the electric-only range is expected to be around 20-25 miles, with a total combined fuel economy exceeding 50 MPGe.
The hybrid models are an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying a premium driving experience.
7. Pricing and Value
The 2025 Volvo S60’s price is expected to start around $45,000 for the base Momentum trim, with higher trims like the R-Design or Inscription pushing the price closer to $50,000. The Polestar Engineered model will command a premium, likely starting around $60,000 or more, depending on additional options and packages.
While the S60 may not be the cheapest luxury sedan on the market, it offers a compelling value proposition with its combination of safety, performance, and Scandinavian design. Additionally, its hybrid options give buyers a more eco-friendly and cost-efficient choice.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volvo S60 is a standout in the compact luxury sedan segment, offering a refined design, strong performance, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier safety features. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver, a performance-oriented sedan, or a more sustainable hybrid, the S60 provides a variety of options to meet different needs.
With its combination of style, comfort, and advanced safety technology, the 2025 Volvo S60 is poised to remain a popular choice for those who value both luxury and practicality.