Volvo S60

Generations compared: what actually changed for a buyer

Distinguish same names by power, gearbox type, drive and (where it differs) fuel.

1 generation (2000-09-01 to 2004-04-30) and 1 generation, restyling (2004-05-01 to 2009-05-31) are five-cylinder Sedan cars with a 70 L tank, 130 mm ground clearance, and kerb weights from 1435 kg (2.4 MT 140 hp, restyling, No boost) to 1610 kg (2.5 MT 300 hp AWD). Peak power in the first wave is 250 hp on 2.3 MT; the restyling adds 260 hp on 2.4 MT and 300 hp on 2.5 MT. Mixed consumption, where measured, sits between 8.7 and 10.5 L/100 km on Gasoline and 6.4 L/100 km on the two Diesel 2.4 MT rows.

2 generation (2010-05-01 to 2013-07-31) cuts the tank to 67 L, raises clearance to 136 mm on most listed rows (130 mm only on 2.5 AT 249 hp AWD), and introduces Diesel 1.6 MT / 1.6 DSG 115 hp at 4.3 L/100 km mixed and 114 CO2 — the lowest CO2 in the whole model file. The same generation still sells 2.5 AT 249 hp in both FWD (7.2 s, 245 km/h, 8.6 L/100 km mixed) and AWD (7.0 s, 240 km/h, 8.7 L/100 km mixed).

2 generation, restyling (2013-08-01 to 2019-01-31) overlaps the next wave by about ten months. For a buyer that restyling is the last place you can specify Manual, Robotic, a 1.5 engine, a 5-cylinder 2.0 AT / 2.5 AT, or 3.0 AT 304 hp Inline 6. It is also the last generation with a full measured consumption table on most listed rows. Mixed Gasoline spans 5.5 (1.5 MT 152 hp) to 9.9 L/100 km (3.0 AT). CO2 spans 131 (2.0 MT 152 hp and 2.0 MT 190 hp) to 231 (3.0 AT). Euro class is Euro 6 on the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder Gasoline rows listed here, Euro 5 on 2.0 AT 306 hp, 1.6, 2.0 AT 180 hp, 2.5 AT and 3.0 AT.

3 generation (2018-06-01 to 2022-03-31) standardises on 1969 cm³, 4 Inline, Turbo, Front, transverse, Direct injection (direct), 95 fuel, Automatic, Independent, spring both ends, Ventilated disc front and Disc rear, tank 55 L. Ground clearance and wheels are not measured on the listed rows. Drive splits FWD (the 254 hp 2.0 AT and both 2.0 B3 MHEV AT plus 2.0 B4 MHEV DCT) from AWD (everything from 2.0 T8 303 hp upward). Hybrids start here. The 2.0 B4 MHEV DCT row is dated 2022-04-01 to 2022-03-31 in the file — treat those dates as given, not as a calendar that runs forward.

3 generation, restyling 1 (from 2022-04-01, stop not measured) keeps the 1969 cm³ four and Automatic 8, caps every listed top speed at 180 km/h, and puts kerb weight at 1775 kg on five of six rows (2020 kg on 2.0 T8 253 hp 350 hp). The buying change versus the unfacelifted third generation is not more speed: 2.0 T8 303 hp in 3 generation is already 250 km/h and 4.6 s; the restyling 2.0 T8 253 hp is 350 hp, 4.6 s, 180 km/h, 19 CO2, tank still 55 L. The restyling 2.0 T8 310 hp is 455 hp, same 4.6 s, same 180 km/h, tank 60 L, kerb 1775 kg.

Specs: every listed version, named as in the catalogue

Distinguish same names by power, gearbox type, drive and (where it differs) fuel.

