Polestar performance enhancer: More power in one hour

Polestar Engineered Optimisation is now available for most Volvos. A combination of six software upgrades delivers more power, increased torque and sharper performance. It’s an unmistakable edge – but leaves fuel consumption and emissions unchanged and original service intervals and warranties unaffected.

Polestar started out almost 30 years ago as Volvo’s performance tuning company, creating purpose-built vehicles for the Swedish Touring Car Championship. It then collaborated with Volvo on performance models before being fully acquired in 2015. Now a carmaker in its own right, both brands operate under the same parent, Geely – one of the top three carmakers in the world.

Which is why injecting a new level of agility into Volvo via Polestar Engineered Optimisation is a safe, natural performance enhancer: The two share the same DNA.

One-hour power
Polestar Engineered Optimisation can be installed in around an hour as a standalone upgrade or alongside a standard service. Cars will then leave their Volvo-approved retailer packing rather more horsepower than when they went in.

But the software delivers more than increased engine power and torque – it optimises the Volvo’s entire drive unit. That means greater agility, with a car that feels lighter and more dynamic, especially in the mid-range.

Having ample power to call upon when overtaking – all the way through the rpms – can make all the difference to daily driving, with upgraded Volvos notching significant responsiveness gains.

Restart your engines
The Polestar upgrade can be applied to Volvos up to 20 years old – with a 2005 XC70, for example, unlocking an additional 30 horse power, or 14 per cent more peak power.

A 2017 XC60 D4 Automatic, meanwhile, sees peak power boosted from 190 horsepower to 220; torque increase from 420Nm to 440Nm; and its 0-100km/h time decrease from 9.7 to 8.2 seconds.

An upgraded 2020 XC90 D5 Drive-E AWD sees most of the benefit in the mid-range, with peak mid-range power increasing by up to 12 per cent.

Similarly, a Polestar optimised 2020 XC40 T5 Drive-E AWD gains up to 16 per cent more mid-range power and 14 per cent more torque.

But Polestar Engineered Optimisation is not just about more grunt – it’s about a series of subtle refinements in the drivetrain.

The power upgrades combine with optimised throttle response – meaning less lag between pushing the accelerator and the engine reacting – as well as off-throttle response, which means the revs are maintained even when braking, reducing turbo lag.

Gear shift speeds are likewise reduced, and the optimisation is designed to hold the optimal gear when cornering. Meanwhile, all-wheel drive torque redistribution – with more power channelled to the rear wheels – delivers improved traction when cornering and at take-off.

All of which creates significantly greater agility, responsiveness, and a more interesting driving experience.

Ready for the next level? Give your Volvo the edge. Polestar Engineered Optimisation for just $1,800*. Check vehicle compatibility here.

*Polestar Optimisation includes supply and fitment by your authorised Volvo Retailer and is available for $1,800 including GST between 1/11/2025 and 30/06/2026. Some Volvo models may be excluded. Your Retailer will advise if your model is suitable. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.