2023 Daily Motor Car of the Year: Volvo S60

[@brock8140]

I wish more people would spec the Bowers and Wilkins, it's quite a chore trying to find one for a reasonable price on the used market

[@Radykall1]

$3200 is a pretty significant price for a sound option. I spec'd one on the website and that was the thing I took off as well. It's not like Harmon Kardon is bad in the first place

[@brock8140]

@@Radykall1 I get where you're coming from, but when something is this good and such a selling point for the vehicle I think it's definitely justifiable

[@JakeDrives1]

@@Radykall1I had HK sound in my 2021 XC60. It underwhelmed me for the brand name and the overall price of the vehicle. I had several sub 35k GM sedans with Pioneer and Bose that were as good or better than the HK. My 2023 XC60 has the Bowers.. it’s worth every penny… Check the box and don’t look back. I’ve had many many cars, all with name brand sound systems. B&W turns you into a total audio snob. Everyone who gets in the car is astonished. Including myself.

[@CarSteve]

You certainly don't find it on the S60 too often. I found one dealer that seemed to get it on about 1/4 of the T8s, whereas I never found a single one at other dealers. Most people want the lowest payment and this adds a lot to financing and/or lease payments. It really is an incredible experience.

[@Polarocket]

Case in point, I’ve initially specced my MY23 V60 Cross Country with pretty much everything outside of perforated front seats (fell positively in love with the grainy, sturdy feel of the Moritz leather). As an audio enthusiast I wanted to verify and “feel” the superiority of B&W before pulling the trigger and, as part of my due diligence routine, I sampled some lossless tracks in HK and B&W equipped cars, back to back. Alas and to my great surprise, the difference was negligible. I was actually impressed with how good the HK sounded, especially at low to mid volumes. This took a few days to process because I “wanted” to have the B&W. I’ll be the first to admit that technical parameters are objective and that driver quality / amp power all speak in B&W’s favor, but I was simply unable to justify opting for something that doesn’t sound “better” to me in practical terms, and I don’t like my speakers blaring. This is not to discredit the many people who swear by B&W being miles better; I just found out that to a person who appreciates audio quality the HK system is up there in terms of subjective impressions. I strongly suggest to take some time to compare both (using proper audio sources) and find out for yourself.

[@levonyoung3749]

I got a 2012 T5 1.5 years ago it’s my first car im 17 and I love it! Absolutely luxurious and beautiful! Even the 2012 is still nice here in 2024!

[@kevinwang0206]

I had a 2018 xc60 SPA T5. And recently got another Volvo XC40 recharge Twin. Volvo. For life.

[@robmrsh]

Had my 21 S60 Inscription AWD for almost 2 years and put 40k miles on it. I love it. It’s so refined and such a great, relaxing vehicle. Such a treat to own. Currently considering upping to a 24 so I can have the new android infotainment along with mild hybrid and improved pilot assist

[@mattharbinger2448]

I picked up a 2024 S60 Recharge Ultimate w/ Bowers, in large part thanks to videos like this. Went with denim blue on brown - that wood interior trim is gorgeous. Put in my order in July and took delivery in November. That 4-month wait was excruciating. Loving it so far!

[@CarSteve]

I have the brown interior as well. It's very nice and you don't see it too often on the S60s. Brown also gets you the black headliner, which I like.

[@pietterson98]

Maaan me too. Ive ordered mine instead of cclass and 3 series in August. Cant wait to pick it up at the end of November 😂 Longestonths in my life.

[@Midgiemoon]

I drive a 2018 S60. It's the perfect car for my needs.

[@AndyFerdean]

Excellent car and well deserved award! I bought one after watching your last year reviews :))

[@teqnixdk]

This passenger POV is a very good addition to the video. Would love to see more videos - or parts of videos - with this POV.

[@bojanmilankovic]

My parents bought an '06 S60 new and I learned to drive on it. Absolute tank, though the turning radius was obscenely wide. I always called it 'the boat'. It lasted it until 2022 and 180,000 miles. The weird boutique European-ness of it made it expensive to service from the day the warranty went out, but there wasn't too terribly much that needed to be done to it throughout its life. Great cars. The 2023 looks really nice.

[@ahome8089]

I have a 23 S90 with Lounge and Bowers. A wonderful and relaxing car to drive.