3 generation. 2.0 AT 254 hp / 187 kW / 350 Nm, Gasoline, FWD, 6.5 s, 230 km/h, kerb 1680 kg. 2.0 T8 303 hp / 228 kW / 408 Nm, Gasoline, AWD, 4.6 s, 250 km/h, kerb 1775 kg, CO2 169. 2.0 AT 320 hp / 235 kW / 400 Nm, Gasoline, AWD, 5.6 s, 250 km/h, kerb 1775 kg, CO2 169. 2.0 AT 340 hp / 250 kW / 350 Nm, Hybrid, AWD, 5.2 s, 230 km/h, kerb 2055 kg, gross 2500 kg, Euro 6. 2.0 AT 390 hp / 287 kW / 400 Nm, Hybrid, AWD, 4.9 s, 250 km/h, kerb 2020 kg. 2.0 AT 400 hp / 294 kW / 400 Nm, Hybrid, AWD, 4.9 s, 250 km/h, kerb 2020 kg. 2.0 AT 405 hp / 298 kW / 430 Nm, Hybrid, AWD, 0–100 not measured, 250 km/h, kerb 2020 kg. 2.0 AT 415 hp / 305 kW / 430 Nm, Hybrid, AWD, 0–100 not measured, 250 km/h, kerb 2020 kg. 2.0 B3 MHEV AT 163 hp / 119 kW / 265 Nm, Gasoline, FWD, Automatic 8, 9.0 s, 180 km/h, Euro 6, kerb not measured (2019-01-01 to 2022-03-31). A second 2.0 B3 MHEV AT 163 hp / 119 kW / 265 Nm uses Automatic 7, 8.6 s, 180 km/h, Euro 6, kerb not measured (2022-02-01 to 2022-03-31). 2.0 B4 MHEV DCT 197 hp / 144 kW / 300 Nm, Gasoline, FWD, Automatic 7, 7.6 s, 180 km/h, Euro 6, kerb not measured. 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT 318 hp / 233 kW / 430 Nm, Plug-in, AWD, 4.4 s, 250 km/h, Euro 6, kerb not measured.

3 generation, restyling 1. 2.0 T8 253 hp 350 hp / 257 kW / 350 Nm, Plug-in, AWD, 4.6 s, 180 km/h, tank 55 L, CO2 19, Euro 6, kerb 2020 kg, wheels 235/45 R18 and 235/40 R19. 2.0 B5 AT 250 hp / 183 kW / 350 Nm, Gasoline, FWD, 6.7 s, 180 km/h, kerb 1775 kg. 2.0 B4 AT 197 hp / 144 kW / 300 Nm, Gasoline, FWD, 7.6 s, 180 km/h, CO2 138, kerb 1775 kg. 2.0 B3 AT 163 hp / 119 kW / 265 Nm, Gasoline, FWD, 8.6 s, 180 km/h, CO2 138, kerb 1775 kg. 2.0 T8 310 hp 455 hp / 334 kW / 408 Nm, Plug-in, AWD, 4.6 s, 180 km/h, tank 60 L, kerb 1775 kg, wheels 225/45 R18 and 235/40 R19. 2.0 B5 250 hp / 183 kW / 350 Nm, Gasoline, AWD, 4.6 s, 180 km/h, kerb 1775 kg, gross 2500 kg.

