Polestar Turns The New XC60 Into The Most Powerful Volvo Yet

With as much as 400 horsepower in top T8 spec, the new Volvo XC60 is no slouch.

Still, those looking for a little more of an edge can now turn to Polestar who is now offering its powertrain optimization package for the compact crossover. While it may not be a full-on performance overhaul, it promises to augment the driving experience that much higher.

In optimizing Volvo's road cars, Polestar focuses on “five key areas of the powertrain.” The gearbox shifts faster, and shift points have been recalibrated to make the most of the engine's torque band. It also holds onto a lower gear for longer in a corner, while the throttle has also been tweaked for quicker response both on and off, and the engine has been tuned to deliver more power.

Just 21 extra horsepower, mind you, but that's enough to match the optimized XC90 with the same powertrain, making them both the most powerful road-going production Volvos ever made. But in the smaller XC60, those 421 horses ought to go even further to make this one of the quickest Volvos ever, too.

"Our goal is to create useable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience," said Henrik Fries, Vice President, Research and Development at Polestar. "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."