VOLVO XC60 Polestar 2018-2021 Photos, engines & full specs

Volvo used the Polestar brand like Mercedes-Benz did with the AMG to designate the most performance versions of a specific model from the Swedish carmaker's lineup, and eventually, it turned it into a different brand.

The heat in the compact-crossover market was heating up in the Premium segment as Volvo joined Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz with a pumped-up version for the XC60. Unlike its main rivals from the European Continent, the Swedish automaker brought the electrification factor into the equation, offering not only a more powerful version for its product but also a cleaner one.

Besides the mandatory Polestar badges installed on the car's grille and tailgate, this version of the XC60 also featured a plug-in port onto the left front fender. Moreover, the front fascia received a more aggressive bumper with broader air scoops in the apron to feed more air onto the brakes. The car's profile revealed its bigger, 21" light alloy wheels and the yellow-painted Akebono braking system. At the back, the twin flat tailpipes were flanking the rear diffuser under the bumper, while a spoiler adorned the top of the tailgate.

Inside, Volvo focused more on the rear seats meant to protect the kids in the back and offered enough room for grown-ups. The rear bench featured an integrated lift system that allowed a higher position for a child. In addition, a Bower and Wilkins sound system and a panoramic glass roof that opened were on the options list. Furthermore, as a particular Polestar feature, the seatbelts were yellow.

Under the hood, Volvo installed a two-liter, inline-four gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. The former powered the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the latter powered the rear axle.