Polestar may not have the name recognition of brands such as Mercedes-Benz's AMG or BMW's M, but Volvo's performance division has quietly committed to making itself known outside of die-hard enthusiast circles. Case in point: the sultry Polestar 1 coupe, a Swedish grand tourer with an exceptionally detailed cabin and a whopping 600 horsepower from its complex four-cylinder engine. But Polestar isn't just ramping up production on its first stand-alone luxury car. It's also continuing to offer hot-rod versions of Volvo's cars, with the latest version the 2019 Volvo S60 Polestar.
Based on the fully redesigned 2019 S60, the new S60 Polestar has increased power and a sport-tuned suspension that promise to transform this compact luxury vehicle into a world-class sports car. Unlike its German rivals, the S60 Polestar doesn't boast a big V8 or even a high-output V6. Instead, it relies on Volvo's unique supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine (powering the front wheels) mated to a rear-mounted electric motor that drives the rear wheels.
It's a combination that Volvo first debuted in the XC90 a few years ago, and it's making its way into the S60's T8 trim. The S60 Polestar version makes a bit more power than the T8, though. Total system output stands at 415 hp and 494 pound-feet of torque, up from 400 hp and 472 lb-ft in the T8. Last year's S60 Polestar, which just had the four-cylinder engine, made 362 hp. And in contrast to the previous-generation S60, the new model's extra performance comes without a penalty at the pump.
While powertrain enhancements are relatively minor on paper, changes to the rest of the car are more significant. The S60 Polestar features lightweight wheels, adaptive dampers by Öhlins, and six-piston brake calipers and slotted brake discs for increased stopping power. Cosmetic upgrades include gold-painted calipers, gold seat belts, black chrome exhaust pipes and requisite Polestar badges so there's no question you bought the baddest Volvo on the block.
Future owners of the redesigned U.S.-built S60 aren't the only ones getting Polestar love. The performance brand will also introduce tuned versions of the V60 wagon and the XC60 crossover sometime next year. Be sure to check back with Edmunds for pricing and availability information on the 2019 Volvo S60 Polestar.