2 generation, restyling (all Gasoline, Turbo except none listed as No). 1.5 AT 152 hp / 250 Nm, FWD, Automatic 6, 8.6 s, 210 km/h, city 7.5 / highway 4.8 / mixed 5.8, CO2 135, Euro 6, kerb 1625 kg, gross 2110 kg. 2.0 AT 306 hp / 400 Nm, FWD, Automatic 8, 5.9 s, 230 km/h, consumption not measured, CO2 149, Euro 5, kerb 1661 kg, gross 2110 kg. 1.5 AT 122 hp / 220 Nm, FWD, Automatic 6, 10.2 s, 195 km/h, 7.4 / 4.8 / 5.8, CO2 134, Euro 6, kerb 1547 kg. 1.5 MT 152 hp / 250 Nm, FWD, Manual 6, 9.4 s, 205 km/h, 7.1 / 4.6 / 5.5, CO2 135, Euro 6, kerb 1471 kg. 1.6 MT 150 hp / 240 Nm, FWD, Manual 6, 9.4 s, 205 km/h, 7.4 / 4.9 / 5.8, CO2 135, Euro 5, kerb 1508 kg, gross 2020 kg. 1.6 DSG 150 hp / 240 Nm, FWD, Robotic 6, 10.2 s, 210 km/h, 9.5 / 5.4 / 6.8, CO2 159, Euro 5, kerb 1520 kg, gross 2030 kg. 1.6 MT 180 hp / 240 Nm, FWD, Manual 6, 8.3 s, 225 km/h, 8.6 / 5.1 / 6.4, CO2 not measured, Euro 5, kerb 1570 kg. 2.0 MT 152 hp / 250 Nm, FWD, Manual 6, 8.6 s, 210 km/h, 7.4 / 4.6 / 5.6, CO2 131, Euro 6, kerb 1609 kg, gross 2060 kg. 2.0 MT 190 hp / 300 Nm, FWD, Manual 6, 7.2 s, 230 km/h, 7.4 / 4.6 / 5.6, CO2 131, Euro 6, kerb 1612 kg. 2.0 AT 180 hp / 300 Nm, 1984 cm³, 5 Inline, FWD, Automatic 6, 8.7 s, 220 km/h, 12.1 / 6.1 / 8.3, CO2 194, Euro 5, kerb 1566 kg, gross 2070 kg. 2.5 AT 249 hp / 360 Nm, 2497 cm³, 5, AWD, Automatic 6, 7.0 s, 240 km/h, 12.8 / 6.3 / 8.7, CO2 203, Euro 5, kerb 1660 kg, gross 2150 kg. 3.0 AT 304 hp / 440 Nm, 2953 cm³, 6, AWD, Automatic 6, 5.9 s, 250 km/h, 14.5 / 7.3 / 9.9, CO2 231, Euro 5, kerb 1710 kg, gross 2220 kg, fuel 98, wheels include 235/40 R19.

2 generation. 1.6 MT 150 hp Gasoline, 9.4 s, 205 km/h, mixed 5.8, kerb 1478 kg. 1.6 DSG 150 hp Gasoline, 10.2 s, 210 km/h, mixed 6.8, kerb 1520 kg. 2.0 AT 180 hp 1984 cm³ 5, 9.0 s, 225 km/h, mixed 8.3, kerb 1523 kg. 2.5 AT 249 hp 2521 cm³ FWD, 7.2 s, 245 km/h, mixed 8.6, kerb 1600 kg. 1.6 MT 180 hp, 8.3 s, 225 km/h, mixed 6.4, kerb 1478 kg. 1.6 AT 180 hp, 9.0 s, 225 km/h, mixed 7.4, kerb 1523 kg. 2.0 MT 203 hp 1999 cm³, 7.7 s, 230 km/h, mixed 7.9, kerb 1570 kg. 2.0 MT 240 hp 1999 cm³, 7.3 s, 230 km/h, mixed 7.9, kerb 1615 kg. 2.5 AT 249 hp 2497 cm³ AWD, 7.0 s, 240 km/h, mixed 8.7, clearance 130 mm, wheels not measured, kerb 1660 kg. 1.6 MT 115 hp Diesel, 10.9 s, 195 km/h, mixed 4.3, CO2 114, kerb 1592 kg. 1.6 DSG 115 hp Diesel, 12.3 s, 190 km/h, mixed 4.3, CO2 114, kerb 1592 kg. 2.0 MT 136 hp Diesel 1984 cm³ 5, 10.2 s, 205 km/h, mixed 4.3, CO2 114, kerb 1643 kg.

1 generation, restyling. 2.5 AT 210 hp AWD 7.7 s 220 km/h mixed 10.2 kerb 1570 kg. 2.0 MT 180 hp FWD 8.8 s 225 km/h mixed 9.1 kerb 1465 kg. 2.4 MT 260 hp FWD Manual 6 6.5 s 250 km/h mixed 9.3 kerb 1520 kg. Two 2.4 MT 140 hp No boost rows: one peaks at 4500 rpm / 220 Nm at 3300, kerb 1435 kg, mixed 8.8; the other at 5000 rpm / 220 Nm at 4000, kerb 1501 kg, mixed 8.7. 2.4 MT 170 hp No boost 8.7 s 225 km/h mixed 8.9 kerb 1501 kg, wheels 195/65 R15, 215/55 R16, 205/55 R16. 2.5 MT 210 hp FWD 7.0 s 235 km/h mixed 9.1 kerb 1465 kg. 2.5 MT 210 hp AWD 7.3 s 225 km/h mixed 9.7 kerb 1545 kg. 2.5 AT 210 hp FWD 7.4 s 230 km/h mixed 9.8 kerb 1466 kg. 2.5 MT 300 hp AWD Manual 6 5.7 s 250 km/h mixed 10.5 kerb 1610 kg. 2.4 MT 126 hp Diesel 11.6 s 200 km/h mixed 6.4 kerb 1495 kg. 2.4 MT 163 hp Diesel 9.2 s 210 km/h mixed 6.4 kerb 1495 kg.

