What is a XC60? The XC60 T8 AWD Polestar Engineered wagon is a high performance midsize luxury SUV, with a plug in hybrid powertrain, built in the Torslanda, Sweden assembly plant and sold worldwide by Volvo. With the Polestar Engineered trim this SUV has a sportier feel than other XC60s, with upgrades like Öhlins shocks, gold painted Brembo disc brake calipers, and 21″ wheels. It produces 455 HP and 523 lb-ft of torque, has a battery electric driving range of 35 miles, and a total electric and gas driving range of 560 miles. That’s one of the highest total driving range numbers in the business.
The 2025 Polestar Engineered trim also includes Polestar badging and gold seat belts. Special features include adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a Google based infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster with a 9″ display. Safety items include child door locks, driver and passenger smart airbags, stability control, traction control, blind spot alert with automatic braking, a collision warning system, lane departure warning system and a pedestrian detection system.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 compact luxury SUV is offered in 4 trim levels: Core, Plus, Ultra and Polestar Engineered. The sportiest way to configure a 2025 Volvo XC60 is with the Polestar Engineered option. Sitting above the Ultra grade, the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid model is a unique all-in-one solution, if you not ready to take the leap to a full EV. And with the Polestar Engineered optimization, your car will accelerate faster when you push the throttle after braking. The engine maintains the optimal gear for the most efficient rpm, reducing turbo lag, and provides a faster power response with more predictability.
To prove that point, this week Volvo sent me a 2025 XC60 T8 AWD SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Polestar Engineered model is $75,250. The only option on the test SUV is the upgraded 22″ Polestar Engineered forged alloy wheels with summer tread tires for $800. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) , including the $1,295 destination charge, is: $77,345.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $87,013. At just $13 bucks over $87 Grand, this 2025 Volvo Polestar Engineered XC60 T8 AWD SUV costs $38,213 over the average sales transaction price of $48,800 in 2024. So, what do get for your hard earned money to justify the price?
The 2025 Volvo Polestar Engineered XC60 T8 AWD SUV is stickered at $77,345 on the Monroney Label, and offers a wide range of features that may justify the cost, including a powerful plug-in hybrid power train. The XC60 T8 has a 455 hp motor that combines an electric motor for city driving, and uses the gas engine for longer trips. The gas economy rating is 28 MPG, and the electric rating is 63 MPGe. The greenhouse gas rating is a 7, and the smog rating is a 6; both out of 10. Charging time takes only 5 hours on a 240 volt level II home charger and these are all very good numbers for a high performance SUV.
What then is Polestar Engineered? Polestar is the performance brand of Volvo that races, develops and evaluates vehicles to improve speed, control and efficiency. Polestar Engineered is collaboration between Volvo and Polestar, a company that started in the 1990s as Flash Racing, and converted Volvo models into race cars. Think MBZ’s AMG.
Polestar offers a variety of products and services, including Polestar EV electric cars. Some Volvo models are available with the Polestar Engineered trim, which typically includes an improved chassis, specialized wheels, and performance brakes. The 2025 Volvo VC60 Recharge and the XC60 Polestar Engineered are both plug-in hybrids.
A Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered SUV is a good choice if you want a luxurious, practical SUV with a strong focus on performance, offering a thrilling driving experience. While still maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, all wrapped up in a stylish Volvo design, and enhanced by the Polestar Engineered upgrades like a performance suspension, upgraded brakes and unique aesthetic details.
Call, click or visit your local Volvo dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2025 Volvo Polestar Engineered XC60 T8 AWD midsize SUV. And remember that the base price for a new XC60 starts at only $47,050. Volvo’s current tagline is: Volvo – For life. The slogan conveys that Volvos are cars that protect you and your loved ones, and that once you drive one, you won’t want to drive anything else.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
