2022 Volvo S60 B5 Review – Luxury from Sweden

Even back when Volvos were beige boxes, they were safe and a pleasure to drive. 2022 Volvo S60 B5 continues as a bullet-proof model in a declining market segment. Volvo is a Swedish car maker owned by Chinese giant, Geely, but make no bones about it, it is European from nose to tail.

The main difference between the slightly butcher V60 Cross Country (last week’s review), and the elegant and refined S60, is rear end. 2022 Volvo S60 B5 has the same drive line, AWD, 8-speed automatic, and safety and sound systems. It is simply a choice for those who like the look of an incredibly sexy sedan. The wagon looks a little boxy, but the sedan has a limo look that is so classy.

2022 Volvo S60 B5 is similar to the Polestar 2 EV we loved so much. The squared-off lines are deliberately masculine, and the front end, with Matrix LED headlights, feels aggressive with loads of personality. The Scandi cabin eschews the wanton excess of other brands, opting for tasteful restraint.  There is a sense of space and comfort even before a wheel has turned.

The Volvo S60 183kw/350Nm turbo 4 does the 0-100kph dash in 6.5 seconds. The mild hybrid system spins the engine into life with no vibration, and helps the 7.2L/100k economy despite a weight of 1849kg. CO² of 168g/k is low for a car this size.

2022 Volvo S60 B5 is all about the drive, and with excellent highway driver assistance, a road trip would be a pleasure. The electronic screens include the HUD on the windscreen, wide screen for the driver instruments, and a portrait screen for the infotainment system. MY23 S60 will get the same Google interface seen in XC60/Polestar 2, and that is something I’d be waiting for.

Unlike many of her snobbier Euro-sisters, 2022 Volvo S60 B5 has standard suspension damping. There are no drive modes, but the drive doesn’t suffer. The 8-speed automatic is smooth and can be used manually by pulling the lever back while in drive, then shifting by moving the lever sideways. The gear lever is a shift-by-wire setup, and is topped by an Orrefors crystal knob that is lit from within.

This Week: 2022 VW Arteon Shooting Brake VS Volvo V60 Cross Country Comparison Full REVIEW

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ABOVE: 2022 Volvo S 60, CX 40, XC 60, V 60 Cross COuntry

While the ride might be firm, it remains comfortable and sporty. In tight corners, a hint of body roll made the experience fun. Directional changes are a joy, and we found ourselves treating the 5-series-sized sedan like a sports car.

When pushed, the engine develops a buzz reminiscent of a 60’s sports car, and while if might not suit an executive sedan, it doesn’t make the hot-hatch performance any less enjoyable.

The cabin is luxurious, quiet and calm, and all the switches are perfectly placed. We found that after using Siri (via apple carplay) to make a call, the system often didn’t resume the DAB radio. While on the subject of sound, the Bowers and Wilkins audio is utterly delightful. Rich tones make the most of any source, and the concert hall sound feels as if it has been directly transmitted to your very own inner sanctum.

During city maneuvers, the Start/Stop works seamlessly, and is the only one we have left on, willingly.

Night driving, even in rubbish weather, is easy. Lights and wipers, left in automatic mode, mask the oncoming traffic while fully lighting everything else, while wipers come on at the first hint of moist weather, and change speed in response to the amount of downpour.

The Volvo S60 cabin was quiet and calm, and the seats have electric adjustment including side bolsters, front squab, and lumbar support.

Semi-automated parking is reasonably easy to use, but can be a faff as it is within the infotainment system menu. You can activate it either in the camera menu, or by swiping left on the home screen. You’d need to practice doing it when not under the pressure of traffic waiting to get past you.

Our Drive:

We did the usual city chores, parked in very tight spaces, and an airport run.

Although Volvo S60 was great around town, was graceful on the open road. We set off for our weekend location ,in the most appalling weather, and abominable traffic. The climate control made the cocoon a beautiful space, even after many hours behind the wheel.

The couple in the rear needed the front seats raised slightly to make room for feet, but said the seats were cosy.

We did a mini road trip, and what a joy it was. The lane keeping system worked with smart cruise control to make longer journeys easier on the driver. Most brands now have lane keeping, but the success differs greatly, and all systems are not equal. This one works perfectly, without being intrusive. It does so without thinking the driver has taken their hands off the wheel. There is nothing more annoying than the car’s system constantly complaining even though hands are firmly in the right place.

One last comment, and that is the 2022 Volvo S60 B5 felt light and easy to drive.  It was a pleasure.

Best bits:

• Door handles that are easily used
• 4 zone climate control
• Smooth 8-speed auto
• Orrefors gear lever
• Sensible controls that are easy to find and use
• Space saver spare (instead of repair kit)
• Superb drive experience

Not so fabulous

• The superb sound system is an option
• Engine sound when pushed

Importantly, although there is a single model that is fully loaded, some of the tasty features we’ve mentioned are part of an options pack.

Conclusion:

There is little to complain about. S60 feels light and easy, while being quiet and comfortable.

2022 Volvo S60 B5 is cheaper than similarly equipped German and British offerings, and hasn’t suffered the same reliability issues that seem to dog some of the other posh brands. The road manners are excellent, even on roads damaged by recent rains.

I went into the 3 Volvo reviews with an open mind. I tried to keep the legacy views aside, and no, Volvo is not a brand whose rear parcel shelves are incomplete without a “bowls hat”. It is a youthful brand that is quickly moving to an all-EV line-up. The mild hybrid is smooth, and the AWD system was brilliant on damp roads.

Volvo S60 is every bit as luxurious are BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Audi, for less money.

The RRP is $62,490.

Our car included:

• Lifestyle Pack ($5,700)
• Panoramic Sunroof, Tinted Rear Windows, Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound
• Advanced Air Cleaner ($500)
• Perforated Nappa Leather Accented Charcoal / Charcoal Interior ($3,000);
• Metallic Paint (No Cost Option)

Total as tested: $74,190

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