New Models
New Models

2022 Volvo S60: Australian range to be slimmed down with mild-hybrid petrol power

Volvo's mid-size sedan to receive changes for MY22, including a more efficient petrol engine and a rationalised range.


The 2022 Volvo S60 range will undergo significant changes later this year, from the introduction of a new engine, to the deletion of popular variants.

Volvo Australia confirmed to CarAdvice this week that the 2022 S60 – due to arrive in Australia as part of the wider, revised Model Year 2022 Volvo range around August 2021 – will be slimmed down to just one variant, down from today's three, with a sole choice of engine.

While official details have yet to be confirmed, CarAdvice understands the luxury-focused Inscription will be the model to carry the nameplate into MY22, with the current entry-level Momentum and sporty R-Design trims to see the axe.

Under the bonnet will be a new mild-hybrid petrol engine, in line with Volvo Australia's discontinuation of diesel and non-hybrid petrol engines from July 2021, as part of the brand's 'B' series family.

While it's still unclear which of the options available overseas will make its way Down Under, it's likely the B5 AWD will make the cut, given its on-paper similarity to the T5 AWD powertrain currently offered in MY21 S60 models.

The B5 mates a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, for total outputs of 184kW and 350Nm – 3kW less than the outgoing S60 T5 Inscription, and 8kW/50Nm less than the T5 R-Design.

Comprising a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter-generator – a small electric motor replacing the traditional starter motor and alternator – the mild-hybrid system provides a small performance boost at low speeds, reduces load on the engine at high speeds to improve fuel economy, and allows for quicker activation of the start-stop system from a standstill.

Unlike a plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid vehicles (MHEVs) recharge their batteries through regenerative braking, capturing energy typically lost under deceleration – though the trade-off is they're unable to travel for any meaningful distance on electric power alone.

Combined fuel economy for the S60 B5 AWD is claimed at 7.0L/100km (down 0.3L/100km), while the 0-100km/h dash is completed in 6.5 seconds.

While pricing and specifications have yet to be announced, assuming the Inscription is the variant to come to Australia, expect a mild price rise over the MY21 model's $60,990 before on-road costs sticker – though the price of entry to the S60 range will be higher overall, given the axing of the range-opening $55,990 Momentum.

Standard equipment shouldn't differ significantly from the current model's spec list, which includes a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, adaptive LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electric front seats, four-zone climate control, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Volvo S60 mild-hybrid will go on sale in Australia as part of the Model Year 2022 Volvo range, around August 2021. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for full local pricing and specifications closer to launch.


MORE:Volvo Showroom
MORE:Volvo News
MORE:Volvo Reviews
MORE:Volvo S60 Showroom
MORE:Volvo S60 News
MORE:Volvo S60 Reviews
MORE:Search Used Volvo S60 Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Volvo Cars for Sale
MORE:Volvo Showroom
MORE:Volvo News
MORE:Volvo Reviews
MORE:Volvo S60 Showroom
MORE:Volvo S60 News
MORE:Volvo S60 Reviews
MORE:Search Used Volvo S60 Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Volvo Cars for Sale
Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

Read more about Alex MisoyannisLinkIcon
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent