When we think Volvo, we don’t often think sports car, but it may be time for that to change. Truthfully, since the last V60 Polestar, the brand hasn’t been very flashy. But in the most expensive Volvo S60, you can get a whole lot of performance paired with the traditional safety and luxury of a new Scandinavian sedan.

The Volvo S60 Recharge puts plenty of power under the hood

The most expensive Volvo S60 starts with the Recharge plug-in hybrid engine package. Here, a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine makes up the combustion-engine base. Delivering 295 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque on its own, that would be plenty of punch for a compact sedan. Volvo then adds an electric motor to the rear axle, bringing total performance up to 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

In addition, the T8 system offers all-wheel drive, thanks to the split power delivery from the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The electric power provides instant torque at the rear axle, helping aid in handling rotation when on power.

Better yet, the S60 Recharge can travel up to 41 miles on electricity alone, according to Edmunds. That means this powerful four-door can be as environmentally conscious as a Nissan Leaf around town.

Polestar Engineering makes the Volvo S60 a true sleeper of a sports car

Power alone doesn’t make a sports car, and so far, that’s all the Volvo S60 has going for it. That is, until Polestar Engineering gets in on the party. It’s here where the compact Volvo becomes the sleeper sports car that nobody expects it to be.

Adaptive sport suspension doesn’t just provide a superior handling platform for the S60, but makes it come alive. The Ohlins dampers adapt racing technology for the street and put the compact Volvo in a completely new league. Dual-flow shock valves allow for more refined ride quality while allowing the Polestar sport springs to control body roll for tighter handling.

Meanwhile, Brembo brakes get everything slowed down with the type of immediacy that might require a tighter lid on your coffee cup. With six-piston calipers and 14.6-inch ventilated discs, these brakes provide immense stopping power with impressive repeatability. Plus, the gold-painted calipers are a subtle but clear message – this S60 isn’t like the rest.

Even the unique Polestar wheels offer a performance advantage. The 19-inch forged aluminum construction is lighter and stronger than the wheels from the standard S60. Not only can they handle being driven with some aggression, but they reduce unsprung weight to make the S60 more responsive.

Excellent luxury inside

Unlike other brands, whose performance cars lose some interior refinement for the sake of performance, the S60 keeps every bit of its luxury character. This keeps the S60 heavy, for sure, but for a high-performance daily driver, it’s every bit the premium choice that it should be.

Heated and cooled seats, multi-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and Nappa leather upholstery make the most expensive Volvo S60 a true sport luxury sedan, full stop.

Be unique with the most expensive Volvo S60

The most expensive Volvo S60 isn’t about the money. It’s about an experience that leaves no stone unturned. A high level of both refinement and performance is worth every bit of the $71,000 price tag. It’s a sleeper, for sure, but that’s what makes it fun.