Everything you need to know before buying a Volvo S60 Polestar

As Polestar, originally Volvo’s factory-backed touring car racing team and now a standalone EV brand, moves to realise a high-performance electric future, it’s worth looking back on its more skunkworks take on Swedish performance.

Few modern sedans offer as intriguing an option for the price as the Volvo S60/V60 Polestar. Costing a hair under $110,000 at launch, Australia acted as a test bed for the sporty Swede, receiving a limited run of 50 Polestar-tuned S60 T6 AWDs back in 2013.

Thanks to a BorgWarner turbo, intercooler and a stainless steel 2.5-inch exhaust system, the Polestar-developed S60’s 3.0-litre inline-six produced 258kW at 6500rpm and 500Nm at 5500rpm. Polestar-specific Öhlins adjustable shocks, uprated springs (80 per cent stiffer than the S60 T6), front and rear stabiliser bars, toe link arms, carbon-reinforced strut brace and 336mm/302mm brakes elevated the dynamics.

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Thanks to its Australian success, Polestar’s engineering program went global in 2014, with limited S60 Polestars further offered to North American, European and Japanese markets while Australian vehicles received a $10,000 price reduction. The 2014-spec cars gained 20-inch wheels with 371mm six-piston Brembo brakes up front, a new twin-scroll BorgWarner turbine and intercooler as well as a revised Haldex 4WD calibration for a more rear-biased torque distribution.

Polestar Volvos returned for their final iteration in 2015, with the S60 sedan joined by a V60 wagon counterpart. Further developments included a new brake booster and master cylinder for finer pedal control, as well as larger wind tunnel-tested spoilers to greater aid high-speed stability. After 2016, the powerplant switched to the twincharged 2.0-litre inline-four, producing 270kW with the aid of turbo and supercharging.

The S60 sedan claims 4.9 seconds from 0-100km/h, and 5.0sec for the V60 wagon. A generous equipment list was borrowed from the top-spec R-Design, including active cruise control, active headlights, digital cluster, heated seats, ‘queue assist’ with autonomous braking and accelerating and front and rear parking sensors.

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Essential checks

Just a handful of Polestar Volvos are currently listed on the market, none older than 2015. It’s a narrow spread, with asking prices ranging between $55k and $60k with mileage ranging between 30,000kms and 50,000kms.

There is a slight premium on hero colours, like Rebel Blue or Flamenco Red, when they appear, and uncommon V60 wagons often boast asking prices towards the top end of the market.

The earlier iterations are far less plentiful, and may hold better long-term investment prospects, especially in regards to the prototype run of 50 Australian-specific S60s of 2013. Conversely, the upside to more prolific later-models is that they benefit from the range-wide facelift in 2014, and gained bigger wheels, brakes and a host of fine developments learned over model years.

They might not have been a true M3/C63 rival for the time, but they feel tremendously bespoke with plenty of character. Looking for an interesting semi-modern Sunday driver? The pair of Polestars offer a niche ownership experience, an almost exotic appeal and great value compared against a wild used car market.

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Body and chassis

Specialist positioning and a high asking price upon launch suggest that many Polestars have been enthusiast-owned since new. Low mileage and sparing use should see most cars on the market presenting well with little wear and tear. Inspect crash structures, uniformity of panel gaps and consistency of paint finish between panels for signs of prior accident damage. Also look for fine scratches around the boot, door handles and other high-frequency touchpoints.

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Engine and transmission

The Polestar Volvos were powered by a strung-out variant of the SI6 (short inline six) engine jointly developed by Volvo and Land Rover, first appearing in 2007. Despite their age, the engines are regarded as durable and reliable units.

Scheduled servicing is paramount for good health however, and you may need to factor in the cost of a fresh service if you are inspecting a car that has been left sitting for a long amount of time.

The S60 is only available as a six-speed automatic. It’s an effective gearbox, but can be clunky on downshift.

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Suspension and brakes

Cars on the market don’t boast the mileage that would usually indicate worn out suspension or braking components. Some owners have reported of knocking from the front strut tops of the Öhlins shock absorbers, so keep an ear out during low-speed corners.

Factor in costs of any worn out consumables, as replacing those sizeable 371mm brake rotors won’t be cheap. OEM 245/35/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres will also set you back more than $500 per corner.

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Interior and electronics

Aside from splashings of Polestar detailing, the bones of the S60 and V60 Polestars’ cabins are provided by the top-spec R-Design T6. Some switchgear is borrowed from the Ford parts bin, but it’s an uncluttered and elegant setting.

Soft leather seat bolsters will be the first to show signs of wear. Check touchpoints for imperfections.

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Volvo S60 Polestar specifications

Three other options you may consider

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1. The Obvious:

BMW F30 335i

An old 335i offers the executive experience along with boosted inline-six power. It won’t feel anywhere near as special as the bespoke Volvo, or quite as fast. There are a lot more available asking a lot less money, though.

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2. The Unexpected:

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

After a muscular sports sedan? It’s hard to go past the W211 E55 AMG sedan. With a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 under the bonnet, it outguns the Polestar by almost 100kW. At this price point, however, mileages will be very high.

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3. The Oddball:

Holden Commodore VF SS V

Sports sedan, you say? How could we forget our homegrown heroes? The dollar travels less and less in the Australian sector these days, but you can still slide into a V8 Commodore for between $50 and $60k if you look hard enough.