New Volvo XC60 Receives Polestar Treatment, Kicks Out 421hp

Polestar, the performance brand of Volvo Cars has introduced the latest-generation powertrain optimisation for the new Volvo XC60.

With the Polestar enhancement, the new Volvo XC60 T8 delivers 421 hp, matching the optimised XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built.

Polestar says that there are two key features of the optimisation - the improved engine performance and gearbox functionality.

Firstly, the enhancements for the engine are said to provide greater power and torque in the middle of the rev range, the area most often used in everyday driving.

The gearbox on the other hand, has been calibrated to utilise the optimised mid-range engine performance, where it maintains the same gear when cornering with high lateral g-force in order to avoid unsettling the balance of the car.

According to Polestar, the enhanced performance come without affecting either emissions or the fuel consumption of the engines. The vehicles also continue to be covered by the standard Volvo factory warranty.

"Our goal is to create useable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience," said Henrik Fries, Vice President, Research and Development at Polestar." 

"The new XC60 has provided us with an excellent base to work on with a dynamic chassis and a state-of-the-art powertrain, and with the Polestar optimisation, it makes the new Volvo XC60 a true drivers' car."

A total of four XC60 models are available for Polestar optimisation in Europe, including the T8, T5, D5 and D4.

For the D5, the Polestar optimisation boosts peak power from 235 to 240 hp, and peak torque from 480 to 500 Nm. The 0-100 kmh time is also cut from 7.2 to 7.1 seconds.