1 generation. 2.0 MT 180 hp 8.8 s 225 km/h mixed 9.2 (AT twin: 9.5 s, mixed not measured), kerb 1470 kg. 2.3 MT 250 hp 6.8 s 250 km/h, consumption not measured, kerb 1535 kg. 2.4 MT 140 hp 10.2 s; 2.4 AT 140 hp 11.1 s; another 2.4 MT 140 hp at 5000 rpm mixed 8.7, kerb 1501 kg. 2.4 MT 170 hp 8.7 s. 2.4 MT 200 hp Turbo FWD 7.6 s 230 km/h; 2.4 AT 200 hp 8.0 s; 2.4 MT 200 hp AWD 8.1 s 210 km/h. 2.5 MT 210 hp 7.0 s 235 km/h; 2.5 AT 210 hp 7.6 s 230 km/h. Wheels on the 2.5 pair: 235/45 R17, 235/40 R18. CO2 not measured on all listed first-generation rows.

Performance, mpg and what extra power actually buys

City / highway / mixed are not measured on every 3 generation and 3 generation, restyling 1 row listed here. That is not “no fuel is used”; it is a missing measurement. CO2 is measured on 2.0 T8 303 hp and 2.0 AT 320 hp at 169, on restyling 2.0 T8 253 hp at 19, and on restyling 2.0 B4 AT and 2.0 B3 AT at 138. Euro 6 is stated on the Hybrid 2.0 AT 340 hp, both 2.0 B3 MHEV AT, 2.0 B4 MHEV DCT, 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT, and restyling 2.0 T8 253 hp. Elsewhere eco class is not measured.

Specific output on the common 1969 cm³ four: 2.0 B3 AT / 2.0 B3 MHEV AT 163 hp → 82.8 hp/L; 2.0 B4 AT / 2.0 B4 MHEV DCT 197 hp → 100.1 hp/L; 2.0 AT 254 hp → 129.0 hp/L; 2.0 B5 AT / 2.0 B5 250 hp → 127.0 hp/L; 2.0 T8 303 hp → 153.9 hp/L; 2.0 AT 306 hp (restyle of gen 2) → 155.4 hp/L; 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT 318 hp → 161.5 hp/L; 2.0 AT 320 hp → 162.5 hp/L; 2.0 AT 340 hp → 172.7 hp/L; restyling 2.0 T8 253 hp 350 hp → 177.8 hp/L; 2.0 AT 390 hp → 198.1 hp/L; 2.0 AT 400 hp → 203.1 hp/L; 2.0 AT 405 hp → 205.7 hp/L; 2.0 AT 415 hp → 210.8 hp/L; restyling 2.0 T8 310 hp 455 hp → 231.1 hp/L. The 3.0 AT 304 hp on 2953 cm³ is only 103.0 hp/L — more cylinders, less specific output than the later four.

Kerb per horsepower (where kerb is measured): 2.0 AT 254 hp 6.61 kg/hp; 2.0 T8 303 hp 5.86; 2.0 AT 320 hp 5.55; Hybrid 2.0 AT 340 hp 6.04 (the extra 280 kg versus the 1775 kg Gasoline AWD pair undoes some of the 340 vs 320 hp gap); 2.0 AT 390 / 400 / 405 / 415 hp at 2020 kg → 5.18 / 5.05 / 4.99 / 4.87 kg/hp. Restyling 2.0 T8 310 hp 455 hp at 1775 kg → 3.90 kg/hp, the lowest in the file. Restyling 2.0 B3 AT at 1775 / 163 → 10.89 kg/hp. First-generation 2.5 MT 300 hp at 1610 kg → 5.37 kg/hp, still lighter per hp than third-generation Hybrid 340 hp.

