• Expect average running costs due to the lack of diesels
• PHEV can offer low emissions and high MPG
• If you remember to plug it in

What are the running costs?

The S60 is not a car that’s going to be at the top of your shopping list if you’re looking for low running costs above all else. The fuel economy figure of 39.8mpg (WLTP) for the B5 model isn’t bad for a 250hp car, but is much lower than the lower powered alternatives from the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. And even then, you should expect a real-world average of 30-35mpg depending on how gently you drive.

The plug-in hybrid model offers much better mpg, on paper. The official rating of 353.1mpg is largely irrelevant, unless you only drive short distances and charge after every use of the car.

Figures closer to 100 mpg are easily on the cards if you fully utilise the car’s battery. This tech is impressive, with an official electric-only range of 55.3 miles. Even at motorway speeds, we reckon range is good for 40-50 miles, which is longer than both BMW 330e and Mercedes C-Class PHEV will go. Saying that, a long and fast motorway journey with an empty battery will elicit less than 40mpg.

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Servicing and maintenance

Volvo’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) is stingy compared with other premium marques. For instance, BMW offers an unlimited mileage warranty with its cars. If you opt for the PHEV, the associated batteries come with their own eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Volvo’s dealers are typical for the premium market, so don’t go expecting low hourly labour rates for servicing.

Reliability

• Volvo reliability is average
• Regular software updates are needed
• Shared tech across most of the Volvo range

Volvo reliability is about industry-average, and as the S60 is based on the same technology as the rest of the 60- and 90-series models, there’s no reason to think it will perform any differently.

It has been subject to a few recalls, mostly to do with software. Parkers owners reviews don’t exactly paint a positive picture (on an admittedly small sample), with a number of owners reporting serious electric issues, which the dealers (that are highly rated) have struggled to fix.

In terms of actual build quality, from within the cabin, it feels on pace, but not in any way better than the established premium-class opposition.