Normally, black is a no-cost color option on luxury cars. But just like not all black paint is ‘just’ black paint, not all black-colored cars are ‘regular’ models. Several automakers have offered blacked-out, dark-colored versions of their vehicles as special-edition products. And Volvo is taking a page from their books with the 2022 S60 Black Edition.

The 2022 Volvo S60 Black Edition is one stygian Swedish sedan

Sometimes, cars reach production not because of rigorous product planning, but because of passion. And that’s what happened with the 2022 Volvo S60 Black Edition. It was developed by a small team at the automaker’s Camarillo, California design center specifically for the US starting in January 2021. Then, when Volvo executives saw the design study in November, they approved it on the spot. Several months later, the final version is ready to hit the road.

Despite its name, the 2022 Volvo S60 Black Edition doesn’t only come in black—sorry, Onyx Black Metallic. Customers can also get it in Crystal White Metallic. Though to be fair, Honda did something similar with its 2021 Ridgeline Black Edition.

Rather than the full exterior color, the ‘Black’ part of the S60 Black Edition’s name refers to its blacked-out trim pieces. The sedan’s grille, Volvo badge, and grille slash are gloss black, as are its exclusive five-triple spoke 19” wheels and window trim. All its exterior badging—model name, rear Volvo badge, trim indicator—is gloss black, too. And to complete the look, Volvo gives it gloss-black tailpipe finishers.

How much does this limited-edition sedan cost?

The 2022 Volvo S60 Black Edition isn’t a unique S60 trim. It’s available on the plug-in-hybrid S60 Recharge R-Design as well as the mild-hybrid Momentum and R-Design models. The Black Edition adds $700 to the S60 Momentum’s MSRP, while it adds $1350 to the R-Design models. Thus, the MSRPs break down like so:

• Recharge T8 eAWD R-Design Black Edition: $53,045
• Momentum Black Edition:
  • B5 FWD: $40,995
  • B5 AWD: $43,945
• R-Design Black Edition:
  • B5 FWD: $44,645
  • B5 AWD: $46,945

In addition, although Volvo has factories in China courtesy of its owner, Geely Holding, they’re not building any Black Editions. Instead, these Executor-class sedans will all be built at Volvo’s Ridgeville, South Carolina factory.

But if you want one of these blacked-out S60s, you’ll have to act fast. Volvo is making “fewer than 450” examples for 2022.

Should you wait in line for the 2022 Volvo S60 Black Edition?

Although Volvo hasn’t released full availability details for the 2022 S60 Black Edition, Roadshow claims the first examples should hit dealerships in the spring. If you want one, though, the order books are already open. But should you get one?

The standard S60 is a solid sub-$50,000 luxury car in plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid form. And mechanically, the Black Edition models are identical to the standard Momentum and R-Design models. Plus, it’s not available on the S60 Polestar Engineered, which, after its 2020-model-year updates, is a “fully realized sport sedan,” Roadshow says. In short, it’s all about the looks.

Really, you’re paying an extra $700 or $1350 for the blacked-out trim and special wheels. And those wheels are basically all-black versions of the S60’s optional 19” wheels. However, those wheels normally cost $800. So, in S60 Momentum form, the Black Edition is a genuine bargain. Also, while you can Plasti-Dip or powder-coat your wheels at home, a professional will usually charge several hundred dollars. That arguably also makes the other Black Editions worth the upcharge.s

In the end, though, it all depends on whether you want to feel like Darth Sidious in your Swedish sedan.

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