Sprint deltas that matter at the desk: 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT 4.4 s is 0.2 s quicker than 2.0 T8 303 hp and the two restyling T8 rows (4.6 s), and 2.1 s quicker than 2.0 AT 254 hp. 2.0 AT 320 hp at 5.6 s is 1.0 s slower than 2.0 T8 303 hp despite 17 hp more — the T8’s 408 Nm versus 400 Nm and the same 1775 kg is the measured difference. Hybrid 2.0 AT 390 hp and 400 hp share 4.9 s and 250 km/h; the extra 10 hp does not show up in the sprint figure. 2.0 AT 405 hp and 415 hp have 0–100 not measured; do not infer they are faster than 4.9 s.

On the restyling, 2.0 B5 AWD 250 hp matches the T8 4.6 s while 2.0 B5 AT FWD 250 hp is 6.7 s — 2.1 s for the same peak power, same 350 Nm, same 1775 kg, same 180 km/h. That is the AWD vs FWD split inside one facelift, not a different engine family name.

Consumption that still argues for an older car: 1.5 MT 152 hp mixed 5.5 L/100 km versus 3.0 AT 9.9 (delta 4.4 L/100 km) and versus first-generation restyling 2.5 MT 300 hp 10.5. Diesel 1.6 / 2.0 MT in 2 generation all sit at mixed 4.3. Switching 1.6 MT 150 hp Gasoline to 1.6 DSG 150 hp costs 1.0 L/100 km mixed (5.8 vs 6.8) and 0.8 s (9.4 vs 10.2) in both 2 generation and its restyling. Switching 1.6 MT 180 hp to 1.6 AT 180 hp in 2 generation costs 1.0 L/100 km mixed (6.4 vs 7.4) and 0.7 s.

Top speed is not a single model figure. 250 km/h appears on 2.0 T8 303 hp, 2.0 AT 320 / 390 / 400 / 405 / 415 hp, 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT, 3.0 AT, 2.4 MT 260 hp, 2.5 MT 300 hp, 2.3 MT. 230 km/h is the cap for 2.0 AT 254 hp, Hybrid 2.0 AT 340 hp, 2.0 AT 306 hp. Every listed restyling-1 row is 180 km/h — 70 km/h below the unfacelifted T8 Plug-in despite more labelled power on 2.0 T8 310 hp.

Dimensions, weight, tank, wheels

Tank: 70 L (both first-generation waves), 67 L (both second-generation waves), 55 L (third generation and five of six restyling-1 rows), 60 L only on 2.0 T8 310 hp. Buying a later S60 is buying 15 L less tank than a 2000–2009 car, or 12 L less than 2010–2019, unless you take that one 60 L Plug-in.

Ground clearance: 130 mm on every listed first-generation row and on 2 generation 2.5 AT AWD 249 hp; 136 mm on the other listed second-generation rows. Not measured on third generation and restyling 1.

Gross mass, where measured, clusters 1980–2110 kg in gen 1, 2020–2220 kg in gen 2 (3.0 AT is the 2220 kg outlier), 2500 kg on Hybrid 2.0 AT 340 hp and restyling 2.0 B5. Payload on 2.0 AT 340 hp is 2500 − 2055 = 445 kg. Payload on restyling 2.0 B5 cannot be finished: gross 2500 kg, kerb 1775 kg → 725 kg if both figures apply to the same row as written.

Wheels: gen 1 lists 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 215/55 R16 on many 2.0/2.4 rows and 235/45 R17 / 235/40 R18 on the 2.5 pair. Gen 2 adds 235/45 R17 and keeps 215/55 R16, 215/50 R17, 235/40 R18. Gen 2 restyling 3.0 AT adds 235/40 R19. Restyling 1 T8 rows use 235/45 R18 / 235/40 R19 (2.0 T8 253 hp) or 225/45 R18 / 235/40 R19 (2.0 T8 310 hp). Wheel size is not measured on third-generation listed rows.

Which version to choose

Need the lowest measured fuel use. 2 generation Diesel 1.6 MT, 1.6 DSG or 2.0 MT at mixed 4.3 L/100 km and CO2 114. Among Gasoline, 1.5 MT 152 hp at mixed 5.5 is the cheapest measured petrol. Do not pick any 3 generation row for mpg: those figures are not measured.

