Volvo S60: Mk2 vs Mk3
Verdict
The S60 Mk3 is the big mechanical step: RM315,888 against RM221,888 for the S60 Mk2, but it brings plug-in hybrid running, AWD and far stronger numbers — 314 hp/400 Nm versus 180 hp/240 Nm. The 0-100 km/h time is halved from 9.0 to 4.5 seconds, while claimed fuel use drops from 7.1 to 2.0 L/100 km and CO2 from 164 to 46 g/km. The Mk2 still makes sense if you want the simpler, cheaper compact executive sedan; the Mk3 buys performance and electric commuting ability.
Pick the Volvo S60 Mk2 if you want the lower entry cost, petrol-only running and can live with 180 hp, front-wheel drive and a 9.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Volvo S60 Mk3 if you want the much quicker plug-in hybrid, with 314 hp, AWD, 90 km of EV range and 2.0 L/100 km claimed fuel use.
Key differences
- Price: Volvo S60 Mk2 RM221,888; Volvo S60 Mk3 RM315,888
- Power and torque: Volvo S60 Mk2 180 hp/240 Nm; Volvo S60 Mk3 314 hp/400 Nm
- Drivetrain: Volvo S60 Mk2 front-wheel drive; Volvo S60 Mk3 all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: Volvo S60 Mk2 9.0 s; Volvo S60 Mk3 4.5 s
- Fuel economy and CO2: Volvo S60 Mk2 7.1 L/100 km and 164 g/km; Volvo S60 Mk3 2.0 L/100 km and 46 g/km
- Size and boot: Volvo S60 Mk2 4,628 mm long with 380 L; Volvo S60 Mk3 4,761 mm long with 391 L
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 221,888✓ | RM 315,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Engine | 1,596 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Power | 180 hp | 314 hp✓ |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.0 s | 4.5 s✓ |
| Top speed | 225 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.1 L/100km | 2.0 L/100km✓ |
| Battery | — | 18.8 kWh |
| EV range | 0 km | 90 km✓ |
| CO₂ | 164 g/km | 46 g/km✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,628 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,484 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,776 mm | 2,872 mm |
| Boot space | 380 L | 391 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 68 L | 60 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 90✓ | RM 365 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Mk2
- Lower purchase price
- Larger 68-litre fuel tank
- Slightly wider and taller body
- Much slower 9.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- No EV range or plug-in hybrid battery
- No listed auto emergency braking
Mk3
- Much quicker 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- 90 km EV range from an 18.8 kWh battery
- Auto emergency braking listed as standard
- RM94,000 higher price
- Higher RM365 annual road tax
- Smaller 60-litre fuel tank
Mk2 vs Mk3 FAQ
Is the Volvo S60 Mk2 or Volvo S60 Mk3 better?
The Volvo S60 Mk3 is better on performance, efficiency and safety kit: 314 hp, AWD, 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h, 2.0 L/100 km and auto emergency braking. The Volvo S60 Mk2 is better only if the lower price matters most.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo S60 Mk3 costs RM94,000 more than the Volvo S60 Mk2. That gap buys the plug-in hybrid system, AWD, more power, quicker acceleration, 90 km EV range and lower claimed CO2 output.
Which one is cheaper to run on paper?
The Volvo S60 Mk3 is cheaper on claimed fuel use at 2.0 L/100 km versus 7.1 L/100 km, and it has 90 km of EV range. Its annual road tax is higher, though: RM365 versus RM90 for the Mk2.