For the most part, automotive journalists agree with the public about cars. But there are a handful of cars the automotive press tends to love even if the public barely notices them. This morning, all your favorite car publications are in mourning.
Volvo has canceled our favorite wagon. “The V60 Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid is no longer available as a new vehicle in the US,” the company has announced.
Why We Love It
SUVs are sport utility vehicles. Wagons are SPORT utility vehicles. They have roughly similar passenger and cargo space. Some are even built for off-roading, with all-wheel drive (AWD) and suspensions that can lift the car to add ground clearance. But, with lower centers of gravity and better aerodynamics, they handle with more agility. They’re more fun to drive.
The V60 Polestar Engineered is a special case because of the “Polestar” in the name. These days, Polestar is best known as an electric vehicle (EV) brand. But it got its start as an in-house tuner shop that took ordinary Volvo cars and built special, sportier editions of them.
The V60 Cross Country is a very good luxury wagon, known for its refined ride, versatility, and the handsome square-jawed look today’s Volvos do so well.
The Polestar Engineered version replaces the 247-horsepower engine in the standard V60 with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system putting out 455 hp. It also comes with a bespoke suspension setup to tighten handling, high-performance Brembo brakes, and a slightly lowered ride height that admits you’re never going off-road and helps you feel more planted to that road instead.
Striking gold seat belts even made its cabin feel special.
As a PHEV, it’s capable of traveling up to 41 miles on electric power alone before using gasoline.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed test-driving it, and we’re sad to see it go. Dealers still have a few of the $72,000-plus vehicles on lots, if you’re interested.