The Best Plug-in EV (PHEV) That No One Knows About

The Volvo S60 Recharge may be the best plug-in EV (PHEV) that no one knows about. It gets rave reviews but it doesn’t sell well and 2025 will be the last model year before it’s phased out. Here’s a breakdown of what we like and what could be better.

What We Like About the Volvo S60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid

1. Electric Range and Fuel Efficiency: The latest models have a combined electric range of around 41 miles (66 km) per charge, which is among the better ranges in its class. This can cover most daily commutes on electric power alone, helping you save on fuel.
2. Performance: The S60 Recharge’s T8 powertrain combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for up to 455 horsepower (for the Polestar Engineered variant). This gives it solid acceleration and sporty handling.
3. Interior Quality and Comfort: Volvo’s interiors feature minimalist Scandinavian design and comfort. The S60 Recharge offers premium materials, a well-designed cabin, and excellent sound insulation.
4. Safety Features: Volvo consistently prioritizes safety, and the S60 Recharge comes with advanced driver-assistance features, including collision avoidance and lane-keeping aids.
   
   

What We Don’t

1. Price: The S60 Recharge tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum for PHEVs, especially with upgrades or opting for the Polestar variant.
2. Cargo Space: Because the battery pack is positioned in the rear, the S60 Recharge has slightly less cargo space than some competitors.
3. Infotainment System: The 9-inch screen is small and the software, powered by Android, can be glitchy. The UI also has a bit of a learning curve.
4. Reliability: The S60 tends to be on the lower end of average on the reliability scale, especially for the Recharge variants, which are more complex. This isn’t a Toyota.
   
   
   

THE TAKEAWAY

The Volvo S60 Recharge excels in design, comfort, safety, and all-electric range, making it one of the top options in the luxury PHEV sedan category. It’s especially ideal if you value interior quality, electric-only range, and Volvo’s commitment to safety. However, if you’re looking for sportier handling or a slightly lower price, you might want to test drive other PHEV models to compare. Other strong PHEV options include the BMW 330e (phased out for 2025), Audi Q5e, and Mercedes-Benz C 300e. Each has unique strengths—such as sportier handling (BMW), a higher electric-only range (Mercedes), or a tech-focused interior (Audi).

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, ChatGPT, Volvo