Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 Polestar Engineered models launched

The Swedish manufacturer has released a sporty upgrade pack for the T8-engined S60 saloon, V60 estate and XC60 SUV

Volvo has launched a Polestar Engineered Performance pack for its mid-sized T8-engined S60 saloon, V60 estate and XC60 SUV models. The upgrade pack adds a tweaked engine and gearbox, a handful of chassis revisions and a range of cosmetic enhancements. Prices start from £56,105 for the S60, £57,205 for the V60 and £64,545 for the XC60.

The Polestar Engineered package is designed to give a sporty edge to the Swedish brand’s line-up, giving Volvo competitors for the warmed-up Audi S4 and BMW 340i M Sport. First deliveries are due to arrive by the end of the year.

£135k price-tag confirmed for Polestar 1

Volvo’s regular T8 models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels supplemented by an electric motor at the back, producing a total of 385bhp. A revised ECU raises the total power output of the Polestar Engineered variants to 400bhp, while torque increases by 30Nm for a total of 670Nm.

The Swedish firm claims these upgrades make the S60 the fastest accelerating car in its line-up, with a 0–62mph time of 4.4 seconds. The V60 estate’s 0–62mph time stands at 4.6 seconds, while the XC60 manages the same sprint in 5.4 seconds.

Both the S60 and V60 have claimed economy and emissions figures of 104.5mpg and 48g/km of CO2 – and an all-electric range of 27.3 miles. The Volvo XC60 has a claimed economy figure of 88.2mpg, emissions ratings of 56g/km of CO2 and an all-electric range of 22.4 miles.

Chassis upgrades include a set of adjustable Ohlins dampers, a new strut bar between the front suspension towers, larger grooved brake discs and Brembo monobloc brake calipers for the S60 and V60. The XC60 features the same suspension upgrades, but is fitted with a set of uprated Akebono brakes in place of Brembo units on the S60 and V60.

Cosmetically, Volvo’s Polestar Engineered models receive subtle “Polestar” badging, a gloss black radiator grille and larger tailpipes in a black chrome finish. All three models also get a fresh set of lightweight five-spoke alloy wheels, sized at 19 inches for the S60 and V60 and 21 inches for the XC60.

What do you make of Volvo’s Polestar Engineered pack? Now read our review of the Volvo V40 Performance Pack here

Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

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