2020 Volvo S60

Volvo continues to offer the S60 in four trim levels, however, the range-topping Polestar trim will be reviewed separately. Starting with the base Momentum model, you get features like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable, and heated driver's seat, and a newly standard 12.3-inch instrument panel display. Opting for the R-Design model adds a lot of sporty exterior elements, a sport steering wheel with paddles, four-zone climate control, premium leather, and fabric upholstery, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats.

The Inscription model builds on the Momentum trim with features like LED fog lights, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment, and memory function. You can also opt for the luxury seating package with the Inscription model that adds premium leather upholstery, and upgraded front seats with ventilation and massage functions. All models can be equipped with several feature packages like the Premium package, Multimedia package, and other standalone options.

Which trim should you buy?

Since the base Momentum model is very well equipped with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, simulated leather upholstery, and more, it offers the best value among the rest. The Momentum trim is also available with both the T5 and T6 powertrains, with the latter including all-wheel-drive. The Momentum trim also gets plenty of optional packages to spruce up your ride, thus coming out to be a sensible option in the lineup.

Thanks to the small turbocharged power plant, the Volvo S60 returns good figures in the city and an impressive 43 MPG on the highway. However, it is far from class-leading, and if you’re looking for more performance and efficiency, the T8 eAWD plug-in hybrid powertrain is the option to go for. The range is also average at 541 miles on the highway, thanks to a 15.9-gallon fuel tank.

Despite having the highest power output, the BMW 3 Series is also the most efficient option in its class by a small margin, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets the longest range, thanks to a larger fuel tank. It must be noted that only the Volvo S60 offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain that may sway environmentally conscious buyers. All the sedans except the Mercedes come with a fuel tank of between 15 to 16 gallons and offer a very similar range.

On the inside, the S60 sports a typical Volvo interior with an elegant and simple design. The quality of materials used is excellent throughout, and even in areas where you least expect it. Modern touches like the standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the massive central touchscreen display improve the overall ambiance. For the 2020 model, Volvo has also added enhanced ambient lighting on the higher trims. With plenty of space in both rows, even taller adults won't complain. Front bucket seats come as standard and include features like heating, ventilation, and even massaging on the higher trims.

Thoughtfully placed storage areas are provided around the cabin, including a massive center console bin. Since most of the controls are done through the tablet-style touch screen placed in the middle, the overall dashboard gets a simple design with wood and chrome accents. Rear seat occupants are also pampered in luxury with heating and comfortable leather seats. Unfortunately, trunk space is limited to just 11.6 cubic feet, placing it among the lowest in its class in terms of practicality. Fortunately, the rear seats can be folded in a 60/40 split configuration to increase space.

Although passenger space is similar across the board, the Volvo S60 is the least practical option in its class because of the limited cargo space on offer. The BMW 3 Series is the most spacious option at 17 cubic feet, followed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 at 12.6 and 12 cubic feet, respectively. Some notable interior features include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions (Polestar)
• A 12.3-inch digital instrument console
• Premium leather upholstery

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Volvo continues to offer its 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s vertically mounted on the center console. Dubbed as "Sensus,” the system controls almost every aspect of the car including the climate controls and audio system. However, it can get frustrating at times since there are no physical shortcuts for most functions. Fortunately, Volvo at least provides a central volume knob and a useful home button for quick access.

As expected with a modern luxury sedan, features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and more are available as standard. The base Momentum model also gets a 10-speaker audio system, which is swapped out for a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system on the mid-level trims, and a premium 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins system on the Polestar Engineered model. The standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster also displays various important information and gauges. Some notable infotainment features include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Satellite and HD radio
• 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system (Polestar ENgineered)
• Configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster
• Bluetooth, USB, and built-in navigation

With the signature Thor’s hammer headlights at the front and a sleek overall design, the 2020 Volvo S60 looks excellent in the flesh. Volvo has taken a minimalist approach with the S60, and subtle design elements like flared wheel arches and a bold shoulder line complement the sporty design.

The standard 18-inch alloy wheels gel well with the design theme and make the S60 look as fast as it goes. At the rear, the dual outlet exhausts, C-shaped taillamps, and the subtle diffuser complete the overall design.

In terms of dimensions, the Volvo S60 is slightly bigger than its competitors, and also has a longer wheelbase. The Audi A4 takes the second spot, followed by the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. When comparing the curb weight of the sedans in the competition, the Audi A4 is the lightest option at 3,417 lbs. Some notable exterior features include:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Dual outlet exhausts
• Signature Thor’s Hammer DRLs
• C-shaped LED taillights

With the latest generation, the S60 is based on Volvo’s modern SPA platform that underpins several of their models all the way up to the XC90 SUV. Volvo as a brand has always been known for its safety, and the S60 continues that trend with near-perfect scores in both the IIHS and NHTSA safety tests. It also secured the Top Safety Pick award when equipped with adaptive LED headlights.

All models also get plenty of active safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. Features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a lot more are available as options. Some standard safety features available with the sedan include:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Lane keep assist
• Road sign assistance
• Driver drowsiness detection
• Run-off road mitigation

2020 Volvo S60 vs 2020 Audi A4

The Audi A4 has always been one of the best-selling luxury compact cars. It also offers a more balanced package compared to the S60 with better handling, efficient powertrain options, and the signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Audi also gets a better infotainment system that's easier to use. In terms of practicality, passenger space is similar between the two, but the Audi A4 offers more cargo space. Overall, the Audi A4 is a better choice overall if you’re looking for an all-rounder executive sedan.

2020 Volvo S60 vs 2020 BMW 3 Series

BMWs have always been the best handling options in its class, and the 3 Series follow the same trend. With a rear-wheel-drive powertrain and a lively turbocharged engine, the BMW 3 Series is thoroughly entertaining to drive. The advantages don't end there, the BMW also offers a lot more interior space and cargo capacity compared to the Volvo S60. Once again, Volvo’s complicated Sensus infotainment system is overshadowed by BMW’s capable iDrive system that includes some modern features like gesture controls, voice control, and more. If you’re looking for a driver’s car, the BMW 3 Series is definitely worth the higher price tag.

2020 Volvo S60 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has always stood out with its elegant and high-tech interiors while still offering excellent performance. The C-Class also gets a more capable powertrain with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Both the Volvo and the Mercedes take a different approach to interior design and features. However, several elements carried over from the S-Class and a higher quality interior makes the C-Class feel a lot more luxurious than the Volvo S60. The C-Class also trumps the S60 in terms of practicality with more cargo space and a well-packaged interior. As a luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is easily the pick of the two.

With a long feature list, powerful drivetrain options, and athletic handling, the Volvo S60 has all the makings of an excellent sports sedan. Considered as an underdog in its segment, the S60 is an excellent choice that balances performance and luxury, especially if you’re looking for an advanced hybrid powertrain. But, shortcomings like the frustrating infotainment system and a limited base powertrain spoil the fun to a certain extent. Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and fun luxury sedan, the 2020 Volvo S60 should definitely be considered.