• Auto123 evaluations the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered.
The Polestar identify has been by way of just a few evolutions at Volvo. The identify was initially used for a specialised racing division created by the Swedish producer. A few of you’ll keep in mind the division’s extra memorable creations, together with nifty takes on the punchy C30 hatch and V8-powered mutation of the S60 sedan spec’ed for the Australian V8 Supercar Championship.
The division ultimately morphed into extra of an inner tuning entity, largely remembered by its vivid blue V60 and S60 fashions, with their darkish wheels and gold brake calipers.
As we speak, the Polestar identify has a traveled to an entire new place, after all, with the brand new all-electric banner. In the meantime, although, Volvos that get the efficiency once-over now get the “Polestar Engineered” tag, and they’re all a part of the T8 Recharge vary of fashions. That’s to say a plug-in hybrid powertrain and the flexibility to drive absolutely on electrical energy for about 60 km. The query turns into, after all, is that Polestar efficiency magic nonetheless there?
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, profile
Picture: D.Heyman
Design of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 8.5/10
In terms of exterior styling, my tester (largely) ticks all of the containers we’ve come to count on from the fashions on this class. The 19-inch wheels are nonetheless darkish, however they now embody a little bit of a nickel end that provides a welcome feeling of top of the range. The metallic gold brake calipers return, and they’re huge Brembo gadgets with six pistons up entrance that, nicely, go away little or no to the creativeness.
There’s extra darkish trimwork to tie in with the wheels – the grille, wing mirrors, window surrounds and elements of the enlarged entrance splitter all get a gloss black end. The calmly smoked headlights and vertical taillights full the take a look at the quite-subtle roof-mounted spoiler offers a performance-oriented cherry on prime. Total, in Polestar Engineered spec the V60 seems to be squat (it rides decrease than different V60 fashions) and severe, which is a tremendous search for a compact efficiency sled like this.
So what containers does it not tick, you ask? Nicely, all of it boils all the way down to the color, actually. Certain, the matte gray/concrete look is type of in today, however fond recollections of these vivid blue choices imply that for me, that’s the one method to go relating to this mannequin – and you’ll now not get it. There are two gray color decisions, a black and a white – that’s it. Yikes.
Inside of 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
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Inside of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar– 8/10
For a livewire efficiency mannequin, the inside is surprisingly business-like; numerous blacks and greys, with some welcome splashes of a aluminum-meets-carbon weave and the always-enticing Orrefors crystal shift lever, though I can’t assist however assume that will be a greater slot in a extra upscale model of the V60. Gold seatbelts to match the brake calipers full the look, and so they add a welcome splash of levity.
It’s all very luxurious however I couldn’t assist however assume that one thing just like the neat sweatpant-coloured material seats discovered within the Polestar’s V60 Cross Nation can be extra in tune with the efficiency bent.
Seating of 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
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The seats are correctly snug, although. This comes as little shock as Volvo has been crafting top-drawer seats for so long as most can keep in mind and these are not any totally different. Taller drivers will recognize the thigh extenders, although the hole left between the extendable cushion and backside cushion is simply too pronounced.
After all, Polestar or no, the V60 is a station wagon and you’ll pack as much as 657 litres within the rear cargo space (which is nice as a result of there may be valuable little cupboard space particularly beneath the entrance armrest, which is extra a shelf than a bin). That cargo capability tops that of the XC60 crossover SUV, by the way in which. What’s extra, the V60 sits decrease and is simpler to load because of this. Ah, the great thing about a station wagon.
Multimedia display screen 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
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Know-how within the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 7/10
There was a time the place Volvo’s vertical 9-inch infotainment show actually was the bee’s knees. You may match lots of knowledge there and whereas Apple CarPlay didn’t take up the entire show, the very fact you could possibly have each that app and the native interface on show directly was good.
Instances have modified. Whereas Volvo has added Google Constructed-In tech (assume apps like Google Maps or the voice-activated Google Assistant), it’s sluggish by right now’s requirements and nonetheless too text-heavy. Which means extra scrolling by way of menus to attain sure duties. The back-up digital camera is obvious sufficient, however gives a wierd fish-eye look that may make it robust to guage distance, particularly relating to objects alongside comparable to parked automobiles in an adjoining stall.
Factors are gained again by the sound system, a regular 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins unit that gives crisp, distortion-free sound you’ll be able to actually sit again and luxuriate in.
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, examined
Picture: D.Heyman
Driving the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 7/10
As talked about, the Polestar Engineered means a plug-in hybrid configuration, and that’s the one method you’ll get it. It could actually drive for some time in EV mode –when you can plug-in at evening, your each day commute might be EV on a regular basis – however the different huge profit is the ability, which rings in at 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque channeled to all 4 wheels by way of an 8-speed automated with paddle shifters.
These are some sterling figures and you’re going to get some good leap off the road. It’s clean too, and will get a quiet engine operation. Plus that auto ‘field is one clean shifter. A bonus of not being a dual-clutch set-up.
However there’s an issue. And that’s that it doesn’t really feel as quick as 523 lb-ft of torque and a close-ratio 8-speed suggests – regardless that it’s, on paper, quicker than the previous gas-only mannequin. Merely, that huge battery and EV motor provides weight, that means this compact wagon weighs in at over 2,000 lb.
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered gray
Picture: D.Heyman
It’s the worth you pay for effectivity and whereas I wouldn’t name the Polestar Engineered sluggish, I wouldn’t name it sports-compact quick, both. Take into account that at round $77,000 as examined, this Volvo prices greater than a BMW M2 and whereas there’s two fewer doorways there and no EV energy when you’re going to compete within the compact sport section, nicely, that is what it’s a must to cope with. Price of enjoying the sport.
This may all be simpler to forgive if the chassis dynamics have been on-point and to a level, they’re. Particularly when you think about the truth that you’ll be able to alter the shocks by way of underhood dials which is a brilliant distinctive function, there may be some correct dealing with right here. Flip-in is nice and physique roll is diminished however just like the powertrain, there’s a catch, and that catch is a barely woolen steering really feel and a experience that’s too agency at slower, ‘spherical city speeds. A couple of clicks of these adjustment knobs will assist issues, however to have to try this each time…
Engine of 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
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Some questions concerning the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar
Are there some other V60 Recharge trims?Sadly not. When you’re searching for a plug-in V60, that is the one method to go.
How does it cost?The V60 Recharge will be charged by way of both Degree I or Degree II charging. In keeping with Volvo, Degree II will get a full cost in in 5-16 hours relying in your present, whereas a Degree I cost will take 10-24 hours.
The rear of 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
Picture: D.Heyman
The ultimate wordPolestar’s bona fides by way of the years are plain. It’s a gaggle that’s taken automobiles from a producer that – if we’re trustworthy – has traditionally been a bit of granola and given them some actual spunk, to not point out racing pedigree.
However you’ll be able to’t assist however discover the added weight and necessities required for the transition to an electrified platform. When you’re searching for a PHEV that may present a extra concerned experience than most, then this might do. To not point out that when you take into account the wagon physique model, there’s valuable little else to select from (see: Rivals, beneath).
When you’re searching for a extra performance-oriented compact ringing in at round 75-80 grand, nonetheless, this will likely not fairly scratch that itch.
Robust factors
Nice looksComfortable inside and good cargo spaceEV-only cruising
Weak factors
Feels heavyLimited color paletteRides agency
The all-new 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
Picture: D.Heyman
Rivals of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered electrical
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2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered, emblem
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Glimpse of 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
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