When you think of performance and luxury, do you think Volvo?
You probably should, based on a couple of recent examples I drove.
Exhibit A is a lightning-fast two-row SUV: The 2025 Volvo XC60 T8 AWD Polestar Engineered.
It鈥檚 not only a mouthful, but also a rip-roaring plug-in hybrid, looking good in Vapour Grey, which the brand describes as having 鈥渁 misty touch, inspired by windswept Scandinavian limestone houses.鈥� If you say so.
Behind the wheel, my first thought was, 鈥淗ey, the ride is kind of bumpy!鈥� That was before I fully grasped what a serious performance machine this is. The well-bolstered front seats, performance summer tires, yellow brake calipers and even yellow seat belts over black leather seats should have all been dead giveaways, though.
The ride comes courtesy of a special Polestar Engineered suspension, which is said to offer more grip when cornering.
It鈥檚 all propelled by a turbo-hybrid setup making gobs of power. It鈥檚 not just about performance though. There鈥檚 plenty of luxury here, too. Special features include an air purifier which can remotely clean the cabin before you get in, a premium sound system, a heated steering wheel and special washer-jets for the headlights. Capping things off is a gear shift knob made of solid crystal.
This XC60 T8 AWD Polestar Engineered comes in at $77,345 after shipping.
The price may bring a misty touch to your eyes, but it鈥檚 an interesting 鈥� and somewhat stealthy 鈥� way to spend the money, if you have it.
