Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC90 Polestar delivers 415bhp with optimised T8 engine

Volvo's Polestar performance arm has powered up the XC90 T8, up to 415bhp and 680Nm

Volvo XC90 Polestar optimisation car

A performance package for the Volvo XC90 from Polestar means you can now get your T8 hybrid model with 415bhp and 680Nm of torque.

Polestar says the package improves throttle response, gearshift hold, speed and precision, as well as just extra power. The upgrades T8 now manages 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds, 0.7 quicker than the standard model, but the economy figures are unchanged - that means claimed figures of 134.5mpg and 49g/km of CO2. The electric driving range is said to be unaffected as well.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best 4x4s to buy now

There are no chassis upgrades, but a new gear hold function holds the selected gear during cornering, which helps to keep the car settled while moving quickly.

”[The optimisation package] gives customers who want a new level of driving pleasure with their XC90 an easily accessible and attractive performance increase,” said Niels Möller, Chief Operating Officer of Polestar.

Volvo XC90 Polestar optimisation badge

More Polestar upgrades to come

According to Michael Fleiss, Volvo’s Vice President of Powertrain, Volvo XC90 Polestar versions of the D5 diesel and T6 petrol models can also be expected. “Our colleagues at Polestar are looking at the car,” he told us.

Volvo S60 Polestar review  

The four-cylinder T6 petrol car produces 316bhp, while the D5 diesel’s output is currently rated at 222bhp before Polestar’s tuners get their hands on it.

Now read our full review of the new Volvo XC90...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best large SUVs to buy 2025
Best large SUVs - header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2025

Large SUVs are big on comfort, practicality and versatility. Here’s our pick of the best on sale now
Best cars & vans
11 Apr 2025
Volvo XC90 review
Volvo XC90 - front

Volvo XC90 review

Swedish Volvo XC90 SUV is still a strong contender after nine years on sale
In-depth reviews
8 Apr 2025
New vs used family SUVs: Hyundai Tucson or Volvo XC90?
New Hyundai Tucson vs used Volvo XC90 - header

New vs used family SUVs: Hyundai Tucson or Volvo XC90?

Family SUVs are massively popular, but which one is the very best buy?
Car group tests
25 Mar 2025
Best cars for over £20,000
Best used cars for over £20,000 - header image

Best cars for over £20,000

Got a budget of more than £20,000 to spend on a new car? You may want to check out these excellent used buys first
Best cars & vans
12 Mar 2025

Most Popular

Citroen is plotting a new 2CV – but the risks are huge
Citroen 2CV retro render

Citroen is plotting a new 2CV – but the risks are huge

We talk to Citroen bosses on plans to reboot its icon – and do they go retro or futuristic?
News
8 Jun 2025
New Kia Sportage breaks cover and it’s sleeker than ever
Kia Sportage - front

New Kia Sportage breaks cover and it’s sleeker than ever

Full specification and details have been announced for the UK version of Kia’s big-selling mid-size SUV
News
4 Jun 2025
Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options
June 2025 Best mid-size SUVs

Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options

Mid-size SUVs are hugely popular in the UK, and these are the very best of the current crop
Best cars & vans
4 Jun 2025