Overview
The Volvo S60 Polestar represents a distinct chapter in the Swedish manufacturer’s history, marking the transition of Polestar from an independent racing partner to the high-performance division of Volvo. Introduced to the North American market for the 2015 model year, this limited-production sedan was engineered to challenge established German sports sedans by blending Volvo’s traditional focus on safety and ergonomics with a track-oriented chassis setup. Unlike the standard S60, the Polestar variant underwent extensive modifications, including a bespoke suspension system featuring Öhlins dampers, upgraded Brembo brakes, and a reinforced chassis.
At the heart of the 2015-2016 model is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This powerplant, part of Volvo’s SI6 engine family, was tuned to produce significant output, channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission and a performance-oriented Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle was assembled at the Torslanda plant in Sweden, with final performance tuning conducted in collaboration with Polestar engineers. Its market positioning was niche, targeting enthusiasts who valued the understated “sleeper” aesthetic combined with the capability of a dedicated performance machine.
The legacy of this specific model is tied to its status as the final high-performance application of the 3.0-liter inline-six engine before Volvo transitioned its entire lineup to the Drive-E four-cylinder architecture. Consequently, the 2015-2016 S60 Polestar is frequently sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who prefer the character and power delivery of the larger displacement engine. Its rarity, combined with the specialized suspension components, ensures it remains a notable entry in the history of modern performance sedans.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S60 PoleStar AWD |
| Model Year | 2015-2016 |
| Generation | 3rd (P3 Platform) |
| Trim | Polestar |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Executive |
| Vehicle Class | Compact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Volvo P3 |
| Assembly Plant | Torslanda, Sweden |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
| Production Start | 2015 |
| Production End | 2016 |
| VIN Identifier | – |
| Base MSRP | $59,300 |
| Destination Charge | $925 |
| Total MSRP | $60,225 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion |
| Engine Family | Volvo SI6 |
| Engine Name | B6304T4 |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82mm x 93.2mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Aspiration | Twin-scroll Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 7.4 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-30 |
| Horsepower | 345 hp @ 5,250 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91+ Recommended |
| EPA City MPG | 18 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 27 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 21 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | – |
| Annual Fuel Cost | – |
| CO₂ Emissions | – |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | – |
| Smog Rating | – |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 13.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (Limited) |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 108 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.94g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 182.5 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.4 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Height (in) | 58.4 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 109.3 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.3 |
| Rear Track (in) | 62.2 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | – |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,851 |
| GVWR (lbs) | – |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 93.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 12.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 39.0 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 7-inch Sensus |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital TFT |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Standard |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon |
| Speaker Count | 12 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Skövde, Sweden |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Haldex AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | Limited |
| Units Sold in USA | ~750 |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2015-2016 Volvo S60 Polestar is generally regarded as a reliable performance sedan, though prospective owners should be aware of the specific maintenance requirements associated with its high-output inline-six engine and specialized Öhlins suspension. Common areas to monitor include the condition of the suspension dampers, which are expensive to service, and the standard wear items on the high-performance braking system. While the S60 platform is known for robust build quality, the electronics of the Sensus infotainment system may feel dated by modern standards. In the used market, this vehicle appeals to enthusiasts seeking a rare, practical, and powerful alternative to the more common M-badged or AMG-badged competitors, with its value bolstered by its limited production numbers and the unique character of the final Volvo-developed 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.
