Polestar, the performance brand of Volvo Cars, has introduced the latest-generation powertrain optimisation for the new Volvo XC60. With the Polestar enhancement, the new Volvo XC60 T8 delivers 415 bhp, matching the optimised XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built.

The Polestar optimisation improves five key areas of the powertrain while retaining the Volvo warranty, emission levels, fuel consumption of 134.5 mpg and a pure electric range of up to 28 miles for the T8.

Volvo says that experience from more than two decades on the track with Cyan Racing, the motorsport partner of Polestar, has transformed the engine performance, accelerator response, off-accelerator response, and gearshift speed and hold, taking the XC60 to a new level of driving pleasure.

“Our goal is to create useable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience,” said Henrik Fries, Vice President, Research and Development at Polestar. “The new XC60 has provided us with an excellent base to work on with a dynamic chassis and a state-of-the-art powertrain. With the Polestar optimisation, it makes the new Volvo XC60 a true drivers’ car.”

Two key features of the optimisation are the improved engine performance and gearbox functionality. The enhancements for the engine are made to provide greater power and torque in the middle of the rev range, the area most often used in everyday driving, for example when joining a motorway or when overtaking or exiting a corner.

The gearbox shifts faster, gearshift points have been calibrated to utilise the optimised mid-range engine performance, and the gear-hold function maintains the same gear when cornering with high lateral g-force in order to avoid unsettling the balance of the car.

A total of four XC60 models are available for Polestar optimisation in the UK, including the T8, T5, D5 and D4. For the D5, the Polestar optimisation boosts peak power from 232 to 237 bhp, and peak torque from 354 to 369 ft lb. The 0-62 mph time is also cut from 7.2 to 7.1 seconds.