One of the most coveted models in the compact luxury sedan segment, the Volvo S60 remains the top choice in its class for a number of reasons. From its remarkably efficient powertrain to innovative technology and comfort amenities found throughout the cabin, the S60 is a smart buy. Still not convinced that the S60 is the right choice for your lifestyle? Our team at Motorcars Volvo Cars wants to help! We've compared the popular S60 against two of its top rivals - the Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Which one will take home the victory? Let's find out!
Volvo S60 vs Lexus IS
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volvo S60 Core B5 AWD | VS | 2024 Lexus IS 300 AWD |
| $44,750 | MSRP* | $42,085 |
| 247 HP / 258 LB-FT TQ | Horsepower / Torque | 260 HP / 236 LB-FT TQ |
| 8 ✓ | Transmission Speeds | 6 |
| 25 / 33 / 28 ✓ | MPG (city/highway/combined) | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| Regular Unleaded ✓ | Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded |
| Standard ✓ | Mild Hybrid System | Not Available |
| Standard, 12.3-inch ✓ | Digital Gauge Cluster | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Over-the-Air Software Updates | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Power Sunroof | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Power-Folding Exterior Mirrors | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers | Optional |
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles ✓ | Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 Year / 10,000 Miles |
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First up to challenge the Volvo S60 is the Lexus IS. Despite the initial price advantage when comparing equivalent trims, the Lexus ends up being the far more expensive choice. Both sedans share very similar performance specs with the S60 offering more torque and the IS having slightly more horsepower. However, there's no way to ignore the drastic difference when it comes to MPG. Across all three categories, the Volvo S60 dominates the Lexus IS in terms of fuel economy. Made possible by its advanced mild hybrid system and more sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission, the S60 is the clear winner in terms of efficiency. Combined with the Lexus IS requiring premium unleaded gasoline, you'll end up spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars extra per year just to fuel the IS.
Shifting our attention towards the interiors of both these luxury sedans, the advantages only continue to grow for the Volvo S60. A digital instrument panel lets you personalize information to suit your liking while over-the-air software updates ensure that you'll always have access to the latest cutting-edge multimedia features inside the S60. One touch of a button can open its standard panoramic power sunroof to enjoy some fresh air and natural lighting. Heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers are two other examples of premium features you'll have to pay extra for at Lexus. Speaking of paying extra, Volvo also includes two additional complimentary maintenance visits in comparison to Lexus.
Volvo S60 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
| |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volvo S60 Core B5 AWD | VS | 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC |
| $44,750 ✓ | MSRP* | $45,200 |
| 247 HP / 258 LB-FT TQ ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 221 HP / 258 LB-FT TQ |
| Regular Unleaded ✓ | Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded |
| 12.3 inches ✓ | Digital Gauge Cluster Size | 10.25 inches |
| Standard ✓ | Over-the-Air Software Updates | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Traffic Sign Recognition | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Power-Folding Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | LED Front Fog Lights | Not Available |
| Standard ✓ | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| 42.3 / 35.2 inches ✓ | Front / Rear Legroom | 41.8 / 33.9 inches |
| 37.2 inches ✓ | Rear Headroom | 35.7 inches |
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles ✓ | Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | Not Available |
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Next up to face off against the Volvo S60 is the Mercedes-Benz CLA. In this matchup, the Volvo begins with a slight price advantage that only continues to grow the further down the list we go. The S60 has a sizable horsepower advantage while matching the torque rating of the CLA. While both share similar MPG ratings, the required premium unleaded fuel of the CLA will certainly drain your wallet quickly.
Inside the cabin, the S60 boasts a larger digital gauge cluster along with over-the-air software updates that deliver the latest infotainment experience each time you get behind the wheel. Other premium features include standard traffic sign recognition, power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors, LED front fog lights, and heated front seats. Each will either cost you extra or be unavailable entirely at Mercedes-Benz. The S60 is also clearly the more spacious option, offering greater rear headroom and greater legroom across both rows of seating. Finally, Mercedes-Benz does not offer a complimentary maintenance program like Volvo.
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Winner - Volvo S60
Now that the results have been tallied, it's time to announce the winner of this head-to-head luxury sedan comparison. While it comes as no surprise, the Volvo S60 is the champion of the comparison thanks to its outstanding value, efficient performance, premium standard equipment, and cutting-edge tech features that make it a standout in the segment. Ready to experience all that the Volvo S60 has to offer for yourself? Visit our team at Motorcars Volvo Cars and browse our extensive selection of the latest S60 models to find the one that's perfect for your lifestyle.
*Prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and includes destination fees, but excludes taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.