2021 Volvo S60

Prices for the 2021 Volvo S60 with the base Momentum T5 model start from MSRP $38,950. At this starting price, the 2021 S60 comes fully equipped with standard leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a nine-inch infotainment screen, and even blind-spot monitoring control with rear-cross traffic alert, to name a few. But despite all these credentials, the 2021 Volvo S60 is not without competition. The compact sedan segment also includes the BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, and the Mercedes-Benz C-class. 

The 2021 Volvo S60 is available in Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The T5 powertrain equips a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with front-wheel drive as standard. Entry-level equipment with the 2021 S60 T5 Momentum includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power trunk lid, panoramic sunroof, full LED exterior lights, keyless entry, cruise control, etc. On the inside, there are power front seats with driver-seat memory, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch infotainment screen that gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connection. 

Which Trim should you buy?

With the T5 powertrain, the R-Design is fitted with all the bells and whistles that Volvo has to offer with the 2021 S60. Its interior is top-notch and plush with Nappa leather and driftwood inlays. With a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system as part of the standard features, the immersive experience of the cabin can be really felt. The R-Design does justice to its price tag and impressive comfort and safety features list. 

The 2021 S60 is more of a cruiser than a performance car. The base T5 powertrain does lack the kick, but it has enough power at 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to take this midsize compact sedan from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The smooth and consistent 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across the S60 line-up, with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options available. 

For more performance thrill, the S60 Recharge with the plug-in hybrid produces 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, which helps it go from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Furthermore, the Polestar engineered T8 engine turns up the heat with 415 hp and 492 lb-ft of torque, and it can do the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds. Both of these variants are reviewed separately.

The Volvo S60 with the T5 powertrain is not the quickest in the lot, followed by the Genesis G70, with 6.1 seconds and 6.2 seconds, respectively, in their 0-60 mph sprints. Both Germans, the BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are quicker and more powerful at 255 hp, each when it comes to their performance output.

How well does the 2021 Volvo S60 handle?

Volvo has stuck true to its cause with the S60. The T5 Powertrain does feel underpowered, but there’s enough power on tap to not feel lethargic at all. Coupling that to Volvo’s superior suspension setting, the 2021 S60 soaks up bumps without much to feel. And it's this supreme level of comfort that keeps you so well engrossed that higher speeds seem effortless. 

However, steering feedback from the electronically assisted steering wheel feels cut off, but the response seems accurate and quick enough around corners. The 2021 Volvo S60 may not be able to boast quick acceleration figures like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but it is not a slow car either. 

2021 Volvo S60 Braking Performance

The brakes on the S60 are not the biggest in its competition. The T5 model gets 11.8-inch brake rotors at the front and 11.9-inch brake rotors at the rear. Its curb weight of 3882 lbs makes the 2021 S60 the heaviest midsize sedan. The stopping distance however feels acceptable at 117 feet.

The 2021 Genesis G70 has bigger brakes with 13-inch rotors at the back and 13.6-inch rotors at the front. The Mercedes-Benz C-class gets 13-inch brake rotors at the front, but the rear rotors were 11.8-inches, similar to the BMW 3 Series. The Merc is the lightest of the lot, so expect it to stop a lot quicker than the rest.

With the base T5 powertrain paired to front-wheel drive, the 2021 S60 returns 23/34/27 mpg in city/highway/combined driving cycles respectively. These numbers fall by one mpg when equipped with AWD. With a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, the 2021 S60 has a marginal advantage over the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70 in terms of range.

The 2021 C-Class gets the biggest fuel tank in this competition at 17.4 gals. It can travel the most - up to 609 miles on the highway. The BMW 3 Series is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in this competition with 26/36/30 mpg in city/highway/combined situations but with a 15.6 gal. fuel tank, its range comes up short. 

The interior of the 2021 Volvo S60 represents the epitome of Swedish elegance. Only the best of materials have been used throughout the cabin, with wood inlays and leather upholstery found even in the cheapest models. All in all, the long list of comfort features available with the 2021 S60 will leave you impressed, but when it comes to space, the interior doesn’t seem to boast much of it. 

As standard, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and simulated leather upholstery. Opting for the Climate package gets you heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel while the Advanced package gets you interior ambient lighting. With the roof lowered in the name of style, it eats into the S60’s headroom space.

