The new-generation Polestar Performance Optimisation has just been released for the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, making the world’s strongest and cleanest SUV even faster and more inspiring to drive.
The Polestar optimisation increases the total output from 407bhp to 421bhp and from 640Nm to 680Nm, and improves the 0-100km/h timing from 5.6 seconds to 5.5 seconds. This performance comes with unchanged, class-leading consumption of 47.6km per litre and 43km of pure electric range.
The Polestar optimisation not only optimises the T8 engine performance, but the entire drivetrain in five key areas. By improving throttle response, gearshift hold, speed and precision, as well as overall engine performance, the XC90 T8 reaches a new level of driving pleasure.
One of the main features of the new optimisation is the gear hold function that holds the selected gear during cornering at high lateral g-forces. This prevents unwanted gearshifts mid-corner that can unsettle the balance of the car, thereby providing the driver with improved response and control during active driving.
Reigning four-time Scandinavian Touring Car Championship (STCC) champion and Polestar Cyan Racing driver Thed Björk has been part of the optimisation development.
”It is amazing for me as a racing and development driver to be able to work with the same kind of technology and philosophy for the XC90 as with my S60 racecar. While an SUV like the XC90 might be far from what we usually work with, the core of the optimisation is the very same thing. It is about creating driving pleasure and useable performance, something I definitely think we have achieved,” said Thed Björk, who drives a Volvo S60 Polestar TC1 with Drive-E technology in the 2016 FIA World Touring Car Championship.
All changes as part of the Polestar Performance Optimisation are made with certified emissions, fuel consumption, service intervals and Volvo warranties unchanged. 
Read our review of the XC90 T6 R-Design.
