Review: The 2025 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered is amazing and fast

If you only need one car to do it all, the 2025 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered makes a heck of a good argument. Seriously, if there is a car that effortlessly and masterfully blends luxury, performance and practicality, this Scandinavian beauty may be it. 

This high-performance wagon is an absolute marvel to look at, drive and daydream about. The way it provides thrilling drives without compromising everyday usability is top-tier. After spending a week behind the wheel, we can confidently say this is a vehicle that deserves serious consideration.

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Electrifying power and performance

At the heart of the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered is a wondrous plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers a staggering 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque — significantly more than many of its competitors. This kind of power puts the V60 in a league of its own in the plug-in hybrid performance segment. 

Photo credit: Volvo Car USA

We haven’t loved how most plug-in hybrids drive, but not so here with the V60. It’s amazing. This is achieved through a combination of a turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine powering the front wheels paired with an electric motor powering the rear wheels.

The result is a seamless fusion of power and efficiency, enabling the car to rocket from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. Those are crazy numbers for a family wagon, and it is absolutely thrilling to experience. The power comes on so progressively and smoothly that we find ourselves questioning why we would ever drive anything else.

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Polestar’s engineering team has done a fine job at fine-tuning the car for precision and control. The Ohlins adjustable dampers, larger brakes with giant, gold painted calipers, and a low center of gravity make the V60 a joy to drive, even aggressively. 

For serious enthusiasts, drivers can manually adjust the dampers for more spirited driving or smoother highway cruising, further strengthening the wagon’s versatile appeal. Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive system provided grip for days — something we wish we could have tested in the snow with proper winter tires. 

Photo credit: Volvo Car USA

Versatility and everyday usability

While performance is certainly the headline act, the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered is equally great as a versatile and practical wagon. With 60.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, the V60 is perfect for weekend getaways or your latest Ikea haul.

It’s an impressive accomplishment, especially considering its size and how it provides even more space than many compact SUVs, all the while maintaining its low-profile, performance wagon aesthetics. The rest of the interior is likewise wonderful, especially the seats. They’re very comfortable, shod in beautiful Nappa leather that look to be sculpted by the same hands that design high-end Scandinavian furniture. 

If there is a downside to this car, it's in the technology. The Google-powered infotainment screen is small and complicated and houses several buttons we wish were printed on physical dash buttons. Even after a week, we still couldn’t easily navigate its various menus. The backup camera display is small and surprisingly grainy, and the small digital gauge cluster doesn’t display much of interest or beauty. 

Tech disappoints aside, the rest of the interior is well constructed and feels top-quality. Some of our favorite features were the iron hot heated seats and steering wheel, as well as the concert hall worthy Bowers & Wilkins stereo. A five-star overall safety rating and other top safety marks are the icing on the cake. 

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Photo credit: Volvo Car USA

Exceptional efficiency

If the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered were all about performance at the expense of efficiency, we’d be fine with it. But with the V60, you get the best of both worlds. How this wagon generates this kind of performance while sipping hardly any fuel is truly a work of wizardry. The V60 offers 40 miles of electric-only range, which means that most owner’s commutes can be handled without burning a drop of fuel.

Charging the vehicle at home with a Level 2 charger takes about five hours, but access to a DC fast charger can top off the battery significantly faster. The wagon also offers three drive modes, Pure (electric), Hybrid and Polestar Engineered (performance), which ensure that the car adapts to your driving needs on a whim. 

In Car and Driver’s prolonged testing, the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered achieved a combined gas and electric 84 mpg and a staggering 540 miles of total range on a single tank of gas. Given its exceptional range and efficiency, you could theoretically go weeks or potentially months between gas station fill-ups. The V60 T8 Polestar Engineered truly is one of the best all-around car solutions.

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Photo credit: Volvo Car USA

Final thoughts

The 2025 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered is a master class in balancing performance, luxury and practicality. It’s a car for those who want it all, without compromise. It offers a thrilling drive and daily convenience in one exceptional and beautiful package.

While it’s not the cheapest option in its class, the combination of Volvo’s impeccable design, Polestar’s glorious engineering and efficient technology make it worth every penny. If you’re in the market for a luxury performance wagon that truly does it all, the V60 T8 Polestar Engineered should be at the top of your list. 

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Highs

• Exhilarating performance: The hybrid powertrain and seamless turbocharged motor make this wagon a thrill to drive — always. 

• Efficiency: The electric range and fuel sipping gas engine provide impressive economy, all without sacrificing power. 

• Practical design: The wagon body and premium materials make the V60 ideal for daily use. 

• Impressive and effective safety features: Volvo’s legendary safety reputation continues with the V60. 

Lows

• Price: At nearly $73,000, the Polestar Engineered V60 does not come cheap. 

• Charging: To fully enjoy the electric range and performance, frequent home or public charging is required. 

• Stiff competition: As good as this ride is, the competition is likewise excellent and sometimes more affordable.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.