Volvo XC90 may get Polestar magic to rival the 575hp BMW X5 M!



Volvo to many people is probably one of the most sedate brands they can think of when it comes to a car buying paradigm – my dad had one for that matter. It was understated when it comes to looks with a bit of punch under the hood to not make it completely inadequate. The official mode of transportation for geography teachers and architects who chose not go down the SAAB route has been on a very steep evolutionary transformation in recent months and years.

The brand has taken on a sudden cool factor all on its own and just recently, Volvo bought over Scandinavian tuning nutters Polestar, whom have been on an amazing trajectory with their involvement in the Aussie V8 Supercar series and a growing range of souped up road-going examples with the newest possibility being a cool blue XC90 Polestar based on the company’s all-new flagship SUV. We have to admit, it looks absolutely brilliant.2015-Volvo-XC90-Polestar-R-Design-7

Now, there’s a couple of possible scenarios when it comes to its powertrain. The 2.0-litre Drive-E unit from the XC60 will pair a turbocharger and supercharger, along with an eight-speed automatic transmission, to become “as strong or even stronger” than the 3.0-litre straight sixer from the S60 Polestar, says Polestar CEO Niels Möller. That translates to at least 350 horsepower. No matter how you look at it, Polestar will get hold of it and soup it right up the measurements to compete with the likes of Bimmer’s X5 M, Jaguar’s F-PACE and possibly Mercedes-AMG GLE 63.

In terms of looks, the previous model was so badly outdated that the Druids probably used it to get around. This new one however, brings an all-new fresh-faced Scandinavian dimension to the battle of the SUVs whom, as of late, have grown to become more angular and masculine. That trend is due solely to the fact that we love driving around in gutsy city cruisers. Volvo reckons that this brutish cruiser should be able to get some track-time under its belt.

Seeing that nothing is set in stone and given the enormous potential Polestar has in weaponising Volvo’s range of cars to compete with the performance offerings from Europe, the sky is the limit. But from where we stand, it seems that the Swedes have a bit more to go when it comes to being a viable contender in this very niche segment dominated by titans of industry. That being said, we are waiting for Volvo to officially confirm the project’s existence and figures. Stay tuned for more updates on this hot Swede from the icy cold North.

Picture credits: AutoBlog


IMAGE GALLERY