2020 Volvo S60 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Although not the best-selling class of vehicles out there, the luxury sedan certainly still has a market. These cars are not ideal for family vacations or driving the carpool. Instead, they emphasize the things that make driving fun.

The Volvo S60 is a small luxury sedan with a lot going for it. It entered its third generation in 2019 and sees even more changes for 2020. This year, a virtual instrument panel is standard on all trim levels. There are also changes to the popular R-Design model, as well as an upgrade to the blind spot monitoring system.

When considering the S60, drivers will have four very distinct models to take a look at. From the entry-level Momentum, which is full of sophisticated features, to the sporty R-Design, to the luxurious Inscription. At the top of the trim ladder is the Polestar Engineered, which is made for those who love driving.

There are a wide variety of engines as well as features to keep in mind with the 2020 Volvo S60. This guide will lay out the differences found between the trims in order to help drivers make an informed decision.

Compare the 2020 Volvo S60 Momentum vs R-Design Trims. What is the difference?

The entry-level Momentum has two different engine options. Drivers can select what Volvo calls the T5, which is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 250-horsepower as well as 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is always paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and only available with front-wheel-drive.

Alternatively, drivers can have this trim with the T6. This engine is the same as the last but is supercharged as well as turbocharged. It produces 316-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It also is paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission but is only available with all-wheel-drive.

Coming standard on this trim is also hill start assist, drive mode settings, a capless fuel filler, and electrical power steering personalization. That last feature allows you to customize the amount of steering assistance you get at different speeds. Doing so adjusts the sensitivity and overall steering feel for the S60.

There are many exterior features on the Momentum that show it is a luxury sedan. Door handle illumination, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated windshield washer nozzles are standard. The trim gives you a laminated panoramic moonroof that features a power sunshade. Available as part of a package are both retractable side mirrors and high-pressure jets that clean the headlights.

Inside the cabin, two-zone automatic climate control is standard. There are separate air vents for the rear passengers, although they do not have their own controls. The driver and front passenger seat are both powered, and the driver's seat has lumbar support as well. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls is standard as well. Heat can be added to the steering wheel as part of a package.

Versions of the Momentum with the T6 engine get standard front heated seats. This is an available add-on for T5 models. Heated rear seats are unavailable for the T5 models and an available option for the T6.

The infotainment system runs on a 9" touchscreen inside the Momentum. This runs Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also runs what Volvo calls Sensus Connect. This gives drivers access to many in-car apps and can schedule service when the time comes. Navigation can be added to this trim level.

There is an 8" touchscreen driver information display. USB ports are found throughout the cabin. For music, the S60 gives drivers a ten-speaker high performance audio system. There are 12-volt power outlets located in the rear console as well as the trunk.

An auto-dimming interior mirror is standard, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are available. Other available features for the Momentum include a heads up display, compass in the rearview mirror, and keyless entry with a power liftgate. A more powerful Harmon Kardon audio system is also available.

A rearview camera is standard. Drivers can also choose to upgrade to a 360-degree surround view camera for this model. Daytime running lights are also included as standard equipment. You get a lane keep assist feature, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, road sign information, drowsy-driver warning alert, full-speed automatic emergency braking, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Momentum and all other versions of the S60 also have what Volvo calls City Safety Collision Avoidance Technology. This tech can detect other vehicles, pedestrians, large animals, and objects. It alerts the driver of potential collisions with brake pulse warnings, as well as visual and audible cues. The system can also apply the brakes if it detects a collision is imminent.

Moving up to the R-Design trim unlocks another engine option. It is the hybrid T8, which combines the V6 engine with electric motors. The result is 400-horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque combined. This engine is also only available with all-wheel-drive. All models of the R-Design have paddle shifters.

Available for the R-Design is a sport chassis. This will adds firmer shock absorbers and lowers the vehicle. This change costs only an extra two-hundred, making it a good option for those wanting a sporty S60.

Exterior features remain basically the same between these two levels. One exception is the high-pressure jets for the headlights, which become standard on T8 versions of the R-Design. All versions of the R-Design also get dual integrated tailpipes.

Heated front seats become standard for the T6 and T8 models while remaining optional for the T5. Heated rear seats are not available for the T5 but can be added to the T6 or T8. All versions of this trim have a special R-Design three-spoke steering wheel. It is wrapped in Nappa leather and has unique stitching that matches other areas of the interior. This trim gets special "sport pedals" that have rubber for extra grip and a brushed aluminum finish.

