2023 Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate test drive review

The automotive landscape is rapidly changing, with a growing number of buyers wanting a little bit of everything. Volvo knows this, and with typical Scandinavian grace, has embraced this shift with its 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate Black Edition. Combining performance, style, luxury and efficiency, the S60 Recharge aims high — and hits the bullseye. See Volvo S60 models for sale near you.

Price and value 

The S60 Recharge Ultimate is one of the best values on the luxury performance market. The MSRP range for the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge is $52,345-$69,145. The Recharge version of the S60 is available in five trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes turbocharged and electrified motors, an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below. See S60 listings

• Core: $52,345 See listings

Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade 

Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play Store

Blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert 

• Plus: $55,045 See listings

Pilot assist 

360-degree camera 

Adaptive cruise control 

• Ultimate: $57,795 See listings

Harman Kardon Premium Sound 

Graphical head-up display

Power cushion extension

• Ultimate Black Edition: $57,950 See listings

Metallic paint 

Black front and rear badging and grille 

Charcoal leather and headliner

• Polestar Engineered: $69,145 See listings

Polestar engineered chassis 

Polestar engineered 19-inch forged wheels

Polestar engineered Brembo brakes

We really enjoyed our Ultimate Black Edition and thought it was a good value, but be aware, it is very black. With almost no color or contrast inside or out, we’d recommend sticking with the regular Ultimate trim. 

Volvo’s S60 Recharge is right in line with the rest of the segment. Limited warranty coverage is good for four years or 50,000 miles, Powertrain for four years or 50,000 miles. Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Volvo includes three years or 36,000 miles worth of maintenance. 

Performance 

Under the hood is a supremely smooth and exhilarating 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine combined with a rear-mounted electric motor. Together, they combine to produce 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Car and Driver clocked its 0-60 mph pace at just 4.1 seconds. Very quick. Step on the gas and power comes instantly and smoother than pouring cream into a hot cup of coffee. Browse all Volvo listings

It’s also capable of 41 miles of electric-only driving. This means that should you charge at home, you could go days, even weeks without having to fill up with the ol’ petrol. The S60 Recharge is one of the best plug-in hybrids we’ve tested and makes absolute sense as a daily driver, even purely as an electric vehicle. And when you want to get on it, it’s a riot. Put the accelerator down and you’ll be giggling all the way to your middle management job downtown. 

Lest you think this all sounds too aggressive, Volvo is quick to remind you of its safety priorities. Case in point: There is no sport mode in this car. There is a Power Mode, but as Tim Allen would say, that’s just for “more power!” and not necessarily track driving. 

It’s not aggressive or harsh, nor is it a track star — nor does it even want to be. It simply is what it is: a fun, fast, classy, luxurious, sporty, efficient and safe daily driver. When all is said and done, we’re confident you won’t be disappointed in this sweet Swede. 

Interior comfort and convenience 

If you haven’t experienced the uniquely luxurious interiors of Volvo in recent years, you’re missing out. They’re some of our favorites. Minimalist, modern and classic all at the same time, the S60 Recharge Ultimate is a wonderful place to spend time, even if the Black Edition piles on a bit too much in the way of dark materials. 

Volvo’s seats have always been some of the best in the industry, and that extends here. They’re soft and comfortable, with bolsters that support every inch of your back, sides and thighs. The back seat space is adequate for two adults, and the rear heated seat functionality is a delight. Your always cold child will thank you. 

Across the board, the materials all feel premium with high-quality leather, genuine wood trim and stylish brushed metals. The Orrefors crystal gear selector is always a beautiful touch and something genuinely unique in this segment. The interior as a whole feels well thought out, with nice touchpoints and spot on ergonomics. Long road trips? Yes, please.

If the S60 Recharge Ultimate has a misfire, it’s with its infotainment. After a week of driving, we still weren’t used to it. The thin, small font and icons were a challenge to read and navigate at a glance. With some tweaks it would be more usable, but for now, it’s a bit tedious. At least the optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins stereo sounds amazing.

Exterior appearance and functionality 

Simply put, the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate Black Edition is one of the most understated and underrated-looking cars on the luxury market today. It’s uber handsome, with just right proportions and just enough sport and muscle mixed in to keep its athletic physique present. 

While other manufacturers are going big and bold, the Volvo looks decidedly more modern, yet classic. We have no doubt this will still look good in the decades to come.

As for functionality, Volvo is your best friend here. With its continued emphasis on safety, everything from the lights, turn signals, mirrors and overall visibility is excellent.

Safety and awards 

Safety is Volvo’s calling card, and its reputation continues with the Recharge. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Good scores (the highest possible) across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some of the standard safety features on the S60 Recharge Ultimate include: 

• LED headlights

• Blind spot information system with steer assist

• Collision avoidance

• Pilot assist

• Lane departure warning

• Oncoming mitigation braking

The 2023 S60 Recharge was awarded the 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric Car by U.S. News & World Report. It has also been highly praised by many other publications for its powerful and efficient powertrain and pleasant driving dynamics. Check out S60 listings

Final impression 

We think the S60 Recharge Ultimate is a stupendously good car for daily driving. The name of the game with this Swedish super trouper is just begging customers to take a chance on it. Aside from a slight lack of storage and an iffy infotainment system, it’s hard to find fault with this car. It hits the mark in practically every way. Don’t let this one slip through your fingers, folks — it’s absolutely worth checking out. 

Thank you for the music, Volvo S60 Recharge Ultimate. We already miss it. Find your dancing queen KSL Cars. 

FAQs 

Is the 2023 S60 Recharge fun to drive? 

Absolutely. Its thrust is amazing but it’s still very easy to drive. Whether in full EV mode or driving with both motors going, you’ll have a great time.

Is it good for families? 

Maybe not as your primary vehicle, but as a second car, sure — if you only have two kids. This really is more of a four-seater. Cargo and storage space is also slightly lacking, but the S60 will be just fine on shorter trips and errands.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com