Volvo XC60 Polestar 2019 pricing and spec confirmed: Swedish mid-size performance SUV arriving in August

Volvo Car Australia has introduced a new mid-size SUV flagship in the form of the plug-in hybrid XC60 T8 Polestar, which is priced at $99,990 before on-road costs and replaces the outgoing T8 R-Design.

Sharing a similar petrol-electric T8 powertrain, the new XC60 Polestar will produce 246kW/430Nm from its turbo- and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine, as well as an additional 65kW/240Nm from an electric motor, for a combined output of 311kW/670Nm.

With the former driving the front axle and the latter spinning the rear wheels, the XC60 T8 Polestar will blitz the zero-to-100km/h sprint in just 5.2 seconds thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Outpunching the likes of the 260kW/500Nm Audi SQ5, 265kW/500Nm BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG 270kW/520Nm GLC43, the Volvo’s plug-in electric powertrain will also enable an emissions-free driving range of 45km.

Tweaks from Polestar result in a punchier mid-range and faster shift times, while cosmetically the new flagship XC60 wears a unique front grille, gloss-black exterior highlights and 21-inch wheels.

Inside, the Polestar-tuned mid-size SUV retains the XC60’s 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, portrait-orientated multimedia touchscreen, dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather upholstery, however the new flagship adds unique ‘Metal Mesh’ interior inlays, sports steering wheel and contrasting seat belts.

First deliveries of the XC60 T8 Polestar will start at the end of August.

Do you think the Volvo XC60 is more appealing than its German competitors? Tell us what you think in the comments below.