Legroom is a bit of a mixed-bag situation, for the front row might boast of 56.1 inches of legroom space, but to achieve the second row's 35.2-inch legroom space the front seats will have to be moved further. Cargo space is also at best average in the S60 with just 11.6 cu-ft of cargo space, the BMW 3 Series gets 13 cu-ft of cargo space. 

The Volvo S60 is the not most spacious of the lot. In fact, even the front row feels cramped. The Genesis G70 has the most spacious front row closely followed by the BMW 3 Series. When it comes to cargo capacity, BMW takes the lead offering 13.0 cu ft. But still, these are too low for a sedan. The G70 has traded the cargo space for more interior room. Standout interior features:

• Heated front and rear seats
• Sport seats (front)
• Ventilated and massaging front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Nappa leather upholstery in a wide range of colors
• 10-way power-adjustable synthetic leather seats
• Electrically folding rear head restraints for better visibility when required
• CleanZone with Air Quality monitor and cleaner

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The infotainment system of the 2021 Volvo S60 consists of a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen system, which houses most of the controls from air conditioning, suspension settings, to music controls. This might be tricky to use in the beginning and getting used to it takes time. Smartphone connectivity in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available, alongside Bluetooth connectivity, FM radio, and SiriusXM. 

The entry-level Momentum T5 model gets a 10-speaker sound system while the R-Design and Inscription models get a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. There’s also a Sensus Navigation Pro system available with the upper trims. Standout infotainment features:

• 9-inch touch-screen
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Bluetooth
• 10-speaker stereo
• Satellite radio
• Heads up display
• Sensus Connect & Navigation

Subtle and elegant, are words that can describe the exterior design of the 2021 Volvo S60. Right from the hammer-shaped headlights to the understated grille with the familiar Volvo logo, Swedish elegance is evident in every corner. The S90’s shadow is visible in the S60’s silhouette, especially in its short overhangs and long nose.

As standard, you get 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, and auto-dimming exterior and rearview mirrors. 19-inch wheels are available as an option too. Upgrading to the R-Design trim gets you unique R-Design styling and sporty characteristics. 

Ironically, the 2021 Volvo S60 has the longest wheelbase in the competition at 113 in. It also sits high with a ground clearance of 5.8 inches and with a weight of 3882 lbs, it is the heaviest sedan in the midsize segment as well. The BMW 3-Series is relatively wider than the rest which explains its exceptional handling capabilities. Standout exterior features: 

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights and taillights
• Heated mirrors
• Panoramic sunroof
• Sport-tuned suspension

The S60 is pretty well-equipped with safety features and sturdy build quality; it does not differ much from 2020 MY which IIHS declared their Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA also gives the 2021 S60 an overall rating of five stars. Besides the federal recognition, standard safety features across all 2021 S60 models are ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, seven airbags, hill start assist, lane keep assist, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, along with both front and rear collision avoidance systems. There’s also the automaker’s driver-assist system, named the Pilot Assist, that allows the driver to remove their hand from the steering wheel for a few moments, while the car maintains a safe following distance. Standout safety features:

• Road departure mitigation
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Oncoming collision mitigation
• Traffic sign recognition
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear parking sensors

2021 Volvo S60 vs 2021 Genesis G70

In a market dominated by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz - the Genesis G70 comes across as a breath of fresh air. The G70 is luxurious and is loaded to the brim with a lot of comfort and safety features. In fact, the G70 enjoys the benefit of RWD. But without any hybrid options, the G70 might not be as versatile as the Volvo. But with an eager powertrain, and engaging driving feel the G70 feels more enjoyable to drive over the S60.

2021 Volvo S60 vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series has got spectacular engines and thrilling ride experiences in the form of excellent driving dynamics. The Volvo S60 has a potent turbo engine, with first-class seats and a minimalist cabin. It has the most cargo capacity on offer in the segment. Between the two, BMW is the one we would recommend.

2021 Volvo S60 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C Class

The Volvo S60 feels pretty basic compared to what the Mercedes-Benz has to offer. The Volvo S60 is 3000 USD less expensive than the Merc but the C Class is totally worth it. You get more power and better driving range thanks to the large fuel tank. Moreover, it feels more luxurious than the Volvo. Between the two, we would always recommend the Merc.

The 2021 Volvo S60 is in no way less attractive than any German car. This compact sedan gets a luxurious interior decorated with the nicest of materials, technology, and comfort features that are on par with the industry - the S60 is a proper modern car. But by discontinuing the T6 powertrain, Volvo has limited the choice to either the underpowered T5 or the T8 plug-in hybrid, and that might be a problem.