Volvo lifts performance with Polestar PHEV

The new Volvo XC60 promises a more “performance-oriented package” when it hits the New Zealand market as the carmaker expands its electric offerings.

The marque’s mid-size SUV is the basis of the first new generation Polestar Engineered model, which goes on sale here in November. Polestar Engineered, developed by Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm Polestar, applies the latest engineering expertise to the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit. 

Coby Duggan, Volvo’s New Zealand general manager, Coby Duggan, says the Polestar Engineered variant is the most powerful and efficient model in the XC60 range.

“The XC60 Polestar Engineered retains everything customers love about the 2018 World Car of the Year winner in terms of its intuitive technology, striking Scandinavian design, and industry leading safety, and elevates it further for those looking for a more performance-oriented package,” he says. “Its distinctive Polestar Engineered features ensure it stands out for all the right reasons too.” 

The Polestar Engineered treatment will be available in the Volvo XC60’s T8 “Twin Engine” plug-in hybrid powertrain and supersedes the T8 R-Design specification in the New Zealand line-up.

Volvo claims the SUV has a total combined output of 311kW, fuel consumption of 2.2l/100km and a CO2 rating of 50g/km.

“Electric cars are our future,” says Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO at Volvo Cars. “We welcome a new era of Volvo electrified models enhanced by Polestar’s performance engineering prowess. This strategy is firmly grounded in our shared belief in an electric future for the car industry.”

Beyond the Polestar Engineered treatment inside and out, standard equipment on Volvo’s flagship performance model includes a 15-speaker 1100W Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade, a 360-degree camera, head-up display and the intuitive Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touch screen display.

Ten of the XC60 Polestar Engineered are expected in New Zealand before the end of 2019, with pricing from $129,900.