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With Polestar’s recent efforts towards performance focused electrification, and the subsequent 1, 2, and 3, series of vehicles that cater to both the hybrid and plug-in segments of the automotive marketplace, it can be easy to forget that Polestar is still Volvo’s in-house laboratory for performance upgrades for select members of its current model lineup. The newly minted sub-brand wanted to channel some of this innovative spirit, and has announced several key upgrades for both the XC60 SUV and the V60 wagon.

Like their last performance tinged offering the S60 Polestar Engineered, the XC60 and V60 are the latest to be equipped with the T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid powertrain which brings a stout 415 horsepower and an equally impressive 494 lb-ft of torque. This represents an increase of 15 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque over the standard T8 engine, and the beefier hardware helps transforms the duo into pavement eating beasts that can also moonlight as track slaying weapons of mass destruction. With the standard T8 versions of the XC60 and V60 making the sprint to 60 mph in less than five seconds, expect the Polestar variants to be much quicker in a straight line or when being put through their paces through a grueling track day.

 

Unlike other performance tinged rivals, curious observers will have to either pull out a magnifying glass, or squint very hard to try and discern some of the exterior upgrades Polestar has made. While the basic design language is the same elegantly simple theme that has defined countless other Volvos in recent years, the sleek 10-spoke wheels that first appeared on the S60 Polestar engineered are carried over to its more utility focused cousins, along with the black chrome treatment for the exhaust tips. Other subtle touches include the high gloss black front grille, the distinctive wheel arch extensions, and Polestar’s trademark badging front and rear.

The interior is just as low key with its transformation, but gold colored seatbelts (a Polestar exclusive touch) as well as charcoal interior accents help advertise the performance oriented mission of both models, but without being too overtly obvious or in your face with their message. We like this theme, especially since it should cater to those that want a bit more distinction, but without having a very shouty motif that draws too much attention.

 

The XC60 and V60 Polestar Engineered variants are expected to go on sale this summer, but neither Volvo or Polestar unveiled final pricing for the duo in their release. That said, we suspect that the pair could have a base price of just over $60,000 considering that their more mundane counterparts are priced in the low $50,000 range before options and fees. Buyers looking to add one to their garage will also not have to worry about quantity as much as they did with the 20 example only S60 Polestar Engineered, with Volvo revealing that they will produce “considerably more” copies of the XC60 and V60 Polestar Engineered. It appears that Volvo will also sell both through traditional sales methods versus being a subscription based exclusive which is another welcome gesture to eager enthusiasts.

 

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