Item: Used Volvo S60 2018-present
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/used-review/n787">Audi A4</a>&nbsp;is a smooth and refined executive car. There are also more engine options available, particularly on the petrol side.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/used-review/n20393">BMW 3 Series&nbsp;</a>is a fine-driving car. Again, it’s not the biggest around, but it does have a very easy-to-use infotainment system.

Despite not being great to drive, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/used-review/n796">Mercedes&nbsp;C-Class</a>&nbsp;is spacious, well equipped and very efficient in C220d diesel guise.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">What Car? Newsletter here</a>

If you're interested in purchasing a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volvo/s60?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp">used S60</a>, or any of the other cars mentioned here, please check out or used deals site <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">here.</a>&nbsp;

Page 5 of 5

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

<h3 dir="ltr">Software issue</h3>

A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM)&nbsp;that&nbsp;sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. It applies to cars constructed between 26&nbsp;September&nbsp;2018&nbsp;and 30 October&nbsp;2018. Any&nbsp;Volvo dealer should be able to&nbsp;perform a software update to fix the issue.

<h3 dir="ltr">Loose rear suspension nut</h3>

There could be a problem with loose nuts and screws on the rear suspension of S60s made between 25 September 2018 and 1 April 2019. Contact your local dealer, because they'll be able to tell you if your car is affected. If it is, the bolts will be checked for tightness and replaced if necessary.&nbsp;

<h3>Automatic emergency braking (AEB)</h3>

The AEB system, which is supposed to apply the brakes when the forward collision sensors&nbsp;detect&nbsp;an imminent collision, might not actually do so. A software update is all that is required to sort the issue, and it&nbsp;applies to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/v60/estate/used-review/n19188">V60</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/s90/saloon/used-review/n833">S90</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/v90/estate/used-review/n841">V90</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/used-review/n17574">XC40</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc60/4x4/used-review/n978">XC60</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/used-review/n838">XC90</a> models built after 21 January 2019. The fix&nbsp;can be completed by any Volvo dealer, and owners should have been contacted regarding this. However,&nbsp;you can also speak with&nbsp;your local retailer for further information.

The S60 finished in ninth place out of 25 cars in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/volvo">Volvo</a> as a manufacturer&nbsp;ranked&nbsp;11th in the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey out of&nbsp;31 brands.&nbsp;

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-what-car-reliability-survey/n17798">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> pages for more information.

Page 3 of 5

Saloon

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

The Volvo S60 is safe and solid and impressive, but some of its rivals do things better

Used Volvo S60

<h3 dir="ltr">MPG</h3>

The 2.0 T5 petrol averages 41.5mpg under the latest WLTP tests, where the plug-in hybrid version, the T8, averages an extraordinary 166.2mpg. You probably won't see this figure in the real world, unless you charge it up regularly and your journeys are short, and the car fits into your lifestyle.&nbsp;

<h3 dir="ltr">Road tax</h3>

All versions of the S60 fall under the flat-rate fee of the current road tax system, unless it was worth more than £40,000 when new (including any factory-fitted optional extras). If it was, you will have to pay an additional surcharge every year until the car reaches six years of age. The road tax is currently £150 a year and the luxury tax £325 a year. To find out more about the current <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/car-tax-changes-in-2019-%E2%80%93-what-do-i-need-to-know/n1153">road tax costs, click here</a> for further information.

<h3 dir="ltr">Servicing</h3>

Volvo's servicing certainly isn’t the cheapest around, but you can spread the costs with a monthly service plan.

<h3 dir="ltr">Insurance</h3>

The cheapest S60 to insure is&nbsp;in group 34 and&nbsp;the plug-in hybrid T&nbsp;in 42. On the whole, the S60 sits in higher insurance groups than the Audi A4&nbsp;and could cost you more per year to insure.