Need a daily FWD four with a known 0–100. Restyling 1 2.0 B3 AT 163 hp 8.6 s 1775 kg, or 2.0 B4 AT 197 hp 7.6 s same weight — 34 hp buys 1.0 s. The late 2.0 B3 MHEV AT Automatic 7 is also 8.6 s but kerb not measured. Avoid the earlier 2.0 B3 MHEV AT Automatic 8 if sprint matters: 9.0 s, 0.4 s slower at the same 163 hp.

Need AWD without a hybrid label. 2.0 AT 320 hp (5.6 s, 250 km/h, 1775 kg) or 2.0 T8 303 hp (4.6 s, 250 km/h, 1775 kg). The T8 is 17 hp down and 1.0 s up. Restyling 2.0 B5 250 hp AWD is 4.6 s but only 180 km/h. Older path: 2.5 AT 249 hp AWD in gen 2 restyling (7.0 s, 240 km/h, mixed 8.7) or 3.0 AT 304 hp (5.9 s, 250 km/h, mixed 9.9, fuel 98).

Need the fastest sprint in the file. 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT 318 hp, 4.4 s, 250 km/h. Next group, all 4.6 s: 2.0 T8 303 hp, restyling 2.0 T8 253 hp 350 hp, restyling 2.0 T8 310 hp 455 hp, restyling 2.0 B5 250 hp AWD. The 455 hp car is not quicker than the 303 hp T8 in this file; it is 70 km/h slower at the top. 2.5 MT 300 hp at 5.7 s remains the first-generation answer if you want Manual 6 AWD.

Need a hybrid and a measured 0–100. 2.0 AT 340 hp 5.2 s 230 km/h 2055 kg Euro 6, or 2.0 AT 390 hp / 400 hp 4.9 s 250 km/h 2020 kg. The 50–60 hp step from 340 to 390/400 buys 0.3 s and 20 km/h, and saves 35 kg. 2.0 AT 405 hp and 415 hp add 5–15 hp and 30 Nm (430 vs 400) with 0–100 not measured — do not buy them for a sprint you cannot read.

Need a manual gearbox. It disappears after 2 generation, restyling. Inside that restyling, 1.5 MT 152 hp is the lightest listed petrol stick (1471 kg, mixed 5.5). 2.0 MT 190 hp is the quickest listed stick there (7.2 s, mixed 5.6, CO2 131). 1.6 MT 180 hp is 8.3 s mixed 6.4. In 1 generation, restyling, 2.4 MT 260 hp is 6.5 s 250 km/h mixed 9.3.

Need Diesel. Only 2 generation and 1 generation, restyling list it. Gen 2: three rows, all mixed 4.3, CO2 114; pick 1.6 MT 115 hp over 1.6 DSG 115 hp if you care about 10.9 s vs 12.3 s and 195 vs 190 km/h. Gen 1 restyling: 2.4 MT 126 hp vs 163 hp, same mixed 6.4, 2.4 s and 10 km/h for 37 hp.

Need the lightest car. 1.5 MT 152 hp at 1471 kg, then 1.6 MT 150 / 180 hp in gen 2 at 1478 kg, then restyling 2.4 MT 140 hp (4500 rpm) at 1435 kg — that last one is the lightest in the whole file. The heaviest listed is Hybrid 2.0 AT 340 hp at 2055 kg, 620 kg above that 1435 kg row.

Need Euro 6 on paper. Gen 2 restyling 1.5 and 2.0 MT fours; gen 3 2.0 AT 340 hp, both 2.0 B3 MHEV AT, 2.0 B4 MHEV DCT, 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT; restyling 1 2.0 T8 253 hp. 2.0 AT 306 hp is Euro 5 despite 5.9 s.

A buyer who wants one sentence: if the file’s sprint and 250 km/h matter, the unique name is 2.0 T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD AT; if the file’s litres per 100 km matter, the unique group is 2 generation Diesel at 4.3; if the file’s kilograms per horsepower matter, the unique name is restyling 2.0 T8 310 hp at 3.90 kg/hp — knowing that its 180 km/h is the same cap as 2.0 B3 AT 163 hp.