Used Volvo S60 for sale: everything you need to know

The Volvo S60 is now in its third generation, but unlike some models on the market, you’d struggle to draw a straight line between it and its two predecessors. Where the original was wide-hipped and sporty, and the second-generation high-tailed and sleek, the latest S60 is the most prestigious and well-proportioned yet.

It really is a handsome car, the Volvo S60, and that will be reason enough for some buyers to take the plunge. While the S60’s engine range is limited, Volvo has also tried to balance high performance with low emissions, while safety is, as ever, front and centre in Volvo’s mind: it limits all its cars to 112mph, and electronic driver aids dominate the standard equipment list.

What the S60 can’t do is entertain the driver in the way some of its rivals can, which is why alternatives like the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and especially the BMW 3 Series may also be on your shopping list, but Volvo’s different way of thinking certainly has its own appeal.

Should you buy a Volvo S60?

Like buying an Alfa Romeo Giulia or a Jaguar XE, choosing a Volvo S60 is for many a deliberate statement that you don’t want to follow the herd. Doing so hasn’t always secured you the best car, but the latest Volvo S60 certainly has plenty to recommend it, from handsome styling to a comfortable cabin and Volvo’s focus on safety - even if several cars in its class remain better to drive.

The S60 is also quite expensive new, but that’s less of a problem if you’re shopping used, with some hefty savings available compared to brand new examples. And at lower prices, the S60 really does begin to make a lot more sense, going some way to offsetting the limited engine choices.

That choice is currently between a front-wheel drive petrol and an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid, both using the same 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine at their core. The plug-in hybrid naturally boasts some enormous mpg figures and offers tax benefits, while both are strong performers - just don’t expect much engagement, and the four-cylinder engines ultimately aren’t quite as refined as some equivalently-priced six-cylinder rivals.

The Volvo really is a looker though and the cabin is well laid out and comfortable, with some fabulous seats, though comfort is limited in some models by a surprisingly firm ride quality. There’s a large infotainment screen as standard, but not all models will feature Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is an oversight that may deter some buyers.

Those looking for a more involving driving experience should probably seek out the ubiquitous BMW 3-series, which is still difficult to beat for its handling. The Alfa Romeo Giulia feels less substantial than the Volvo but is also more entertaining, and Jaguar’s XE scores well here too. For quality and prestige, the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are near the top of the class, while the Lexus IS is a left-field option with an excellent reliability record and frugal hybrid power.

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What’s the best used Volvo S60 model to buy?

With minimal tax advantages for used buyers between the B5 and T8 (see our section on road tax below), some of the T8’s plug-in hybrid advantage is wiped out as a used purchase. But make use of its 50-or-so miles of EV range and you could still see useful savings in terms of fuel, and you’ll still enjoy stronger performance. That said, the B5 is hardly slow and driven with moderation, it's not too thirsty either, and it’s cheaper to buy. While we’d opt for the T8 new, as a used car the B5 makes more sense.

Used Volvo S60 fuel economy and performance

• Volvo S60 B5: Previously named T5, like all petrol-powered modern Volvos the B5 uses a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 250PS (the same as when it was badged T5), and with a standard automatic gearbox gets from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Volvo claims up to 42.1mpg combined economy.
• Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid: While based around the same 2-litre petrol as the B5, a 145PS helping hand from an electric motor boosts the plug-in hybrid T8 to 310PS combined. All-wheel drive traction helps it cover 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, and up to 56.5 miles of EV range, and results in combined consumption of between 141.1mpg and 313.4mpg.

What used Volvo S60 trim levels are available?

The Volvo S60’s trim levels have changed a little since its introduction in late 2018, but the three listed below represent the most recent S60 lineup at the time of writing. R-Design and Polestar Engineered models both have a sporty bias while Inscription leans towards luxury - though all S60s are well equipped.

Before any of the features beneath are included, standard kit for the S60 comprises an 8-speed automatic gearbox, cruise control, keyless go, automatic LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera, climate control, a 12.3-inch TFT driver display, 9-inch touchscreen, and heated front seats, plus the usual huge list of safety features you’d expect from a Volvo.

• The Volvo S60 R-Design gives you sports seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a lowered sports chassis, plug-in hybrid aside, which gets a comfort-oriented ‘Dynamic Chassis’ setup.
• The Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered builds on R-Design spec with a heated steering wheel, uprated brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, Polestar emblems, gold-coloured seatbelts, and special Polestar settings for the suspension, engine and gearbox.
• The Volvo S60 Inscription adds leather trim to the standard S60 specification, plus driftwood interior inlays, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, a crystal gear lever knob, and the standard ‘Dynamic Chassis’ setup.

Used Volvo S60 dimensions and boot size

The Volvo S60’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4761mm
• Width: 1916mm (mirrors folded), 2040mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1437mm

The Volvo S60’s boot size is:

• 427 litres (plug-in hybrid 391 litres)

Used Volvo S60 road tax

For new buyers the T8 plug-in hybrid offers significant tax incentives over the B5 petrol, but as a private, used buyer, that advantage diminishes somewhat, since high list prices mean all S60s attract the government’s VED or ‘road tax’ surcharge for vehicles over £40,000. This applies from the second to sixth years of registration, and means the T8 is only £10 cheaper per year, at £560, than the B5. This currently drops to £180 per year for the B5 and £170 per year for the T8 from the seventh year onwards.

How much is it to insure a Volvo S60?

Volvo S60 insurance ratings are a little higher than some rivals, partly due to the S60’s limited engine range making for a slightly higher starting point than equivalent vehicles. A B5 in R-Design trim starts in group 34 out of 50 (for comparison, an entry-level BMW 320i Sport starts in group 29), rising to group 43 for a Polestar Engineered T8.

Read our full Volvo S60 review