Volvo XC60 gets Polestar treatment and 314kW

With a new Polestar-tweaked power output of 314kW, the Volvo XC60 T8 matches the Polestar-fettled XC90 T8 as the Swedish brand’s most powerful offering.

The 1848kg SUV packs a turbocharged and supercharged four-pot, with an electric motor originally capable of 65kW.

The company says the XC60 has had improvements undertaken on the “engine performance, throttle response, off-throttle response, gearshift speed and hold”, which should make the SUV a little more engaging to steer.

It adds that the middle of the rev-range was the target for the most improvement in power and torque availability, as this is where Volvo estimates it will be most useful on a daily basis, “for example when joining a highway, overtaking, or exiting a corner”.

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A “gear-hold” function has also been programmed to prevent the car from shifting during cornering with high lateral g-force to avoid throwing the SUV’s balance.

Henrik Fries, Polestar VP of research and development says that after 20 years of motorsport experience via Polestar Cyan Racing, the Swedish tuner can efficiently make a road car with ample powertrain performance while maintaining its practicality.

”Our goal is to create usable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience,” Fries says.

“The new XC60 has provided us with an excellent base to work on with a dynamic chassis and a state of the art powertrain.

“With the Polestar optimisation, it makes the new Volvo XC60 a true drivers’ car.”

Polestar, is on track to become its own separately-branded performance arm for Volvo, while Volvo itself is aiming to be an electric-and-hybrid-only company (including Polestar) by 2019.