2025 Volvo S60

Sedans are not as popular as they once were, but you'd never know it when shopping for a compact luxury car. That's where the understated and underrated Volvo S60 competes against numerous rivals, including those that have defined the class for decades: the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The S60 brings Scandinavian style and sensibility to the segment, coupled with a relatively rare plug-in hybrid powertrain offering plenty of range and performance. In addition, the Volvo is comfortable, safe, and made in the U.S.A. Don't overlook this satisfying Volvo sedan.

Plug-in hybrids give you electric-only driving during the daily grind with the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer commutes and trips. The plug-in hybrid powertrain on the newly renamed S60 T8 (formerly known as the S60 Recharge) equips the car with all-wheel drive and a Volvo-estimated 41 miles of electric range. And when using just the gasoline engine, the plug-in gets about 31 mpg in combined driving. Before you determine it must be a dud to drive, consider it makes a remarkable 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, which is Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack territory. And that means this unassuming plug-in hybrid will zoom to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, according to Volvo, though its subdued driving dynamics keep it from being as engaging as German rivals.

In addition to the Audi, BMW, and Mercedes named above (our favorites in the class ), we think the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Genesis G70 and Lexus IS are appealing alternatives to the Volvo S60. However, those three rivals feel smaller and less comfortable than the Volvo . In addition, since BMW has dropped the 330e from the 3 Series lineup, the renamed S60 T8 is the most affordable compact luxury car equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.