How to make your electric Volvo faster in South Africa: Unleashing the new Polestar performance package
Polestar Engineering Enhancement Performance Package
- Volvo Cars South Africa has announced a new Polestar enhancement package for all T8 models.
- Polestar represents Volvo’s high-performance luxury brand.
- Performance packages have been available on many other Volvo models for some time.
Remember Polestar? Volvo’s high-performance luxury brand that once made the Swedish company’s car great? The Rebel Blue models immediately indicated that the Volvo I saw was a Polestar performance model.
The brand’s Polestar 1 and 2 models may not be available in South Africa, but they’re pretty great in the rest of the world.
Volvo bought Polestar in 2015, and has since turned it into its own brand. And yes, Geely still owns Volvo too. Now, Polestar is known as an electric performance brand, using design and innovation to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility.
Volvo Polestar
So why are we talking about Polestar again? Volvo Cars South Africa has just announced that the new Polestar Engineered Optimization performance package – which has long been offered on several other Volvo nameplates – is now also available for all plug-in hybrid T8 derivatives in the local line-up.
“South Africa is the only market on the African continent that currently offers the latest Polestar Engineered Optimization package for the popular T8 plug-in hybrid powertrains,” said Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Cars South Africa.
Every XC60 and XC90 Recharge hybrid using the T8 Twin Engine AWD powertrain is eligible for this latest optional software-based upgrade, which improves various performance aspects of the powertrain.
These plug-in hybrid models already boast high system outputs of 340kW and 709Nm, but gain sharper responses – and a more satisfying driving experience – with the addition of the latest Polestar package.
The software developed by Polestar unlocks additional power in the mid-range. It also offers quicker throttle response, quicker gear changes, and better cornering control, the latter thanks to an intelligent shift schedule. Furthermore, improved cornering balance and better take-off traction come thanks to custom all-wheel drive calibration.
Polestar Engineering Enhancement Performance Package
In addition to the performance improvements, the package includes subtle ‘Polestar Engineered’ badging for the tailgate, while the drive mode selector menu also gains a dedicated Polestar setting.
As before, Polestar software upgrades are also available for a wide range of current Volvo models as well as many models no longer in production. All vehicles eligible for these improvements are listed here.
The software package – which can be installed at any Volvo dealer in less than 60 minutes and can be easily integrated with the vehicle’s scheduled service – is unaffected by the original warranty and service intervals and does not alter fuel consumption.
As such, T8 versions of the XC60 Recharge hybrid still offer a generous 81km of all-electric range, while the equivalent XC90 Recharge hybrid derivatives can offer up to 77km of zero-emission driving (both figures based on WLTP). data).
“To celebrate the launch of this exciting new promotion, we are offering the package at a discounted price of R12 650 (including VAT) until the end of the year,” says Maruszewski.
“Furthermore, the customer has the option of a full refund if they change their mind within 14 days of installing the software package.”
Volvo’s hybrid models – which are currently the most powerful derivatives in the local range – offer the ideal solution for South African buyers keen to try out an electric vehicle while still having petrol power as a backup plan. Extending the Polestar Engineered Optimization performance package to these electric models makes it even more compelling.
