Volvo V60 I ( facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic

Volvo V60 I (2013 facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic: A High-Performance Nordic Wagon

The Volvo V60 I (2013 facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic represents a specialized, high-performance variant of Volvo’s first-generation V60 premium compact executive station wagon. Introduced for the 2016 model year and produced through 2018, this particular iteration was the culmination of Polestar’s engineering prowess applied to Volvo’s Drive-E powertrain architecture. While the V60 itself was a significant player in the European premium mid-size segment, offering a blend of Scandinavian design, practicality, and safety, the Polestar version elevated its status considerably. It carved out a niche as a formidable performance wagon, primarily targeting enthusiasts in Europe and other select global markets where high-performance estates are cherished, though it also saw limited availability in the United States, offering a distinctive alternative to German rivals.

The V60 I generation, originally launched in 2010, received a comprehensive facelift in 2013, refining its aesthetics and updating its technology. The Polestar treatment, however, took the V60 beyond its conventional luxury and safety attributes, transforming it into a genuine driver’s car. This specific model, featuring the potent 2.0-liter T6 engine, was a testament to Volvo’s commitment to performance, showcasing how a relatively small four-cylinder engine, when expertly tuned and augmented with both turbocharging and supercharging, could deliver exhilarating power comparable to larger displacement engines.

Engine & Performance: The Polestar Powerplant

At the heart of the Volvo V60 I (2013 facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic lies a highly sophisticated 2.0-liter (1969 cm³ or 120.16 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine, designated B4204T9. This engine is a masterpiece of modern internal combustion engineering, utilizing a unique combination of both turbocharging and supercharging, coupled with direct injection and an intercooler. This twin-charging setup is crucial for its impressive output, allowing the supercharger to provide immediate boost at lower RPMs for crisp throttle response, while the turbocharger takes over at higher RPMs to sustain power delivery, effectively eliminating turbo lag.

Polestar, Volvo’s performance division, further optimized this engine, extracting a substantial 367 horsepower at 6000 RPM. This results in an exceptional power-per-liter figure of 186.4 horsepower per liter, highlighting the engine’s efficiency in producing high power from a modest displacement. Torque figures are equally impressive, with 470 Nm (346.65 lb.-ft.) available across a broad range from 3100 to 5100 RPM, ensuring robust acceleration in virtually any driving scenario. The engine’s layout is front, transverse, contributing to the V60’s balanced weight distribution.

Power is channeled through an advanced 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, specifically calibrated by Polestar for sharper shifts and more engaging performance. This transmission, combined with an intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, ensures that the prodigious power is effectively put to the pavement. The result is blistering acceleration, with the V60 Polestar capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds). Top speed is electronically limited to 155.34 mph (250 km/h), a common practice for high-performance European vehicles.

Despite its performance credentials, the V60 Polestar still managed to maintain a respectable level of fuel economy for its class, with a combined rating of 29 US mpg (8.1 l/100 km), and CO2 emissions of 186 g/km, adhering to the Euro 6b emission standard. This balance of power and relative efficiency underscored Volvo’s commitment to responsible performance.

Design & Features: Performance Meets Scandinavian Practicality

The Volvo V60 I (2013 facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic retains the elegant and practical station wagon (estate) body type that the V60 is known for, but with distinctive Polestar enhancements that signal its performance intent. The five-door, five-seat configuration offers genuine versatility, making it a “do-it-all” performance car capable of daily commuting, spirited driving, and family duties alike. Its overall length of 182.48 inches (4635 mm), width of 74.76 inches (1899 mm), and height of 58.43 inches (1484 mm) give it a purposeful stance on the road.

From a design perspective, the V60 Polestar featured subtle yet aggressive styling cues. These included a unique front splitter, rear diffuser, larger rear spoiler, and distinctive Polestar badging. The car rode on striking 20-inch alloy wheels (8Jx20) wrapped in high-performance 245/35 ZR20 tires, which not only enhanced its visual appeal but also contributed to its handling prowess. The ride height, at 5.35 inches (136 mm), was optimized for dynamic driving without sacrificing too much practicality.

Beyond aesthetics, the Polestar treatment extended to the chassis and braking system. The car featured a sport-tuned suspension with independent McPherson struts at the front and an independent coil spring setup at the rear, both complemented by anti-roll bars. The braking system was significantly upgraded with large ventilated discs at both the front and rear, ensuring potent stopping power commensurate with its acceleration capabilities. Assisting systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) were standard, enhancing safety and control. The electric power steering system, a rack and pinion type, was also recalibrated for a more direct and communicative feel.

Inside, the cabin maintained Volvo’s characteristic ergonomic design and high-quality materials, but with Polestar-specific accents such as blue stitching, unique upholstery, and Polestar badging on the steering wheel and shift knob. Volvo’s reputation for safety was, of course, maintained, with a host of passive and active safety features typical of a premium vehicle from this era. The blend of performance-oriented features with practical cargo space (thanks to the station wagon body) made the V60 Polestar a highly desirable, yet understated, performance vehicle.

Technical Specifications: Volvo V60 I (2013 facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic

Legacy & Market Impact

The Volvo V60 I (2013 facelift) Polestar 2.0 T6 (367 Hp) AWD Geartronic holds a significant place in Volvo’s modern history as a bold statement of performance ambition. While Volvo had a history of producing quick wagons, the Polestar V60 marked a more serious and sustained entry into the highly competitive performance segment. It demonstrated that Volvo, traditionally known for safety and luxury, could also deliver a truly engaging and high-performance driving experience.

In its primary markets, particularly in Europe, the V60 Polestar competed against a formidable array of performance wagons. Rivals included the Audi S4 Avant, the BMW 340i Touring (with M Performance parts), and to some extent, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Estate. What set the V60 Polestar apart was its unique Scandinavian interpretation of performance: potent power delivered with remarkable linearity, precise handling, and an understated aesthetic that appealed to those who preferred to fly under the radar. It wasn’t as overtly aggressive as some German competitors, but its capabilities were undeniable.

The car’s limited production run from 2016 to 2018 also contributed to its exclusivity and appeal among enthusiasts. It served as a halo car for the V60 lineup and, more broadly, for the Volvo brand, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Drive-E engines and the capabilities of the Polestar tuning division. This model was also instrumental in laying the groundwork for Polestar’s eventual transition into a standalone electric performance brand, carrying forward the legacy of high-performance engineering.

Today, the V60 Polestar is regarded as a modern classic among performance wagon aficionados. Its combination of a sophisticated twin-charged engine, all-wheel-drive grip, refined chassis tuning, and practical station wagon body makes it a highly desirable vehicle on the used market. It represents a golden era for performance wagons, particularly those from non-traditional performance marques, and stands as a testament to Volvo’s ability to innovate and excite beyond its core values of safety and design.