[@ericeng91]

Thanks for your (and TheTopher's) videos on this car. I actually just picked up this exact spec (23MY, thunder grey with wool interior and the b&w system) last week and love the car so far and your videos helped me really decide on the car and taught me a lot about it before I could get my hands on it. I'm in the Detroit area (pretty close to where TheTopher films) and work in the auto industry and have had the privilege of evaluating a lot of cars. I agree that volvo's implementation of the hybrid system is probably one of the best I've driven. Seamless power delivery and switching of the powertrains. Coasting on the highway, you don't have any idea if you're in gas or electric unless you look at the gauges. The only thing I'm surprised at is for a car with a 63k list price, it doesn't have semi-active damping. The passive dampers on the car are quite stiff (but probably inline with much of the European market tunings) and take away from a bit of that luxury feeling. If this is the comfort suspension, I can't begin to imagine the Ohlins setup even at its softest settings. That (and the price) was one of the big reasons I opted to go for an s60 ultimate instead of the v60 polestar (if only the wagon came in non-polestar, and weren't so impossible to find). Aside from a lack of electronic suspension and the poor accessibility to drive and power mode selections, I think the car is quite the well executed product. Would love to have seen the right thumb center selection button be used to access a drive mode menu and the trip monitor be moved to a selection of the cluster display (currently maps or empty cluster).

[@greatestsportslegends]

I could NOT agree more with the combo of wool seat and Bowers system. My dream would be the V60 wagon (non CC version) with the above... and blacked out R-Design. Having 60kms of all-electric range is awesome. And enough for me for daily use. I'm hoping to grab a 2024 in 2025. Fingers crossed.

[@kengrun]

The Volvo extended range T8 drivetrain is just amazing! As a V60 Polestar Engineered owner, I often wonder if I would have been just as happy with the Ultimate trim with the V60 (the one year it was available in Canada). But then again the Polestar parts make it that much more special. A PHEV with sport suspension, Brembo brakes and forged wheels! 🔥

[@MrSocktown]

Excellent choice guys. I have a 22 S60 R-Design in Thunder Grey and adore it. Unfortunately couldn't find my spec with B&W at the time so have the (also fairly lovely sounding) HK system. My lease is up in 5 months and I'm debating whether or not to buy out mine or start the clock on a T8 just like this one. If mine had the B&W I would never part with it. Still might not. Either way I'm S60 no matter what. Keep up the great work!

[@applesauce2856]

S60 owner saying cheers :)

[@i.d.6492]

Volvo S60 polstar was my fav. Love those gold brembos

[@waldowallace9749]

good seeing CB

[@CarSteve]

I haven’t driven the SUVs. However, I have the T8 S60 (24) and an older 14 S60. When the 14 was getting work, I had a S90 loaner. I did not find it drove like the smaller cars. I didn’t care for it and felt the platform wasn’t robust enough for that super long wheelbase. Just felt too big and lost any sportiness at all. It did have a lot of miles though. Just my experience over those ten days. I’m glad I like my S60s though. I have some older Mercedes and they have better dynamics, but the Volvos are nice. Bowers is something else. The newest T8 powertrain is almost a marvel and a standout as well. I like that the powertrain leaned towards performance rather than outright economy.

[@JakeDrives1]

On my second Volvo XC60 since 2021. Now have a 2023 B6 with air and polestar tune. I’ve driven all of the models. I don’t find any of them sporty. Actually, for the price I find the performance merely adequate. They’re fast in straight line but that’s about it. Where they really stand out for me is the ride and cabin isolation. Unless they do a light refresh inside (bigger screen, freshen things, leave the fundamentals) it’s likely I’ll move to another brand for a sharper driving experience. Don’t get me wrong I love the cars, Mine have both been great. They just need some freshening without ditching the gasoline options entirely.

[@CarSteve]

@@JakeDrives1 The driving dynamics are disappointing when you have driven a Mercedes or especially BMW in the past. I was disappointed when I first got in my '24 as my '14 honestly has a better connection to the road. I've kinda gotten used to it though. It was a very attractive deal with all the discounts, so I gave up the dynamics to have the power and save $500-$600 per month. It is what it is I guess. It's a shame as the ride isn't overly compliant (no air on S60), so you'd think it would drive a little better. haha Maybe next gen Volvos will be better in this regard of fun to drive, I hope. I still think our 60 series are a little better than the 90s, that loaner felt eerily similar to Impala rentals I've had it's so big. Volvo has some nice powertrains and my cabin is also quiet like yours. The exterior designs are gorgeous. They look sporty even though they really aren't haha. The one thing they're missing.

[@nathanrichardson8250]

Volvo ❤

[@user-Timothy1]

Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane) on all new models.

