XC60 Polestar Engineered PHEV in NZ this month

The Volvo XC60 premium mid-size SUV will be the basis of the first new generation Polestar Engineered model to reach New Zealand in November.

Ten examples of the XC60 Polestar Engineered are expected in New Zealand before the end of 2019 and will be available from $129,900 plus on road costs.

Polestar Engineered, developed by Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm Polestar, applies Polestar’s performance engineering expertise to the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit, reflecting the commitment to electrification made by both Volvo Cars and Polestar.

“We welcome a new era of Volvo electrified models enhanced by Polestar’s performance engineering prowess,” Volvo Cars president and chief executive officer Hakan Samuelsson says. “This strategy is firmly grounded in our shared belief in an electric future for the car industry.”

This joint commitment to electrification means that Polestar Engineered treatment will be exclusively available for Volvo’s award-winning T8 ‘Twin Engine’ plug-in hybrid powertrain in the XC60, and will supersede the T8 R-Design specification in the New Zealand line-up.

The XC60 Polestar Engineered has a total combined output of 311kW, fuel consumption of 2.2 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of 50 grams/km.

Volvo New Zealand general manager Coby Duggan notes that not only is the Polestar Engineered variant the most powerful in the XC60 range, it is also the most efficient.

“The XC60 Polestar Engineered retains everything customers love about the 2018 World Car of the Year winner in terms of its intuitive technology, striking Scandinavian design, and industry leading safety, and elevates it further for those looking for a more performance-oriented package,

“Its distinctive Polestar Engineered features ensure it stands out for all the right reasons too.”

The Polestar Engineered multi-link front and rear suspension incorporates premium Öhlins shock absorbers with a dual-flow valve that allows stiffening in the springs and dampeners while retaining comfort. The strut bar and adjustable shock absorber design are shared with the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid performance car.

New lightweight 21-inch forged alloy wheels have an open design to show off the gold-painted brake calipers, the new hallmark colour for Polestar Engineered components. Polestar emblems, black chrome exhaust pipes and gold seat belts are featured.

Standard equipment includes a 15-speaker 1100W Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade, a 360-degree camera, head-up display and the intuitive Sensus infotainment system with its nine-inch touch screen display, along with Volvo’s industry-leading suite of safety technology.

The exterior colour selection comprises Crystal White, Onyx Black, Bright Silver and Osmium Grey.