Famous for dropping more horsepower and torque in nearly every available Volvo->ke188 model, ranging from the small C30->ke451 hatch to the V60 wagon, Polestar just added a new vehicle to its high-performance lineup. This time around, the Swedes got a hold of Volvo's V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid wagon, turning it into a more powerful, yet still fuel efficient vehicle. Unlike other Polestar-tweaked Volvos, the hybrid wagon comes with minor, barely-noticeable exterior changes. On the flip-side, the powertrain updates are obvious enough to to make the package appealing to those in need of more horsepower and torque.

Polestar's major achievement with the V60 D6 Plug-In Hybrid is that, although the wagon is slightly more powerful and quicker, mileage and CO2 emissions remain the same. That's just about any driver's dream and it says a lot about the company's vast experience with Volvo engines. As expected, Polestar only touched the vehicle's diesel engine, leaving the electric motor in its stock form. Read on to find out why the V60 D6 is the most powerful diesel model wearing a Volvo badge.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volvo V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid by Polestar.

2014 Volvo V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid Polestar

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volvo V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid Polestar
  • Horsepower: 298
  • Torque: 494
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Volvo V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid by Polestar in detail

As we've previously mentioned, Polestar meddled very little with the wagon's exterior. At first glance, only a new set of tailpipes and the "Polestar" badges set this vehicle apart from the regular V60 D6 Plug-In Hybrid.

Bigger changes have occurred under the hood. Thanks to a new optimization package, the 2.4-liter, five-cylinder diesel engine generates an extra 15 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque over the standard unit. That's a new output of 230 ponies and 347 pound-feet to pair with the 68 horses and 148 pound-feet cranked out by the electric motor motivating the rear wheels.

The upgraded drivetrain enables the wagon to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in exactly six seconds. The stock model reaches the same benchmark in 6.1 seconds. Sure, that's not what we'd call a spectacular improvement, but it's nothing to sneeze at, considering the wagon retains its fuel consumption and emission figures at 1.8 l/100km combined on the European cycle (130.6 mpg U.S.) and 48 g/km, respectively.

This mild performance package can be installed at a Volvo dealership near you and it doesn't alter the company's warranty.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Volvo V60 D6 Plug-In Hybrid is essentially a standard V60 wagon fitted with a hybrid powertrain. The wagon is motivated by an inline-five, diesel engine and an Electric Rear Axle Drive motor aided by a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The former sends 215 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of twist to the front wheels, while the latter spins the rear axle to the tune of 68 ponies and 148 pound-feet.

The wagon comes with an all-wheel-drive mode, which enables the units to work at the same time. When used in all-electric mode, the V60 Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 32 miles on a charge.