Polestar to work over XC90

Volvo's motor sport competition and performance tuning partner Polestar will build its own higher-output variant of the new XC90 SUV.

But the Polestar XC90 will be a tweaked version of the standard model, rather than powered by the new triple-charge 450hp (336kW) four-cylinder engine revealed late last year.

UK magazine Auto Express has learned from Volvo Vice President of Powertrain, Michael Fleiss, that Polestar is already working on enhanced versions of the XC90 – in both diesel (D5) and petrol (T6) form. In performance terms, the Polestar versions are expected to sit between the T6 model and the hybrid T8 flagship. It's also reported that Polestar will fettle the XC90's underpinnings for improved grip, handling and body control.

Oliver Peagam, Volvo Australia Marketing Communications Director, told motoring.com.au at the global launch of the XC90 last week that Polestar versions would be welcomed in local Volvo showrooms.

"Michael Fleiss... is on record saying that they would be looking at a Polestar XC90 version and if that came about we would certainly, given our involvement with Polestar and its relative success in Australia, we would certainly be putting our hand up to look at a business case..." he said.

Peagam was more circumspect once talk turned to a triple-charged Polestar XC90 with 336kW output. "I think he [Fleiss] was talking about a D5 or a T6," he said.

Asked hypothetically whether Volvo would like such a high-performance SUV in its range – something sitting above the T8, and possibly even based on the hybrid model (pictured) – Peagam responded with some caution.

"I can say 'yeah, we'd like to consider it'... but also we need to look at the market and see what options and what areas [there are] that we could perhaps exploit.

"The focus for this car [the XC90] is very much relaxed, confident..." he said, insinuating that Volvo buyers (or XC90 buyers) are not necessarily in the same market niche as ML 63 AMG or X5 M buyers.