Have you noticed how difficult it is to find some of those tasty performance wagons on used dealer lots these days? You’re far more likely to find a high-riding, middle-of-the-road crossover instead, which certainly won’t be as much fun to drive. As SUVs and crossovers flood our roads, we see fewer and fewer proper performance wagons around.
So, imagine your excitement if you came across a unicorn like the Volvo V60 Polestar, with a transversely mounted inline six-cylinder engine. They’re rare, but you can find them for less than the price of a newer Honda Accord, so this limited-edition Volvo could just be your next secret weapon.
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2015 Volvo P60 Polestar Specifications
Engine
3.0L turbo I6
Transmission
6-speed auto
Drivetrain
AWD
Power
345 hp
Torque
369 lb-ft
You should be excited if you find this version of the V60 Polestar, considering that the company only made 750 of these six-cylinder versions for the US market between 2015 and 2016. For this venture, Volvo got together with Polestar, which was then its motorsports and performance tuning arm, to develop a halo product.
In essence, the Swedish OEM wanted to show what such a collaboration could produce. Still, perhaps they were worried about its sales potential with such low numbers, and this is maybe why casual enthusiasts are not aware of its existence. These cars are definitely worth a second look when you consider that private listings will often sell for less than $30k and sometimes nearer to $20k.
Satisfying Levels of Performance
Polestar certainly worked its magic on this Volvo. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder produced 345 hp and bags of torque, all pushed through a six-speed automatic transmission with a Haldex AWD system. It’ll get you to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds despite it being a little overweight for the category, and this places it faster than a Mk 7 Volkswagen Golf R, to give you some perspective. The powertrain configuration is very rare, with the I6 engine placed transversely in the engine compartment – Volvo being one of precious few automakers ever to use this layout.
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To help handle all that power, Polestar upgraded the suspension with excellent Öhlins dampers and 80% stiffer springs. There are Brembo brakes with huge front rotors to give you serious stopping power and a sport-tuned exhaust for that satisfying growl. On the road, you’ll love the well-tuned transmission as well as the steering-wheel paddles for manual control. The chassis delivers surprising balance for a wagon weighing more than 4,000 pounds, and the car feels exciting and engaging, especially when you remember that it’s a Volvo.
Practicality in a Performance Car
The V60 Polestar is a performance car for sure, but it’s also a wagon, and it blends utility and performance rather well. It will seat five adults and if you fold the rear seats down, there’s ample storage space available. This means that you’ll get a proper performer without having to compromise your lifestyle in order to enjoy it. Meanwhile, the interior is well-appointed, as you might expect from Volvo. There’s soft leather with real metal trim and the seats are outstanding. They’re engineered to support some spirited driving but comfortable enough for any long road trips. Outside, the V60 Polestar is very easy on the eyes, but it doesn’t scream “performance car.” It shouldn’t attract any unwanted attention when you’re out on some weekend adventure.
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Why the V60 Polestar is Such a Bargain
If it looks so good and goes so well, why is it so cheap? It’s a good question and there appear to be several reasons. To start with, Volvo is not a major player in the high-performance market and the company may have struggled to gain traction before. Polestar was still a relatively unknown entity when this vehicle came to the market and other big competitors, such as Audi with its RS lineup and BMW with its M division, were the big guns. Also, this vehicle’s launch came at a time when the company was phasing out its six-cylinder engines in favor of new four-cylinder units.
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Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why these cars are so inexpensive now is their launch price. They were comparatively expensive when new, at around $60,000, and buyers in that bracket would tend to choose a familiar badge instead. As a consequence, depreciation was bad in those early years, but buyers are starting to catch on. Mint conditions cars are selling for roughly $30,000, which is half its original price.
Choose the Six-Cylinder
Don’t forget to focus on the six-cylinder version. The four-cylinder engines appeared in the 2017/2018 model years. Most knowledgeable enthusiasts will tell you that the smaller engine lacks the character and smoothness of the straight-six and, as such, the latter is the more enjoyable. That makes the 2015 or 2016 model the one that you should seek out.
Issues to Watch Out For
Keep your eyes open for certain common concerns in any of these V60 Polestars. Some previous owners reported oil leaks around the rear seal or turbo and potential binding or lag in the all-wheel-drive system. Occasionally, you may encounter hard shifts in the transmission, although a software update may help in some cases. More likely, the transmission never received clean oil and a proper flush, in which case an expensive rebuild is due. You should pay particular attention to the Öhlins dampers. If they show signs of significant wear, you may find them expensive to rebuild or replace.
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Who Should Buy it?
The V60 Polestar six-cylinder is perfect for you if you want something with practical space but don’t want a boring crossover. You’ll also love it if you like understated performance and all-weather capability alongside your everyday driving enjoyment. And if you’re looking for a potential comparison, consider this a better buy alongside a Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC Wagon of the same vintage. That vehicle may give you more space and a Mercedes-Benz badge, but it won’t deliver the kind of performance you’ll get from this Polestar.
The V60 Polestar is a Best Kept Secret
Today, Polestar is a well-known and separate EV brand, so the days of these Volvo wagons are long gone. But the V60 Polestar has certainly left its legacy and was a bold statement from Volvo as it tried to go after the likes of BMW and Audi in the performance arena. This makes the six-cylinder Volvo V60 Polestar a well-kept secret in the used performance car market. After all, it’s certainly a quick, stylish, and practical vehicle and currently available for a fraction of what it should be worth. Still, don’t expect them to lag for long as collectors and enthusiasts begin to recognize what they represent. Until then, it may be smart to invest in the V60 Polestar as a hidden but genuine performance wagon.
Sources: Bring a Trailer.
