You’ve landed on this page because you’re curious about Volvo S60 Horsepower, and you’ve come to the right place. According to Car and Driver, the Volvo S60 strikes “a graceful balance of luxury and performance.” Let’s dive deep into what powers this performance, exploring the engine options and horsepower figures that define the sleek and sophisticated Volvo S60. Get comfortable and prepare to become well-versed in the power behind this impressive sedan.
Decoding Volvo S60 Horsepower: Engine Variants
Horsepower, or hastkraft as the Swedes might say, is at the heart of the Volvo S60’s appeal. It’s the driving force behind acceleration and overall performance. Let’s move beyond just numbers and understand what these figures mean for the different Volvo S60 configurations available. For the 2021 model year and beyond, Volvo offered a range of powertrains, each delivering a distinct level of performance:
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Volvo S60 T5 FWD & AWD: Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) T5 variants of the Volvo S60 boast 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine provides a confident and responsive driving experience for everyday commutes and spirited drives.
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Volvo S60 T8 eAWD Hybrid: Stepping up the performance ladder, the T8 eAWD Hybrid model significantly increases power output. This plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 400 horsepower and a substantial 472 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor and gasoline engine work in harmony to provide both impressive acceleration and enhanced fuel efficiency.
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Volvo S60 T8 eAWD Hybrid Engineered by Polestar: For those seeking the pinnacle of Volvo S60 performance, the Polestar Engineered variant elevates the T8 hybrid system even further. This model churns out 415 horsepower while maintaining the same 472 lb-ft of torque. Polestar engineering focuses on optimizing the entire driving experience, resulting in sharper handling, quicker responses, and exhilarating power delivery.
But what do these numbers really tell us? Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, crucial for getting a vehicle moving from a standstill. Horsepower, on the other hand, is a measure of how quickly work can be done. In automotive terms, it reflects the engine’s ability to sustain speed. Think of horsepower as the engine’s stamina. Even a modest horsepower rating translates to significant power compared to human capability. Could you imagine moving 500 pounds a foot in just one second?
The Volvo S60 T5 horsepower is achieved through sophisticated engineering, primarily utilizing a single inter-cooled turbocharger to force more air into the engine. Historically, adding a supercharger in addition to a turbocharger (twin-charging) further amplified power, as seen in previous Volvo models like the T6, which produced 316 horsepower. Modern T8 hybrid powertrains add another layer of power boost with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, creating a trifecta of power sources for exceptional performance.
Volvo S60 0-60 Times: Real-World Performance
While horsepower and torque figures provide insights into an engine’s potential, 0-60 mph times translate that potential into tangible acceleration. These figures, directly from Volvo Cars, reveal the real-world performance of the Volvo S60 range:
- Volvo S60 T5 0-60 mph (FWD): 6.5 seconds
- Volvo S60 T5 0-60 mph (AWD): 6.2 seconds
- Volvo S60 T6 0-60 mph (AWD): 6.2 seconds (Note: T6 powertrain was discontinued after the 2020 model year for the S60)
- Volvo S60 T8 eAWD Standard 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- Volvo S60 T8 eAWD Polestar Engineered 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
These are impressive numbers across the board. Even the base T5 models comfortably achieve what was once considered “sports car” territory. Historically, breaking the six-second barrier for 0-60 mph was a benchmark for performance vehicles. The Volvo S60 surpasses this with ease, and the T8 Polestar Engineered version enters true sports sedan territory with its blistering acceleration. Interestingly, even if you can’t find a pre-configured Polestar Engineered S60, Volvo service centers could previously apply a Polestar tune to enhance the performance of other T8 models, although this wouldn’t include the unique styling, suspension, and braking upgrades of the full Polestar Engineered package.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volvo S60 Horsepower and Performance
We understand you might have further questions about the Volvo S60’s performance capabilities. Here are answers to some common inquiries:
When was the Volvo S60 T6 powertrain available?
The Volvo S60 offered the T6 AWD powertrain up until the 2020 model year. From the 2015.5 model year onwards, the AWD T6 was a popular upgrade. Currently, this more powerful gasoline-only drivetrain is primarily featured in larger Volvo models like the S90 sedan and V60 Cross Country wagon.
What engine options are currently available for the Volvo S60?
In the current Volvo S60 lineup, you’ll find a selection of advanced Drive-E powertrains. These include the 250-horsepower T5 engine (available in both FWD and AWD), and the electrified T8 powertrains: the 400-horsepower T8 Hybrid, and the top-tier 415-horsepower T8 Hybrid Engineered by Polestar. The Polestar Engineered powertrain remains exclusive to that specific performance model.
Which Volvo S60 trim provides the most horsepower?
The Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered stands as the horsepower leader in the current range, delivering 415 horsepower. The entry point to Volvo S60 performance begins with the 250-horsepower T5 engine. It’s also worth noting that while the Polestar tune for non-Polestar models might not be as readily available now, it was previously an option to boost the standard 400-horsepower T8 Hybrid closer to Polestar levels.
Conclusion: Volvo S60 – Power and Efficiency Combined
All Volvo S60 engines are built upon Volvo’s efficient Drive-E platform. Regardless of which powertrain you choose, you can expect modern efficiency alongside impressive performance. Volvo’s commitment to environmental neutrality by 2040 is reflected in these engines, demonstrating that performance and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Furthermore, Volvo enhances the ownership experience by including complimentary service for the first three years or 36,000 miles with most new Volvo S60 leases and finance agreements. The Volvo S60 is designed to be both enjoyable to own and undeniably quick on the road. If you found this exploration of Volvo S60 horsepower informative, feel free to share it with others who appreciate the blend of luxury and performance, or reach out to your local Volvo dealer to experience the power firsthand.
