Volvo V60 Polestar Performance
The Volvo V60 Polestar, produced from 2014 to 2018, represents a significant milestone in both Volvo and Polestar history. It was the last combustion-engined Volvo to bear the Polestar name before the brand transitioned to become a standalone electric vehicle manufacturer. This makes it both a farewell to an era and a celebration of what could be achieved when Swedish engineering met motorsport-derived performance tuning.
The V60 Polestar's powertrain was an engineering tour de force. Rather than using a large-displacement engine, Volvo and Polestar extracted 367 horsepower from just two liters of displacement using a twin-charging system that combined a supercharger for low-rpm response with a turbocharger for high-rpm power. This approach, unique in the performance car market, eliminated turbo lag almost entirely while providing a broad, usable powerband. The engine was mated to an eight-speed Aisin-Warner automatic transmission and Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system.
Chassis development was where Polestar's motorsport expertise truly shone. Ohlins manually adjustable dampers, sourced from the Swedish suspension specialist, provided a firm but never harsh ride that could be tailored to the owner's preferences. Brembo six-piston front brakes with 371mm discs provided enormous stopping power, while lightweight 20-inch forged alloy wheels reduced unsprung mass.
The V60 Polestar was produced in extremely limited numbers, with just 1,500 units built over its production run, split roughly equally between sedan and wagon body styles. This exclusivity was intentional; Polestar wanted each car to feel special and deliberately limited production to maintain its boutique character.
Visually, the Polestar was distinguished from standard V60 models by its unique front bumper with enlarged air intakes, subtle rear spoiler, quad exhaust tips, and the option of Polestar's signature Rebel Blue paint. Gold seatbelts, a Polestar-specific steering wheel, and unique trim pieces identified the interior.
The driving experience was revelatory. The V60 Polestar could hustle through corners with a composure that belied its wagon body, while the twin-charged engine pulled strongly from any rpm. The all-wheel-drive system provided confident traction in all conditions, and the Brembo brakes were tireless even during spirited driving.
As the final chapter in the ICE Polestar story, the V60 Polestar has become an instant collectible. Its combination of rarity, performance, practicality, and historical significance makes it one of the most desirable modern Volvos ever produced.
Ensure all Polestar-specific components are present and original (Ohlins dampers, Brembo brakes, forged wheels). The twin-charged engine is complex; verify both supercharger and turbocharger are functioning correctly. Check for oil consumption issues on early examples. The 8-speed automatic should shift smoothly. Verify the car's production number and documentation. Rebel Blue examples command a premium. Service history from Volvo/Polestar dealers is essential.
Limited to approximately 1,500 units worldwide (combined sedan and wagon). 2017-2018 models received the updated T6 twin-charged engine replacing the earlier inline-six. Each car received a numbered plaque. Production was handled at Volvo's Torslanda plant with Polestar modifications applied afterward.