Page 2 of 5

Used Volvo S60 2018-present

The Volvo S60 is safe and solid and impressive, but some of its rivals do things better

Prices for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/volvo">Volvo</a>&nbsp;S60 start at £18,000 for an early car with a high mileage, so it's best to budget for a spend between £21,000 and £25,000 or more for something with a more average number of miles from late-2018 or early 2019. Spend between £25,000 and £30,000 on a used 2020 car, more for the plug-in hybrid versions.&nbsp;

Check the value of a used Volvo V60 with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-valuation/">What Car? Valuations</a>

Engine

We would seek out the 2.0 T5 version, either in earlier pure petrol form or in later petrol and hybrid version. It's punchy, smooth and economical.&nbsp;

Trims

As far as trims go, we'd look for the regular R-Design trim, which is well equipped and reasonably priced used.&nbsp;

Our favourite Volvo S60: 2.0 T5 R-Design

Page 4&nbsp;of 5

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

Look out for any bodywork damage, such as dents and scratches. Make sure the bumpers don’t have any scrapes, because they can’t always be repaired and replacements are expensive.

Make sure the alloy wheels haven't been kerbed, because not only can they be costly to repair, but they also might be hiding some more serious suspension alignment issues.

Volvo offers some light-coloured trim options that might start to look grubby if not kept clean.

After years of producing good, solid and notably safe cars,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volvo">Volvo</a> has been busy injecting some much-needed style into its cars in recent years. Now, far from being known for its slab-sided and rather dreary estates, the Swedish firm is an exemplar of the cool Scandi-style school of thought.

This S60 executive saloon, launched at the end of 2018,&nbsp; added&nbsp;a much-needed dash of extra style and panache to its normally staid class, and it stands out even among such highbrow rivals as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/used-review/n787">Audi A4</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/used-review/n20393">BMW 3 Series</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/used-review/n796">Mercedes C-Class.</a>&nbsp;

Now, good looks aren’t everything; you'll need a bit of muscle to back things up. And interestingly, on that theme, under the bonnet of the handsome S60&nbsp;you'll find only petrol engines: a 247bhp 2.0-litre T5 and a 385bhp 2.0-litre T8 plug-in hybrid initially, changed after a 2020 facelift to the 2.0 B5P, which was now a regular petrol-electric hybrid engine,&nbsp;and 2.0 T8 Recharge PHEV, which is a plug-in hybrid. There's also a sportier version of the PHEV engine known as the Polestar Engineered.&nbsp;

Initially, trims on offer were Inscription and R-Design. R-Design is for those wanting something sporty, because it has lowered suspension, larger (18in) alloy wheels and gloss black exterior pieces. Inscription is the even more luxurious model, with wood inlays inside&nbsp;and plenty of chrome outside.

Only one trim is offered on post-2020 cars: R-Design Edition. This is seriously well equipped, with 19in alloys, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a driver head-up display, climate control, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The plug-in hybrid Polestar Engineered T8 versions have&nbsp;19in alloys, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system and a set of expensive Ohlins adjustable dampers and a bespoke suspension tune.

With many illustrious rivals in the mix, the S60 needs to be decent to drive. Fortunately,&nbsp;it is.&nbsp; The most disappointing thing about the S60 is its uncomfortable ride. That’s partly because the only version on sale at present has relatively stiff sports suspension fitted as standard. It’s a setup that delivers a decidedly firm ride no matter what speed you’re doing, although things are worst around town. More comfortable executive saloons include the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/saloon/review/n105">Audi A4</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/xe/saloon/review/n69">Jaguar XE</a>.

The S60’s lumpy ride would be easier to accept were it as fun to drive as its rivals, such as the 3 Series and Giulia. However, it actually leans more through tight twists and turns, and is generally less willing to change direction in the first place.

Not to be outdone by the competition, you can personalise your driving experience with the various driving modes available.&nbsp;You can make the steering lighter or heavier, alter the brake pedal feel and also make the accelerator response sharper.

Where the S60 differs most from its predecessor&nbsp;is inside, where there’s far&nbsp;more room for both people and luggage. The driver and front passenger have very comfortable seats&nbsp;with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. The raised centre console and well-padded&nbsp;door-mounted armrests are great for long journeys, too.

Rear seat occupants also get lots of space to spread out, although fitting three adults across the rear bench would be pushing it. The boot is a good size, too.&nbsp;

If you're interested in purchasing a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volvo/s60?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp">used S60</a>, or any of the other cars mentioned here, please check out or used deals site <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">here.</a>&nbsp;

Page 1 of 5

Used Volvo S60 2018-present review

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Volvo S60 saloon?