2023 Volvo S60 Recharge

Last year's Volvo S60 Recharge was available in two flavors and had the option of an extended-range battery thrown into the mix halfway through the year. 2023 offers a consolidated product, taking the best of the older model and presenting one powerful, sleek, and compelling package. All of the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge models now have the same potent 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid setup and the bigger battery that was labeled as an 'Extended Range' variant last year. This allows for an all-electric range of up to 41 miles and makes for improved fuel economy figures of 74 MPGe, all without hamstringing the sleek sedan's ability to blast off the line. Is it better to drive than a BMW 3 Series Hybrid? In the expensive Polestar Engineered trim, we think it is. Whether it's worth the price asked for it is another question entirely.

With a new structure in the lineup, the price of the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge in the USA varies quite a bit. The base Core model has a starting price of $51,250, while the next step up is the Plus, priced at $53,950. The Ultimate goes for $56,700, while the fully-loaded Polestar Engineered will cost you $68,050. The quoted figures are MSRP for the Volvo S60 Recharge and don't include the $1,095 destination fee.

All models in the S60 Recharge lineup now have the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which is augmented by electric motors for impressive specs of 455 hp combined. The 523 lb-ft of torque makes for acceleration that is quite surprising in a car that looks so meek: the S60 Recharge will dispatch the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds - almost two full seconds quicker than gas-only models. Acceleration isn't the only party trick here, however, and the S60 Recharge proves to be both comfortable for passengers and delightful for the pilot. Somewhat disappointingly, the S60's top speed is limited to 112 mph, which is a bit of a contrast to the blistering acceleration it offers.

That being said, the S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid is still a fun car to drive, especially if you opt for the Polestar Engineered version, which comes with bespoke chassis tuning courtesy of Ohlins shocks, Polestar Engineered springs, and Brembo brakes. This gives the sedan genuinely sporty handling while allowing the driver to remain in complete control without having to sacrifice comfort. The S60 Recharge is the very definition of a sleeper sedan in our books.

With the changes to the new Volvo S60 Recharge sedan range, the compact cruiser has been blessed with the impressive specs previous year models had available optionally. The bigger battery that's now standard has also increased the all-electric range somewhat, and while 41 miles isn't mindblowing, it's enough for most. Naturally, the Volvo S60 Recharge has excellent reviews for safety, and added to its comfortable, classy cabin, there's the element of fun that's to be had in Polestar Engineered trim. It's a worthy consideration against obvious choices from BMW, but it does get a little pricy. It's not everyone's cup of tea at almost $70k, when a hybrid BMW 3 Series costs almost $25k less - but comes with significantly less power. We'd happily choose the Swedish alternative in the class when it's the S60 Recharge.

Plus models are mid-range and come in around the $55k mark; this trim offers all the conveniences and comforts, including dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, park assist, pilot assist, leather upholstery, front-seat heating, and a high-performance audio system. It makes the most sense from a value perspective, although if it were our money, we'd go all out for the Polestar Engineered trim with its sporty underpinnings and model-specific tweaks.