In 2014, Polestar introduced a new version of its souped-up V60,->ke3667 launching on four continents in more than seven markets, including the U.S. For 2016, only a few months after Volvo purchased the Polestar brand, the performance-oriented V60 returns to North America as limited-edition model.

According to a recent announcement by Volvo->ke188 Cars of North America, only 265 V60 and S60 vehicles will be imported to the U.S. for the 2016 model year, 60 percent of which will be V60s. That's around 160 wagons,->ke143 which means U.S. allocation will sell out quickly, turning the V60 Polestar into an exclusive rig on these shores.

The V60 Polestar remains mostly unchanged for the 2016 model year, featuring the same drivetrain and long list of standard equipment, as well as over 70 alterations and upgrades Polestar made to the standard V60.

"This is a performance vehicle that combines Polestar’s racing experience with Volvo Cars’ exceptional ability to build everyday cars. It is a rare combination that is hard for others to duplicate successfully," said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.

Continue reading for the full story.

Exterior

Identical to last year's model, the 2016 V60 Polestar is the same sporty-looking wagon the brand launched in 2014. Compared to the standard model, it received a revised front bumper with a race-inspired splitter, a new rear bumper with a reworked diffuser, and a redesigned spoiler atop the tailgate. New, lighter wheels also help Polestar models stand out in a crowd.

The only change for the 2016 model year comes in the paint department. Previously available in the already iconic Rebel Blue and Black Sapphire, the performance coupe can now also be ordered in Ice White and Bright Silver.

Interior

Despite being a performance-oriented model, the V60 Polestar comes with a rather subdued interior that's not too different from the standard model. Main differences include a sportier steering wheel, revised seats, sporty pedals, bespoke floor mats, and a range of Polestar-branded items. Of course, upholstery options include the Polestar-specific materials and colors. Speaking of materials, nearly every surface feels soft, and the fit and finish match those of premium German cars.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain also remained unaltered, but that's actually good news, as the current V60 Polestar is a potent wagon. Motivating this grocery-getter is a turbocharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine rated at 350 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The unit mates to a six-speed automatic and a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in the V60 Polestar takes only 4.9 seconds, while 124 mph comes in 17.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The drivetrain is not the only feature Polestar recalibrated for increased performance. The chassis includes modifications made to increase rigidity, with stiffer springs and high-performance Ohlins shock absorbers. The wagon rides on 20-inch Polestar wheels and uses ventilated discs and Brembo calipers for stopping power.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Pricing for the V60 Polestar has not yet been announced, but more information should become available as the wagons go on sale this summer. Expect it to cost significantly more than the standard V60, priced from $35,950.

Competition

2016 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon

Finding a proper competitor for the V60 Polestar in the U.S. is basically impossible. The only other performance wagon offered here is the 2014 Mercedes-AMG E63 S, which is not only larger, but also a lot more powerful too, at 577 horsepower. In the compact segment, Mercedes->ke187 sells just the sedan->ke142 version of the C-Class,->ke1593 while Audi->ke14 only offers the A4->ke1087-based 2013 Audi A4 Allroad. This pretty much leaves us with the BMW 328i Sports Wagon as the closest competitor to the V60 Polestar.

However, going for the Bimmer->ke178 means you have to settle for significantly less power, as the 2.0-liter four-pot under its hood is good for only 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Granted, the German wagon is no slouch with a 0-to-60 mph sprint of six seconds, but it's no M model either. And while BMWs are famous for their sporty dynamics, the Sports Wagon is no match for the V60 Polestar's race-bred underpinnings.

You can have the Sports Wagon equipped with an M Sport package for a more aggressive appearance, but it won't make it go faster. Pricing starts from $41,950 and the M Sport bundle adds another $3,500.

Read more about the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon here.

Conclusion

It's good to see the V60 Polestar return to the U.S. for 2016, even though Volvo's allocation for North America will likely upset a lot of enthusiasts. Hopefully, 2017 will see more Polestars in U.S. showrooms, especially now that Volvo has acquired the brand and expressed intention to increase production of performance models. 2017 should also bring an upgraded V60, though I can't say the current model looks and feels dated. Meanwhile, the V60 Polestar remains the only performance compact wagon on offer in the U.S., which is worrying to say the least.