Polestar tweaks Volvo S90 and V90 with Performance Package
Tuning company fettles power output and improves drivetrain of the latest big Volvos
When Volvo announces a new model, it’s only a matter of time before the company’s tuning arm, Polestar, gets hold of it. Now, the S90 and V90 have had the Polestar treatment courtesy of a new Polestar Performance Optimisation package.
The headline figures are only slight improvements compared to the regular line-up. The D5 diesel model has received just a modest upgrade, from 232bhp to 237bhp, while torque is boosted from 480Nm to 500Nm. But numbers aren’t everything, and Polestar says that the Performance Optimisation package upgrades the entire drivetrain for a more responsive, dynamic drive.
The company claims it’s made improvements to throttle and off-throttle response as well as gearshift speed and precision – good news, as a slightly hesitant gearshift is one of our few criticisms of the car.
"We continue to enhance the performance of Volvo’s new, class-leading SPA vehicle architecture and Drive-E powertrains. The S90 and V90 already offer excellent driving dynamics, and we are delighted to raise the performance level even further with Polestar Performance Optimisation," said Niels Möller, COO of Polestar.
Fans of Polestar’s other offerings may be disappointed, as sadly the upgrade is purely mechanical - there’s no bright blue paintwork or wild bodykits to be found, though the cars pictured are fitted with optional 21-inch alloy wheels.
The Polestar Performance Optimisation package costs £835 when fitted to the D5 diesel model of the Volvo S90 or V90. As official tuners, Polestar packages are covered by Volvo’s factory warranty, and leave fuel economy, emissions and service intervals unchanged.
Would you let the experts tune your brand new Volvo? Let us know in the comments below...
