Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered 2024, road test: is it still as attractive?

• Auto123 tests the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered.

The Polestar name has undergone several evolutions at Volvo. Originally, it designated a division of the Swedish manufacturer, a branch specializing in motor racing. Some of you will remember the most important creations of this division, including the most original versions of the C30 and the mutation of the S60 sedan, equipped with a V8 engine for the Australian V8 Supercars Championship.

The division then evolved to customize existing models; we will especially remember the bright blue V60 and S60 models, with their dark rims and gold brake calipers.

Today, the Polestar name is rendered elsewhere, representing Volvo’s electric division. Meanwhile, performance-oriented Volvos now carry the Polestar Engineered label. Consider the T8 Recharge model range. They are equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and can run entirely on electricity for a distance of around 60 km. It remains to be seen whether the Polestar performance magic is still there.

Design of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 8.5/10

In terms of style, my test model meets the expectations one has for a vehicle in this category. The 19-inch wheels are still dark, but now feature a nickel finish that adds a welcome premium touch. The metallic gold brake calipers are back, six-piston Brembos up front that leave very little to the imagination.

The grille, exterior mirrors, window surrounds and parts of the front diffuser all have a glossy black finish. The slightly smoked headlights and vertical lights complete the style, while the very discreet roof-mounted spoiler is the icing on the cake. Overall, in Polestar Engineered configuration, the V60 has a stocky (it’s lower than other V60 models) and aggressive appearance, which is in keeping with a performance car like this.

Any disappointments? Color, in fact. Matte gray may be fashionable these days, but some might miss the bright blue of older Polestar versions, a blue that is no longer offered. You can choose two gray colors, one black and one white.

Interior of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 8/10

For a performance model, the interior is surprisingly plain; lots of black and gray, with some welcome touches of aluminum and carbon. The Orrefors crystal gear lever is still present, although it is more likely to be seen in its place in a more upscale version of the V60. Gold seat belts, matching the brake calipers, complete the look and add a touch of lightness.

It’s very luxurious, but cloth seats in the same color as those in Polestar’s V60 Cross Country would be more in line with the car’s performance.

The seats are, however, very comfortable. This is no surprise, as Volvo has been making top-notch seats forever. Taller drivers will appreciate the thigh extenders, but the gap left between the extendable cushion and the lower cushion is too pronounced.

Of course, Polestar or not, the V60 is a wagon and you can fit up to 657 liters in the rear cargo area, which makes up for the limited storage space in the cabin, especially under the armrest Before. This cargo capacity exceeds that of the XC60 SUV, by the way. In addition, the V60 is lower, therefore easier to load. The beauty of a station wagon.

The technology of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 7/10

There was a time when Volvo’s nine-inch vertical multimedia screen truly represented the ultimate. There were a lot of elements there, and even if Apple CarPlay didn’t occupy the entire screen, the fact of being able to display both this application and the native interface was nice.

The times have changed. Although Volvo has added Google’s built-in technology, which adds apps like Google Maps and the voice-activated Google Assistant, it’s relatively slow and still too text-heavy. You often have to scroll through menus to accomplish certain tasks. The rearview camera provides a fairly clear image, but has an odd fish-eye image, which can make it difficult to judge the distance, especially with objects and cars to the sides.

The audio system, a 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins set, offers clear, distortion-free sound that can be enjoyed in complete peace of mind.

Driving the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar – 7/10

As mentioned earlier, the Polestar Engineered version benefits from a plug-in hybrid configuration. It can be driven for a while in electric mode. The other big advantage is power, which stands at 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, force channeled to all four wheels via the work of an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. .

These numbers are excellent and you will get nice accelerations. The engine is smooth and quiet. In addition, the work of the gearbox is very smooth. It’s an advantage not to have a double clutch.

But there is a problem. The car doesn’t feel as quick as its 523 lb-ft of torque and close gear ratios suggest, although it is, on paper, quicker than the old gas-only model. The catch is that big battery and electric motor add weight, making this compact wagon weigh more than 2,000 pounds.

That’s the price you pay for this kind of greener setup. While I wouldn’t call the Polestar Engineered slow, I wouldn’t call it a fast sport compact either. Keep in mind that at around $77,000, this Volvo costs more than a BMW M2. If you want to be competitive in the sport compact segment…

All this would be easier to forgive if the chassis dynamics were on point. It is, but only to a certain extent. For example, it is possible to adjust the shock absorbers using adjustments located under the hood, which is a unique feature. Cornering is good and body roll is reduced, but as with the powertrain, there’s a catch with steering that feels sluggish and has an overly firm ride at low speeds around town. A few clicks on the adjustment buttons improve things, but you have to do it every time…

Some questions about the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar

Are there other versions of the V60 Recharge?
Unfortunately no. If you are looking for a rechargeable V60, this is the only solution.

The V60 Recharge Polestar Does it charge well?
The V60 Recharge can be recharged on a level I or with a level II terminal. According to Volvo, Level II allows a full charge in 5 to 16 hours, depending on your current, while a Level I charge takes 10 to 24 hours.

The final word
Polestar’s reputation over the years is undeniable. This group transformed a manufacturer’s somewhat dull cars and added real dynamism to them, not to mention the division’s racing reputation.

But we can’t help but point out the added weight and requirements required for the transition to an electrified platform. If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid model that can offer more involved driving than most other vehicles, then this one might fit the bill. Not to mention that if we consider the family format, there is hardly any other choice (see the competitors, below).

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more efficient compact car, with a budget of $75,000 to $80,000, this car may not quite meet your expectations.

Competitors of the 2024 Volvo V60 Polestar

– Audi A4 Allroad

Original content from auto123.