Merc has AMG, BMW applies M Power, Audi uses RS and Volvo has Polestar, the first iterations of which (as noted above) are centred on the T8 TwinPower engine designation. The potency hike of 15bhp, which is an expectation, is not massive but, when the ‘standard’ factory offering is 390bhp, possessing an ‘adequacy’ of power remains eminently satisfying.
Volvo’s outstanding 2.0-litre turbo-petrol modular engine technology is a 303bhp marvel in its own right. Mated to a self-charging and plug-in electric power unit gifts the cars a stunning performance spread, supported by a massive torque figure of 494lbs ft. In raw terms (V60 and XC60 in respective brackets), the S60 Polestar Engineered model blitzes the 0-60mph sprint in a mere 4.1s (4.3s; 5.1s), returning 104.5mpg (104.5mpg; 88.2mpg), emitting CO2 at a rate of 48g/km (48g/km; 56g/km), allied to an EV range of 27.3 miles (27.3 miles; 22.4 miles). Literally, the best of both worlds.
Polestar’s involvement includes reprogramming the automatic transmission for speedier up and downshifts and ‘fuzzy logic’ that manages the shift quality and settings. Notably attractive are the signature gold brake callipers (Brembo on S/V60, Akebono on the XC60), visible through the spokes of 19.0-inch diameter, black-finished, forged alloy wheels for both saloon and estate car versions, with the XC60 wearing 21.0-inch alternatives.
While abundant grip comes from the tyres, their efforts are helped by the adoption of adjustable Ohlins bespoke damper and spring set-ups, reinforced by an under-bonnet strut brace that ensures taut control, fine handling balance, ace road-holding and refined ride quality. Steering responses, which are always good on a Volvo, are raised to an even higher level with these changes.
Apart from the addition of (signature) gold seatbelts and the standardisation of Volvo’s sporty and supportively bolstered seats, clad in hide, with Alcantara suede elements for added occupant grip, it is only the Polestar badging, black chrome exhaust tailpipes and trim strips that add the finishing flourishes. Unsurprisingly, the list prices (pre-discount) take an upwards stride but not to the point of inaccessibility, or unaffordability, with the S60 model at £56,105 (£57,205; £64,545), they are available to order now, with first deliveries taking place before the end of the year.
Volvo is riding the crest of an international wave at present, helped immeasurably by its status as a middle-American transport idyll and sales in the UK confounding the downturned state of the market by setting new records consistently. The Polestar Engineered details will be applied to other Volvo ranges in due course, simultaneously raising brand expectations, while enhancing a vibrantly refreshed image for a current model line-up that has never been held in such high esteem. As the company continues its futureproofing in both performance and eco-friendly realms, Volvo is looking unstoppable.
