2025 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar: The High-Performance SUV Hiding in Plain Sight

When you think of performance SUVs, brands like Porsche, BMW, or Mercedes usually come to mind. But what if I told you a Volvo could beat them at their own game? Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered is a unique blend of Scandinavian design, stealthy luxury, and surprising muscle under the hood. It’s not just a pretty face — this SUV packs more power than many of its German rivals.

In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the XC60 Polestar Engineered stand out: a turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid engine delivering 455 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds, all-wheel drive as standard, and a fully electric range of about 36 miles. All that comes with a starting price around $77,000 — nearly $30,000 more than the base XC60. Despite its power, Volvo keeps its performance upgrades subtle, with bold 22-inch wheels and unique Polestar gold accents being the main giveaways.

Feature	Details
Starting Price	~$77,000
Engine	Turbocharged & Supercharged 4-cylinder Plug-in Hybrid
Horsepower	455 hp
Torque	525 lb-ft
0-60 mph	~4.2 seconds
Electric Range (EPA)	36 miles
Wheels & Tires	22-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero summer tires
Drive Type	All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Power and Performance: More Muscle Than You’d Expect from a Volvo

The heart of the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered is its turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid engine. It produces a hefty 455 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque, numbers that actually surpass any new gas-powered Porsche Macan, including the S and GTS models. That’s a bold claim for a Volvo, but it’s true. Thanks to all-wheel drive and this powerful drivetrain, the SUV rockets from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. That’s quick, especially for a midsize luxury SUV.

What’s even better is the efficiency: the XC60 offers a fully electric range of approximately 36 miles. That means you can commute or run errands on electric power alone before the gasoline engine kicks in. This is a great balance of performance and eco-friendly driving, perfect for those who want speed without sacrificing fuel economy.

Polestar’s performance upgrades focus on subtle but meaningful improvements. The standout feature is the 22-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero summer tires, which are serious performance tires replacing the usual all-season models. Large gold brake calipers and slightly bulged fender extensions hint at the car’s upgraded capabilities, but the overall look remains understated. In fact, the Polestar badging is small and discreet, showing Volvo’s preference for letting performance speak louder than flashy looks.

Design and Interior: Scandinavian Elegance Meets Practical Luxury

Exterior: Timeless Yet Subtle

The XC60 Polestar is based on a design first introduced in 2018, yet it still looks fresh and modern. Volvo’s design language is clean, simple, and proportionate, which has allowed this model to age gracefully. The Polestar version adds the big 22-inch wheels and fender flares, but beyond that, it’s hard to tell this is a high-performance variant at first glance. This subtlety will appeal to buyers who want power without the typical flashy SUV look.

Interior: Minimalist Luxury with Some Quirks

Inside, the XC60 continues Volvo’s tradition of elegant and minimalist Scandinavian design. The interior hasn’t changed much since 2018 but remains attractive with high-quality materials like premium leather and detailed stitching. One standout is the crystal gear shifter made by Orrefors, a Swedish crystal company, which adds an exclusive touch.

However, the minimalist approach comes with trade-offs. For example, climate controls are mainly accessed through the central touchscreen, which some may find clunky. Turning on heated seats requires navigating multiple touchscreen menus instead of simple buttons. The drive mode selector is also buried deep in menus, which is frustrating for a performance model where switching modes quickly should be simple.

On the tech front, the vertical infotainment screen is intuitive, with a handy home button and excellent 360-degree camera views that fill the whole screen, making parking easier. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Maps are all supported, providing modern connectivity.

Unfortunately, the digital gauge cluster feels dated and lacks customizability compared to rivals. It mainly shows a fixed map and basic vehicle info, with no option to display music or phone details.

Comfort, Space, and Practicality: Roomy Yet Functional

Rear Seating: Surprisingly Spacious for the Segment

Despite being a compact crossover, the XC60 offers good rear-seat space. Even a tall adult (6’4”) can sit comfortably with enough legroom and headroom. However, the middle rear seat is cramped due to a large drivetrain hump, making it uncomfortable for longer trips.

Rear passengers get heated seats, which is a nice touch, but there are no central rear climate vents, only smaller side vents near the front seats. This is a slight downside compared to competitors that offer better rear climate control.

Cargo Area: Practical and Well Thought Out

The cargo space is generous for the class, with clever touches like an under-floor storage compartment for cables and a pass-through in the middle of the rear seats for long items like skis. Most rivals don’t offer both folding seats and a pass-through, so this is a practical advantage.

However, folding the rear seats requires going around to them, as there are no latches in the cargo area for convenience. Also, there’s no household power outlet inside the cabin — only a cigarette lighter style outlet, which may disappoint those wanting more modern charging options.

Driving Experience: Fast but Not the Sportiest

Behind the wheel, the XC60 Polestar Engineered surprises with its speed and power. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, and the 0-60 time in the low 4-second range puts it on par or better than competitors like the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes AMG GLC 43. When switched to Polestar mode, the SUV delivers exhilarating acceleration that feels unexpected in a Volvo.

That said, the performance driving experience isn’t perfect. The steering, while responsive and quick, feels numb and lacks feedback compared to a Porsche Macan. The ride quality is firm and can be harsh, especially with the large 22-inch wheels and summer tires. The manually adjustable suspension requires physical adjustment under the hood or inside the wheel well, which is not very user-friendly and unlikely to be used often.

Despite these quirks, the chassis handles surprisingly well, with controlled body roll and decent agility for an SUV of this size. Volvo’s reputation for safety and comfort shines through, even if the sportiness isn’t quite at the level of German rivals.

Final Thoughts , A Unique Choice for the Discerning Performance SUV Buyer

The 2025 Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered is a compelling package for those who want a fast, powerful, and efficient SUV without the flashiness of traditional performance brands. It’s a “thinking person’s” performance SUV that blends subtle Scandinavian style with serious muscle under the hood.

While the price is steep for a Volvo — nearly $77,000 — you get a vehicle that can outrun many competitors and still offer a refined, understated luxury experience. Some tech and comfort features feel outdated or inconvenient, but overall, it’s a high-quality vehicle that stands apart from the crowd.

If you want a performance SUV that flies under the radar but delivers the goods when it counts, the XC60 Polestar Engineered deserves a serious look. It may not have the steering feel or brand cachet of a Porsche or BMW, but it has plenty of heart and a distinct personality all its own.