Polestar drift mode is go

Volvo's standalone performance brand, Polestar, has announced it will soon offer a new software upgrade that gifts all-wheel Volvos with rear-wheel drive biased handling.

Although the company is not officially referring to the new rear-biased software update as drift mode, as seen in the wild Ford Focus RS, but until we test the system we'll assume it's all about doing donuts and going sideways.

Available on cars built on both the CMA and SPA platforms, the upgrades only apply to 2019 model year Volvos and onwards.

The new ECU tweak, to be offered by dealers, is said to optimise torque distribution to provide rear-wheel drive biased handling.

The software upgrade will be available for everything from the small XC40 to the big XC90 -- but not Volvo models equipped with the T6 Twin Engine or the plug-in T8 Twin Engine hybrid, which is a bit of a shame.

The Swedish car-maker says that's because those vehicles already have an all-wheel drive system with a rear-wheel drive bias.

As well as shuffling more torque to the rear axle, according to Polestar, the frequency of how often it happens is also increased.

The electrified performance brand says the upgrade not only improves steering but also provides the driver with better control of the vehicle as it makes the all-wheel drive sedan or SUV more agile while cornering.

Off the line, too, the software update is claimed to boost traction.

To activate the software update, Polestar says the driver can either select their car's 'Dynamic' mode or disable the Electronic Stability Control.

It will be available via European dealers from later this month, and Polestar says it will offer other updates for owners that add power, improve throttle response and increase the transmission's shift speed.

Volvo says all the Polestar optimisations are compliant with the latest European WLTP fuel consumption and emission regulations and that any owner opting for the upgrades will not jeopardise their factory warranty.