Volvo has launched the Volvo S60 Polestar, a performance variant of the S60 sedan in India, with a price tag of Rs 52.5 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.
It will only be delivering 30 cars in India this year, but there are a few reasons why this Swedish car could be a better choice than any of the big three German brands – Mercedes, Audi and BMW – at a similar price point or even when it comes to their performance-tuned variants.
Perfect Pricing
The regular Volvo S60 sedan petrol variant is priced at Rs 43 lakh, but for just Rs 9 lakh more, you get a car that dishes out a whole lot more performance. Polestar is Volvo’s tuned version of the same S60.
In comparison, the Mercedes C43 AMG is priced much higher at Rs 74 lakh. BMW’s performance version of the 3-Series, the M3, is priced at a whopping Rs 1.25 crore, while Audi’s S5 is priced at Rs 66 lakh.
How Volvo S60 Polestar Compares With Others
- Mercedes C43 AMG - Rs 74.35 lakh
- BMW M3 - Rs 1.25 crore
- Audi S5 - Rs 66.2 lakh
(All prices ex-showroom Delhi)
Plenty of Power
Volvo has managed to squeeze out 364 bhp of power and 470 Nm of torque from a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol motor.
That’s almost as much as the more expensive Mercedes C43 AMG that puts out 362 bhp of power and 520 Nm of torque.
The regular S60 also comes with the same engine and is equipped with a turbocharger and a supercharger. For the Polestar variant, Volvo has increased the size of the turbo and worked with the engine mapping, exhaust and braking systems.
The Volvo S60 Polestar comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It features an adjustable suspension system that can be set for various road conditions. It can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.7 seconds.
Pretty Practical
Despite the Volvo S60 Polestar being a performance variant, Volvo has not skimped on the luxurious interiors of the car.
Leather seats, automatic climate control for front and rear occupants, a sunroof, powered seats, a rear armrest with cup holders and an opening to access the boot from inside are part of the standard fare. Where it does lose out is on boot space, with only 340 litres – that’s nearly 100 litres lower than the Mercedes C43 and the Audi S5.
Super Safe
Volvo is known for safety. The S60 Polestar has eight airbags, stability control, ABS and the city-safety braking system that automatically brakes the car if it encounters any obstacle, if you are driving below 50 kmph. It also features adaptive cruise control that follows the car ahead at a fixed distance, park assist, lane departure warning and collision warning.
Sleeper Sedan
One of the best reasons to pick a Volvo S60 Polestar is if you want a car that is understated, and yet can surprise with its performance. The only external giveaway that this car is special is the Polestar badge.
It features a Sport Plus mode that is hidden, but a driver can engage that when needed to blast ahead of the traffic, shaming those who think it’s just another boring old Volvo.
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