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2017 Volvo V60 Polestar

This Performance Volvo Wagon Is Surprisingly Rarer Than a Ferrari

Although it now specializes in EVs, Volvo originally purchased Polestar with the intent of making it a performance division. Think BMW’s M, or Mercedes-AMG, only Swedish. And just like those German brands, Polestar didn’t limit itself to just tuning sedans. After all, while Volvo makes luxurious cars and SUVs, it’s perhaps best-known for wagons. That’s …

Although it now specializes in EVs, Volvo originally purchased Polestar with the intent of making it a performance division. Think BMW’s M, or Mercedes-AMG, only Swedish. And just like those German brands, Polestar didn’t limit itself to just tuning sedans. After all, while Volvo makes luxurious cars and SUVs, it’s perhaps best-known for wagons. That’s why, for a limited time, the Swedish automaker offered a Volvo V60 Polestar wagon. And it truly was limited—even more so than some Ferraris.

The Volvo V60 Polestar wagon production

The Ferrari comparison isn’t an exaggeration. The Volvo V60 Polestar was only offered for the 2015-2018 model years, as was the S60 Polestar sedan. For 2015 and 2016, Car and Driver reports, only 1500 total Polestar cars were produced for the entire world. Only 80 2015 wagons made it to the US, and 165 2016 models.

2017 Volvo V60 Polestar
2017 Volvo V60 Polestar | Polestar

Production increased for 2018, to a global total of 1500. However, Car and Driver reports the US only received about 200 Polestars in a given year. Based on estimates from the Volvo Club of America’s forums, that means only 500-510 Volvo V60 Polestars were ever sold in the US. In contrast, Continental AutoSports reports the US received 1,810 1999-2005 Ferrari 360 Modena coupes.

2003 Ferrari 360 Modena
2003 Ferrari 360 Modena | Bring a Trailer

And, compared to the 360, the Volvo V60 Polestar received more updates over its production run.

Specs and features

2016 Volvo V60 Polestar
2016 Volvo V60 Polestar | Polestar

For 2015 and 2016, the Volvo V60 Polestar came with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder, rated at 345 hp and 369 lb-ft. With a 6-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, Motor Trend reports the 2015 model could go 0-60 in 5 seconds.

The Volvo V60 Polestar wasn’t just about the powertrain, though. It had Brembo front brakes, grippier tires, Ohlins adjustable suspension, upgraded suspension bushings, and stiffer springs. But it was still a luxury car, so it had heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic emergency braking.

2017 Volvo V60 Polestar engine
2017 Volvo V60 Polestar engine | Polestar

The 2017 and 2018 models, though, were noticeably different. Instead of the six-cylinder, the 2017 Volvo V60 Polestar had a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine. It put out 362 hp and 347 lb-ft and was linked to an 8-speed automatic. AWD was still included.

The updated wagon was 0.1 seconds quicker to 60 than the older one, MT reports. And, on top of the Brembos and suspension mods, the V60 Polestar also got a carbon-fiber strut brace, Automobile reports.

What’s it like to drive?

The Ohlins dampers, Autoweek reports, can be rather stiff on broken pavement. The wagon also understeered at the extreme limit, MT reports and didn’t have a lot of steering feel. The earlier 6-speed automatic was also noted for somewhat slow shifts. The 8-speed, Autoblog reports, was noticeably faster, but it performed best in Sport+ Mode.

2018 Volvo V60 Polestar interior
2018 Volvo V60 Polestar interior | Polestar

However, the V60 Polestar was still an enjoyable, quick wagon. The suspension can be dialed in for more compliance. But even so, it helps the V60 grip and handle well through corners. It may not be a track weapon, but on backroads, it’s a lot of fun. And the seats are well-bolstered while being comfortable on long journeys. Aside from the blue paint, the Volvo V60 Polestar is a great Q ship of a wagon.

Volvo V60 Polestar prices

New, the V60 Polestar retailed at about $62,500. Today, though, it’s possible to find one for sale on Autotrader for $35,000-$45,000. Although it’s rare, that actually works to your advantage. Not many people know what it is at first glance, and only real Volvo enthusiasts knew enough to order one initially.

But if you can find one, you’ll genuinely own a fast Volvo wagon that’s more exclusive than a Ferrari.

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