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Posted 25 February 2025
Volvo has long been known for its safe, practical, and stylish cars, but every so often, the Swedish brand produces something truly special.
One such machine was the Volvo V60 Polestar, an estate car that combined everyday usability with serious performance. Originally launched in 2013 with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, the V60 Polestar was already an impressive machine, but it was the 2016 update that truly set it apart. With a new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E engine, cutting-edge motorsport-derived technology, and all-wheel-drive grip, the V60 Polestar proved that Volvo could build a high-performance car to rival the best in the world.
The V60 Polestar wasn’t just a high-performance estate, it was a machine shaped by motorsport expertise. Learn more about its development at Cyan Racing’s official V60 Polestar page.
The V60 Polestar wasn’t just another fast Volvo, it was born from racing heritage. The engineers at Polestar Cyan Racing took inspiration from their World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) experience, applying track-derived technologies to the road-going version. The result was a 367-horsepower estate that could rocket from 0-62 mph in just 4.8 seconds, putting it in the same league as many dedicated sports cars of its time.
When the first V60 Polestar launched in 2013, it featured a charismatic 3.0-litre inline-six, praised for its deep, refined idle and strident top-end wail, a sound that enthusiasts still remember fondly. However, Volvo’s shift towards advanced, downsized engines led to the introduction of the 2.0-litre Drive-E four-cylinder in 2016, which proved to be lighter, more efficient, and even more powerful than its predecessor. With a larger turbocharger, new conrods, reinforced camshafts, and a high-capacity fuel pump, the updated Polestar was not just fast, it was engineered for maximum performance without excess weight.
Power was delivered to all four wheels via a Polestar-optimized BorgWarner all-wheel-drive system, which featured enhanced rear torque distribution for better dynamic handling. The eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, introduced in 2015, was further refined in the 2016 update. Polestar recalibrated it for faster gear shifts, curve-hold functionality, and off-throttle response, ensuring that power delivery was smooth yet aggressive when needed.
Beyond the powertrain changes, weight reduction played a crucial role in refining the V60 Polestar’s handling. Compared to its predecessor, the 2016 update made the car 24 kg lighter over the front axle and 20 kg lighter overall, improving weight distribution and agility. This reduction helped give the V60 Polestar a more neutral and balanced feel in corners, making it an even sharper driving machine.
To complement the weight savings, Polestar fine-tuned the chassis for greater precision and control. The suspension featured adjustable Öhlins dampers, a brand used on all future Polestar models, providing a rare combination of high-performance handling and real-world comfort. The system was firm yet compliant, helping to absorb bumps despite the arch-filling 20-inch wheels and high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
The braking performance was just as impressive. The six-piston Brembo front brake callipers with 371 mm ventilated discs provided exceptional stopping power, while the 2018 update introduced new high-performance brake pads to further enhance braking response. The strong pedal feel and durability made the V60 Polestar just as confident on a winding road as it was on long motorway journeys.
The Volvo V60 Polestar is a car that surprises. To the untrained eye, it might seem like just another Volvo estate, but a high-performance machine with the heart of a race car is under the surface. Designed to be both exhilarating and practical, it embodies a rare balance of speed, style, and everyday usability.
Visually, the V60 Polestar set itself apart with subtle yet effective aerodynamic enhancements. The aggressive front splitter, rear spoiler, and bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels weren’t just for looks, they were developed with racing expertise to improve stability at high speeds. The signature Rebel Blue paint became an instant classic, turning heads and marking the Polestar as something special. However, for those who preferred a more understated look, darker shades like Onyx Black made the V60 Polestar even more of a stealthy sleeper.
Step inside, and you’re met with an interior that blends Scandinavian minimalism with motorsport influence. The sport seats are wrapped in charcoal Nubuck with distinctive blue contrast stitching, giving a premium yet race-inspired feel. The carbon fibre centre stack, Polestar-embossed carpets, gearshift knob, and door sills further reinforce the car’s special status. Unlike other performance models with long options lists, the V60 Polestar came fully equipped, with only one optional extra: a sunroof.
While this generation of V60 may not have matched the load-hauling abilities of classic Volvo estates, it still offered a unique blend of practicality and performance. Whether blasting down a back road or loading up for a weekend trip, the V60 Polestar remained a rare breed, an estate car that could thrill its driver just as much as it could carry everyday essentials.
To explore Volvo’s original vision for the Polestar performance brand, read the official 2014 Volvo press release.
Polestar’s commitment to continuous improvement saw the V60 Polestar receive further enhancements in 2018. While the 2.0-litre, 367-horsepower Drive-E engine remained unchanged, the focus shifted to aerodynamics and handling, taking inspiration from Polestar Cyan Racing’s success in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).
The most noticeable updates came in the form of a new carbon fibre aerodynamic package, which included a redesigned front splitter and side sills. These lightweight components increased downforce, improving high-speed stability and grip. The aerodynamic enhancements were developed using data and knowledge gathered from Polestar Cyan Racing’s Nürburgring testing program, where the team set a record-breaking lap for a four-door road-legal car on the Nordschleife.
Other refinements included high-gloss black Polestar diamond-cut wheels, carbon fibre mirror caps, and a new Bursting Blue Metallic paint option. The interior was also updated, featuring new upholstery with blue contrast stitching and Polestar embroidery, further elevating the premium, performance-focused feel.
Despite these refinements, the V60 Polestar remained true to its original concept, a high-performance estate car that delivered excitement without compromising everyday usability. The 2018 updates ensured that it remained a compelling choice for those seeking a unique blend of speed, practicality, and exclusivity.
The Volvo V60 Polestar remains one of the most exciting and distinctive models ever to come from the Swedish marque. As a car developed with Polestar’s motorsport expertise, it represented a turning point for Volvo, proving that performance and practicality could go hand in hand.
With its rarity, striking design, and thrilling driving experience, the V60 Polestar is already becoming a modern classic. It was a car that defied expectations, standing out in a market dominated by traditional performance brands. Even as Polestar has evolved into a standalone electric performance brand, the legacy of the V60 Polestar lives on.
For those lucky enough to own one, the V60 Polestar isn’t just a fast Volvo, it’s a true performance icon that continues to turn heads and deliver excitement on the road.
The V60 Polestar remains highly sought after in the used market. See what enthusiasts think in PistonHeads' used review.