The digital driver display goes from 8" to a whopping 12.3" for this trim. The Harmon Kardon audio system becomes standard here. If that isn't enough sound for you, there is also a Bowers & Wilkins audio system. This includes 15 high-end speakers and a variety of features aimed at optimizing the sound inside the S60. It also adds over three grand to the price tag.

Standard on the R-Design models with the T8 is high level interior illumination. This activates the interior, foot well, and mood lights whenever the vehicle is unlocked or a front door is opened. This can be a handy feature at night, particularly when parking in an area you are unfamiliar with.

For this trim, the compass in the rearview mirror and keyless entry with hands-free power liftgate become standard. ParkAssist Pilot is also a standard feature. It has the ability to measure parking spaces and then do the steering during the parking process. This will work for both parallel and perpendicular parking.

A blind spot information system with cross traffic alert is added for the R-Design. Pilot Assist is available as part of a package. This gives the S60 intelligent adaptive cruise control. Not only can this keep the vehicle a certain distance behind the one in front of it, but it can also help keep the car centered in the lane. This feature is standard on the R-Design if it has the T8 engine. These models also get active bending headlights.

Overall, the R-Design gives you many more options, particularly if you go with the Hybrid.

Compare the 2020 Volvo S60 R-Design vs Inscription Trims.  What is the difference?

The next option is the Inscription, which has the same three engine choices as the R-Design. The sport chassis is not available for the Inscription, nor are the sport pedals inside the cabin. The retractable side mirrors are standard on the Inscription. Once again, only the T8 models get the jet nozzles for the headlights.

All models of the Inscription allow you to add backrest massage front seats. For the T8, power adjustable side support for the front seats also becomes an available option. Heated front seats are standard for the T6 and T8 while still only available for the T5. Not surprisingly, the T5 does not offer heated rear seats, but it is an available option for the T6 and T8. Ventilation for the front seats is an option across all versions.

The T8 Inscription gives you the heads up display standard. This remains an option on the T5 and T6. This feature projects vital information right into the line of sight of the driver. It can adjust its brightness automatically based on the light conditions. Also standard here is the tailored dashboard. This adds black leather to the dashboard for an extra splash of sophistication.

Going with the Inscription instead of the R-Design will not set you back much further. Which is a better choice depends on whether your prioritize sportiness over luxury, or vice versa.

Compare the 2020 Volvo S60 Inscription vs Polestar Engineered.  What is the difference?

Those interested in a powerful hybrid will love the Polestar Engineered trim level of the S60. It has the same T8 engine as previous trims, but manages to get 415-horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque out of it. Despite being a hybrid, this powertrain will give you instant exhilarating acceleration.

This trim level comes with an upgraded suspension. This highly-advanced suspension is designed to instantly adapt to any imperfections in the road. It also gets larger Brembo brakes. These front brakes give the S60 impressive stopping power. It sits on stylish lightweight 19" wheels that were forged rather than cast.

Both the front and rear grilles are painted a high-gloss black for the Polestar Engineer. The tailpipes are integrated and made from black chrome. Badges for this trim as visible but discreet, adding to the class of this S60.

Inside, drivers will find contour seats that keep them firmly in place when flying around corners. They are made from Nappa leather and open grille textile upholstery. There is also a leather-clad sports steering wheel. Exclusive interior touches for this trim include gold seatbelts, metal mash aluminum decor panels, and a tunnel-shaped console. There is also an Orrefors crystal shift knob.

One thing to keep in mind when considering this trim is that you will be spending considerably more. The starting price is twenty thousand dollars higher than the Inscription.

Which Trim to Choose?

Which trim level is right is a bit of a tough call. This is a rare case where you will either want to stick with the entry-level or go all the way to the top of the line. While not right for everyone, there are certainly consumers who will be willing to shell out big bucks for the performance-oriented Polestar Engineered.

All trim levels of the S60 are very well-equipped and give you multiple engine options. The lower trims can add many of the upper trim's features through packages. This makes the entry-level Momentum an attractive choice.

The Momentum with the T6 engine, and therefore all-wheel-drive, is a great choice for those in the market for a smaller luxury sedan.