The luxury car market has grown significantly in recent years and shows no signs of relenting. In 2024, the luxury vehicle market earned a whopping $623.9 billion and is projected to hit $672.26 billion in 2025.
The two brands leading the charge for luxury vehicles are Lexus and Volvo. Both brands command a substantial portion of the luxury sedan market, owing to their reputation for making reliable and sophisticated cars. So, which one should you consider when buying your next luxury vehicle? Join us as we compare their latest flagship sedans, the 2025 Lexus and the Volvo S60, to discover which reigns supreme.
Performance and Engine Analysis
Lexus and Volvo are renowned for their performance-oriented and fuel-efficient powertrains, and this is clear to see when comparing the engines of their newest sedans. The 2025 Lexus IS comes with three formidable powertrain options. The base engine, standard on the IS 300 and IS 300 F Sport Design, is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the IS 300 AWD, IS 300 F Sport Design AWD, and IS 300 F Sport AWD come with a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque.
The IS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport Design feature the same 3.5-liter V-6. However, in these models, the powertrain is tuned to deliver up to 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the apex IS 500 F Sport Performance model gives you access to even more power courtesy of its monstrous 5.0-liter engine, which cranks out a remarkable 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Besides its astonishing power output, this top-of-the-line trim delivers impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
The 2025 Volvo S60 offers equally compelling engine options. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system generates up to 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in-hybrid engine is also available for this model year. This engine, standard on the S60 T8 models, cranks out an astonishing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 that we tested hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which just about matches the IS 500 F Sport Performance’s acceleration time.
Design and Dimensions
Design and styling are arguably the biggest selling points of luxury vehicles, and Lexus and Volvo have gone to great lengths to ensure their flagship sedans stand out. The 2025 Lexus IS boasts dramatic styling, featuring sharp character lines for a sporty and imposing look. Its singular mesh grille adds character and flair to its front end, while its LED headlights and taillights give it a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.
The 2025 Volvo S60 impresses with its Scandinavian-inspired exterior design and styling. Its bold, flowing lines and sculpted body give it a dynamic appearance that’s guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go. Its front end features Volvo’s signature front grille, flanked by stunning headlights, which give it a commanding presence. Meanwhile, its rear end is punctuated by C-shaped LED headlights, which contour nicely around the trunk lid.
While the 2025 Lexus IS’s and Volvo S60’s exterior designs are impressive, where the two models truly shine is in their interior styling and comfort. Both models provide comfortable seating for five passengers. However, the Lexus IS gets a slight edge over the Volvo thanks to its generous front headroom and legroom. The model offers a class-leading front headroom of 38.2 inches and a front legroom of 44.8 inches. By comparison, the Volvo S60 has a front headroom of 37.4 inches and a front legroom of 42.3 inches.
Both sedans are outfitted with premium amenities to deliver the utmost passenger comfort. Some standout standard and available interior comfort features on the 2025 Lexus IS include a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The 2025 Volvo S60 has equally compelling comfort amenities, including a leatherette steering wheel, a panoramic roof, a four-zone climate control system, and ambient interior lighting.
Safety, Technology, and Features
Technology is at the heart of any luxury sedan. That’s why Volvo and Lexus have pulled out all the stops to ensure their latest offerings deliver the very best when it comes to in-cabin tech. The centerpiece of the new Lexus IS safety system is the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite, which integrates the most advanced driver-assistance technologies to enhance your confidence behind the wheel. Its standard features include automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.
The 2025 Volvo S60 doesn’t disappoint either when it comes to safety. It’s outfitted with a wide range of sophisticated driver-assistance systems designed to increase driver alertness and responsiveness. They include lane-keep assist, oncoming lane mitigation, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear collision warning. Many of the Volvo S60’s top driver-assistance systems are only standard on higher trims such as the Ultra, unlike the Lexus IS, which offers them as standard features across the trim lineup.
When it comes to infotainment technology, the new Lexus IS and Volvo S60 offer the very best money can buy in this market segment. Every Lexus IS model comes with a standard 8-inch Lexus Multimedia System touch screen display with smartphone integration capabilities. Also included in the infotainment package is an AT&T Wi-Fi hot spot that ensures you stay connected on the go. Other noteworthy connectivity and entertainment features on this model include Bluetooth support, dynamic voice command, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
The new Volvo S60 is equally impressive with its infotainment and connectivity features. Every model has a user-friendly 9-inch infotainment display with Google built-in. The model also features auxiliary technologies such as a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Test-Drive the 2025 Lexus IS at Lexus of Stevens Creek
If you’re still undecided on which of these formidable luxury sedans to buy, firsthand experience can help you determine which model better suits your preference. Contact us today to book a free test-drive of the new Lexus IS and discover why it’s a favorite choice for drivers in San Jose, California.
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