Before Polestar became a standalone brand and subsequently exited the United States, it was the equivalent of BMW’s M division for sensible Volvo family cars. The division turned up the power, stiffened the dampers, and added sporty styling to existing vehicles. However, even the most hardcore gearheads had to look twice to know that the machine was packing serious heat under the hood. One highlight of this period was the Volvo V60 T6 Polestar.
The model ticks all the right boxes, and a 2018 example is for sale on Bring a Trailer. This high-performance V60 brings the ethos of a sleeper wagon back to its purest form. Plus, this one holds a special place for Volvo enthusiasts, for one big reason.
A Polestar Badge On A Volvo Means Business
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In the 2000s, Polestar was mainly known for preparing Volvos for racing. Later, it started tuning the Swedish automaker’s production cars. With its version of the V60 (and the S60 sedan equivalent), Polestar brought its race-car learning to the road without sacrificing everyday usability.
The first thing to upgrade, naturally, was to improve the car’s engine. The V60 Polestar was first offered in 2014 with a turbocharged straight-six engine, but the 2017 model switched to a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 367 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 346 pound-feet of torque at 3,100 rpm. The ample power, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, and faster-shifting eight-speed automatic let the wagon reach 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
The engine is only half the story, though, as the Öhlins dampers give the V60 Polestar great stability over harsh surfaces thanks to their dual-valve chambers. This race tech lets it absorb big hits, and a second damper chamber brings it back down to the ground quickly. Polestar even said it chose these components because the company couldn’t find electronic dampers that matched the suppleness, yet stiffness of this setup.
Other upgrades include six-piston Brembo brakes with increased cooling from specially designed wheels, a freer-flowing exhaust system that opens its valves over 4,000 rpm, and a few cosmetic touches. The styling tweaks are more subdued than you might expect, though. There’s a small front splitter, a rear spoiler, and those special 20-inch wheels. Most people wouldn’t notice the revisions because the Polestar badges are very small. However, a V60 Polestar is a special car for those who know what it is.
You Could Be The First Owner Of This Swedish Sleeper
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This Swedish recipe might be better than Ikea meatballs, and if you want one, a very special example is available on Bring a Trailer. Polestar only made 1,500 examples of its 2.0-liter-powered V60, and the one for sale was number 30. Volvo Cars USA owned this example, making it even more special. The company used the car for shows and training until now. It has only covered 21,000 miles.
The exterior is Bursting Blue Metallic (the best of the few color options, in our opinion) and has every available amenity. There’s adaptive cruise control, corner-following xenon headlights, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. You also get a great-looking minimalist interior and the peace of mind that comes with Volvo’s significant investment in crash safety.
When new, the V60 Polestar started at $62,595. Earlier this year, a 4,000-mile example sold for $53,000, and you can expect something in this condition and with this history to be worth more than a normal high-mileage car. This example also comes with a fresh set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tires and new front brake pads as of September 2026.
Despite having a performance-tuned four-cylinder engine with a supercharger and a turbocharger, fuel economy isn’t too bad at 22 miles per gallon combined. Most of the big service jobs are already complete on this car, and owners note solid reliability as long as you keep on top of maintenance. If you’re considering buying one of these that’s not as pristine as this one, make sure the AWD system and dampers are free from leaks, as these are costly parts.
It’s An All-Rounder Like No Other
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It may look like an Uber, but it goes like a Porsche 911. That’s the magic in this Polestar-tuned Volvo wagon, as it’s a sensible car that has been tweaked for maximum road performance without sacrificing practicality. The subtle looks are also perfect because many modern performance vehicles look like you’re trying a little too hard to be a racing driver, while this Volvo toes the line between dad wagon and sports car perfectly.
While prices have stayed pretty consistent until now, Bring a Trailer only notes four other sales of the four-cylinder car, so it’s a rare opportunity to own this handsome machine. Plus, being able to say you’re the first owner after Volvo with such a low model number is the ultimate conversation starter at your next car meet. And who doesn’t love knowing you’re faster at the lights than the person next to you? Act fast, though, because this opportunity doesn’t come around often.
Polestar’s untimely exit from the United States also adds to the appeal. This could be a decent investment for the future, and even if you drive it daily, it shouldn’t lose much value given how dependable these engines can be. Also, collectors love a limited-run car, whatever it may be.
It’s Cooler Than The Other Options Out There
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When new, the 2017 and 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar had few rivals in the US. It was somewhat similar to an Audi S4 Avant, which wasn’t available in the US at the time. The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon was out of production at that point, with 2014 as the last model year, but offered 556 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
Otherwise, a 2018 BMW 340i sedan with 320 hp is always a strong option, or even a Ford Focus RS with 350 hp has similar power but a more aggressive look. The Polestar-tuned wagon is the most subtle of all the options here, and the limited production run makes it far more special. This one, with such a close connection to Volvo, is unique. This car has a different kind of appeal with its small wagon size, and it’s the definition of “find me another.”
Base Trim Engine
2.0L Twincharged Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
362 hp
Base Trim Torque
347 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Fuel Economy
20/27 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Sources: Volvo, BringATrailer