[@Quinton0520]

So does lexys

[@williamlong2682]

I will say…in thinking about what my (attainable) dream 2 car garage would be, an ND Miata and a Polestar 2 would be a pretty ideal setup

[@wetzel82]

Idk about other families, but we keep cars 10 years always. Usually way cheaper to fix than replace

[@quintonostler4154]

I’m excited for their new electric lineup. I loved everything about my XC90 until the mechanical problems started at 120,000 miles. That engine is not refined it ticks and rattles away. With the supercharging, turbocharging and hybrid rear motors it is too complicated and too expensive to repair. But I wholeheartedly would buy the electric ex90: I can’t wait until those come onto the used market

[@scoobtay]

My friend, the average EV needs a battery replacement at ~100,000, costing between 22k-50k. It is also worse for the environment until it reaches ~68k miles. Meaning you’ll get a whopping 32k miles per battery that’s better than an ICE vehicle.

[@iron_b0olt]

@@scoobtayA battery replacement at 100k? Dude sure lives in 2005

[@scoobtay]

@@iron_b0olt nah - average lifespan is 8-10 years, average EV gets driven 11k miles per year. Maths

[@PaNativ]

I have a 2024 XC B5 and it has the same sticker on the fuel door. 91 octane minimum required.

[@PaNativ]

Meant to say I have a 2024 XC60 B5…😁

[@sgd5667]

Now discontinued. But still looking great! We see very few here in France whereas the V60 is more popular

[@Quinton0520]

I want this car so bad man😢 But I graduate college 2026 so hopefully they redesign it by then!

[@harryhou8426]

6:04: should we...you know I think there's a good amount of room in the back

[@Audio_Addict30]

I got a volvo ad

[@coolsquad7428]

I am thinking on a volvo s60 or a tesla model 3 performance and or long range

[@RetroKingOG]

You didn’t put the MINI cooper in the top picks, kinda disappointed! For starting price of 23,000 US MINI is one of the best handling hot hatches, easiest to fill at gas pumps cause of small tank, excellent on fuel economy!

[@matthewesposito5177]

Well done video loved how entertaning you guys are. Thank you for giving the Volvo S60 a detailed video.

[@alobosk]

Seriously considering the Plus, blonde interior. Probably the same color as the car you demoed. I just drove the B5 and a Lincoln or Grand Marquis doesn't teach a lot to it. I happen to love land yachts and hate "sport" cars. I'm a geriatric 45yo that loves (and quite recently owned) 1970s S-Class Mercedes Benz. This car is pretty close. We had a Kia Optima PHEV that we loved and just decided to die on us. There's no part to fix it (CA lemon law applied). Having solar panels home and not believing the EV fad (who does in 2024?) we're set on having a PHEV. Kias are Meh. Volvos are luxurious sensible cars and we like the looks. Let's see how it goes.

[@tglrod]

Sadly, starting 2024 they have stopped selling the S60 in many countries, including Mexico. :( They are only selling SUVs now. It concerns me a bit because I have a S60 2020 and it will affect the resell value and possibly repairs in the future.

[@siddharthchunduri659]

A lot of the parts are reused in other models, i would not be worried about repairs

[@xxzmk]

It is a nice looking car. They just feel very heavy and they are also very heavy for their class if you compare it to some BMW G20 which goes by the way for similar prices if not even cheaper over here in Europe. Its just the part that Volvo is being owned by the Chinese and making lots of trouble on their later model vehicles makes them very unattractive compared to BMWs B48 / B58 goodness which is happening lately.

[@CarSteve]

B5 does want premium too.

[@mightyj806]

Difference betwteen a PHEV and a HEV? Why a charging port if Hybrids charge themselves....or does it?

[@DailyMotor]

You can charge this one and get more electric only driving.

[@360milliondollars]

Doesn't the powertrain have major problems long term? I suppose that is why its car of the YEAR.. keep it short term...LOL

[@milesburgin6436]

It's too bad that the infotainment on the S60 is so godawful. It completely ruins the car for me and singlehandedly keeps me from buying one 😢

[@Edgar_84]

I don’t know what you guys are talking but Volvos of new generation have 0 steering feel and an unnecessary harsh ride. The combination ruins the overall package. How can you even praise this car if you consider yourself an enthusiast? I get the reasoning but the car is just so bland that you are better off getting an Accord/Camry or VW over this. All of these cars are just better drivers cars. The Volvo is just flash but the comfort really takes a hit. I sold mine with a huge loss. I will never buy Volvo again. Even a VW beats the crap out of this car

[@wrinkleneckbass]

Lake Forest is a beautiful area of Southern California.

[@du39104]

Nowadays, KZbin is filled with shills praising some unreliable, awfully engineered cars.....