The Volvo brand is going through some changes. This Swedish brand that’s nearly a century old is serious about shifting toward electrification, and part of that shift is more plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). One of those PHEVs is the Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, an impressive model that’s still very expensive. So, is this top-trim Volvo PHEV worth its price tag?

What is the Volvo V60 Recharge and the Polestar Engineered trim?

The name of this car is a mouthful. “V60” is the model name; the “V” indicates that it’s a wagon and it’s mechanically similar to the S60 sedan. “Recharge” means it’s a plug-in hybrid; it can run on gas, electricity, or a combination of both. Finally, “Polestar Engineered” is Volvo’s name for its performance-oriented models, which are currently all PHEVs.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered is turbocharged, supercharged, and electrified with a total output of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. According to EPA estimates, it gets an all-electric range of 41 miles. When the hybrid battery runs out, it gets 31 combined mpg. That makes it very efficient for a sporty luxury wagon.

How much does the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharged Polestar Engineered cost?

Volvo’s high-performance hybrid wagon starts at $71,250. For comparison, the non-hybrid cross-country version of the V60 begins at $49,750.

The most apparent reason for the price gap between the two is the plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, there’s more to it than that. Additional standard features of the Polestar Engineered model over the base Cross Country include a unique suspension system with Öhlins dampers, Brembo front brakes with gold calipers, and a sporty appearance package with 19-inch wheels.

The Polestar Engineered model also comes standard with many of the contents of the Ultimate trim for the V60 Cross Country, which starts at $54,800. These premium features include Nappa leather upholstery, front seat cushion extensions, a head-up display, and a crystal gear shifter. The hybrid also comes standard with a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, a $3,200 option on the Cross Country.

Is the Polestar Engineered trim worth it?

The strongest case you could make for the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered being worth the lofty price tag is the fact that there’s nothing else on the market like it. It’s in a very specific niche: a plug-in hybrid, high-performance luxury wagon. The Audi A4 allroad quattro is comparable to the Volvo V60 Cross Country, but there’s no sporty hybrid wagon version of the A4.

As for other luxury PHEVs, the Grand Touring variants of the Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Aviator start at $53,925 and $70,190, respectively. Like the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, the Aviator Grand Touring is a hybrid emphasizing performance. Its PHEV powertrain uses a twin-turbo V6 with a total output of 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. The Aviator isn’t a wagon but has the versatility of three-row seating.

The only other option in high-performance plug-in hybrid luxury wagons is the expensive E-Hybrid variant of the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. However, it’s in a different pricing category than the Volvo. The most affordable hybrid Porsche wagon starts at $113,000, and the top Turbo S version begins at $200,400.

The Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered cost is worth every penny to the right buyer. Critics like Car and Driver are “partial to the racier Recharge T8 Polestar Engineered model” but admit that “if the Polestar’s performance isn’t for you, we won’t judge you for opting for the Cross Country. They’re both good choices.” The hybrid is excellent, but the regular V60 Cross Country makes more sense for most shoppers.