Volvo S60 2020 Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size car market, BBA (BMW, Benz, Audi) has long been the mainstream, but more and more consumers are starting to pay attention to second-tier luxury brands that focus more on safety and environmental protection. As a new energy option in this segment, the 2020 Volvo S60 T8 PHEV R-Design, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, high performance parameters, and Volvo’s iconic safety features, has become a top choice for buyers seeking balance. This review focuses on its design, spatial practicality, performance, and daily driving experience to see whether this car can truly establish itself in the competitive market.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2020 S60 T8 R-Design leans toward sportiness without being ostentatious. The front features Volvo's signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, paired with a blackened vertical grille, giving it a high level of recognition. The side profile presents sleek lines, while the 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and 235/40 R19 tire specifications further enhance the sporty feel. At the rear, the "Viking Axe" LED tail lights are striking when lit, and the dual exhaust layout with R-Design's exclusive badge clearly establishes its performance orientation. The entire exterior avoids excessive decoration, with clean and sharp lines consistent with Volvo’s signature design language.

Upon entering the interior, the black-dominant color scheme is complemented by silver trim and R-Design exclusive sports seats, giving an overall solid texture. The dashboard layout is simple, with a 9-inch touchscreen as the core control area. The system's operation logic is clear, and its response speed is decent, though some functions requiring multiple layers of menu navigation can feel slightly cumbersome. In terms of features, the standard equipment includes a HUD head-up display, a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, and a Harman Kardon 14-speaker audio system, enhancing the sense of technology and luxury. The front seats offer electric adjustment, while the driver's seat comes with a memory function. The leather upholstery provides good support, making long drives less tiring.

In terms of dimensions, the 2020 S60 T8 measures 4,761mm in length, 1,850mm in width, and 1,431mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,872mm. The front row is spacious, and for a passenger who is 175cm tall, there is a fist-width of headroom and sufficient legroom. The rear seat space is standard for a mid-size car, offering about two fists of legroom for passengers of similar height; however, the headroom feels slightly cramped at just four fingers of clearance. The trunk has a capacity of 442 liters, adequate for everyday storage of two suitcases, but due to battery placement, the rear seats cannot be folded down, somewhat limiting flexibility. Storage spaces, such as the front central armrest box and door panel compartments, are quite practical. The rear row also features independent air conditioning vents and two USB ports, meeting family usage needs.

In terms of power, the 2020 S60 T8 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system. The system offers a combined maximum output of 390PS and a peak torque of 640N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is just 4.4 seconds. While driving, switching to Sport mode delivers quick starts and accelerations; deep pressing the accelerator during overtakes provides a noticeable push-back feel, with responsive power delivery. In Economy mode, the car prioritizes electric drive, and the vibrations and noise during engine engagement are well-controlled, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel provides precise turning with minimal play, feels light at low speeds, and steady at high speeds, making the overall feel quite comfortable. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension effectively filters out most small vibrations on bumpy urban roads, and the impact when going over speed bumps is relatively gentle. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, the suspension offers sufficient support, and with the addition of the all-wheel-drive system, the overall stability is commendable.

As a plug-in hybrid model, the official pure electric range is 49km. For daily commuting within a 40km range, it can essentially operate on pure electric mode. In our tests under urban traffic conditions, pure electric range efficiency is about 85%, with power consumption around 16kWh/100km. In a depleted battery state, fuel consumption is about 7.5L/100km. The overall performance meets expectations. The braking system delivers linear braking force, with a 100km/h braking distance of approximately 38 meters, which is excellent in its class.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle's noise control is well-executed. At speeds below 100km/h, wind and tire noise are not noticeable, with only the engine making a slightly louder sound during rapid acceleration. The seats offer good wrapping and support, ensuring long-period rides are not tiring. The energy regeneration system offers three adjustable levels; the highest level provides a noticeably strong drag effect, while the lowest level is close to the gliding experience of fuel-powered vehicles, allowing for adjustment based on personal preferences.

Overall, the 2020 Volvo S60 T8 PHEV R-Design's main advantages lie in its safety features, the combination of plug-in hybrid performance with environmental benefits, and its decent driving and riding quality. Compared to peer-level plug-in hybrid models from BBA, it offers better pricing and richer configurations, especially with safety features being almost maxed out. However, rear seat space and trunk flexibility are its drawbacks.

This vehicle is suitable for consumers who focus on safety, prefer a low-key luxurious style, and have certain environmental demands, such as families or young professionals seeking balanced performance. If there's regular access to charging, pure electric commuting can further reduce usage costs. Overall, the 2020 S60 T8 R-Design is a well-rounded luxury mid-size plug-in hybrid car that, with its own unique features, can attract a specific group of consumers in a competitive market.