Apparently, Volvo thinks that axing its diesel engines is evidence of its “commitment to a long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine.” Reading a line like that, you would think the lineup would be magically shifting electric-only propulsion, but that’s not the case. Starting with the 2019 Volvo S60, all new Volvos will only be offered as mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or all-electric. So, despite that commitment, gasoline-powered engines still have a home at Volvo – they just need some kind of hybridization to piggyback on.

Volvo is embracing its electric future as much as the next automaker, and even promises that 50-percent of its global sales will be all-electric by 2025. It’s not a bad goal, but it’s a bit of a reach at this point.

“Our future is electric, and we will no longer develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “We will phase out cars with only an internal combustion engine, with petrol hybrid versions as a transitional option as we move towards full electrification. The new S60 represents the next step in that commitment.”

2019 Volvo V60 shown here.}


When the S60 launches next year, it will be available with various Drive-E four-cylinders, and there will be two plug-in hybrids for the taking as well. The car, however, is based on the brand’s SPA architecture, which underpins the S90 and V90. So, expect the T6 and T5 engines to offered about the same horsepower as found in other vehicles while the T6 twin engine with AWD will come with around 340 ponies and the T8 with AWD will come with around 390 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The mild hybrid models should join the lineup in late 2019 or early 2020.

Rear end of 2019 Volvo V60 shown here.}


Either way, the S60 can’t get here soon enough. The current model is well beyond its better years, and after seeing what the V60 looks like, we can’t wait to see the new sedan. It’ll take on all of Volvo’s new design cues and will be more than aggressive enough to impress. So, if you’re in the market for a new Volvo, and don’t want a large car or a wagon, wait just a little longer – the S60 will be well worth the wait. Unless you wanted a diesel engine, that is.

References

Volvo S60

Read our driven review of the 2016 Volvo V60}

Volvo V60

Read our full review of the recently released 2019 Volvo V60}