When Volvo Went ROGUE - V60 Polestar Review

In today's video, I am at long last driving the Volvo V60 Polestar. That car which made Volvo Estates cool - like the 850R before it. But should you buy one instead of the German competition?
#Volvo #V60 #Polestar
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/ @jayemmoncars

[@ShalomBrother]

1:57 looks transverse to me 👀

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Didn't I say transverse?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I didn't did I. That is what I meant. Doh.

[@stuartsmellie4966]

@@JayEmmOnCars happens to the best of us mate. Had me rewinding just to make sure I wasn't going mad.

[@superbracey]

@@stuartsmellie4966 had me turning my phone sideways to double check.

[@gabekiakojori2392]

@@superbracey 😂😂

[@johanwikstrom5671]

Now we just need S80 V8, C30 T5, and S60R/V70R reviews to finish off the cool modern Volvos

[@jaydizzay]

Be fantastic if the OG S60 Polestar was in that list too.

[@nboy7]

The C30 T5 R-Design Facelift with Polestar tune is a fantastic machine. I used to own one, and I always look back at it as the biggest mistake i ever made selling it, but i got an offer that was far too good to refuse. At least the current owner really appreciates it.

[@johanwikstrom5671]

@@nboy7 how was the handling? I'm considering getting a pre-facelift T5 but the fwd kinda puts me off

[@nboy7]

@@johanwikstrom5671 Well, have a Polestar S60 now (2.0 TwinCharged version) and a Roush Mustang with full track coilover suspension setup. Thats an AWD and RW drive car with track suspension. On the road I can honestly tell you in certain conditions the FWD C30 handled better. It was more agile and responded to driver input faster. You have to keep it in good state of setup though, mine had Bilstein dampers, and i had the suspension inspected once a year (things do come loose on it over time). Also mine had always new condition R-Design suspension bushings and mounts. Only weaknesses are the lack of traction from standstill, and some understeer when trying to push into corners to hard, if you drive like an ogre it can switch into sudden oversteer. Use the best tires and it will help a lot (i used Pirelli P-Zeros or Michellin Pilot Sport Cups) Torque steer isnt a problem if you use a factory tune like Polestar, but aftermarket tunes you will get torque steer. As any pro driver will tell you, FWD cars require a proper understanding of how to drive them hard, once you know that, it becomes a serious machine.

[@billobong9792]

S60 r design worth a look or nah

[@adransfield13]

Gutted the C30 Polestar concept Clarkson tested on Top Gear never made it to production. That thing was an animal, quicker than most other hot hatches back in 2009. Would have sold well in todays market IMO.

[@TekkenBones]

Yeah agreed... it was almost like they were 10 years too early. With your 400bhp+ AMG hatches these days, the Volvo wouldnt be as unique today. Still nice though.

[@kjellberentsen]

The Rebel Blue colour really makes this car stand out from the crowd

[@CarsofGlasgow]

It reminds me of the british gas vans

[@sriharidesai7606]

Yea true Really beautiful car(kinda because of blue :) )

[@chrisenright7003]

Domestos Blue, more like.

[@EleanorPeterson]

@@chrisenright7003 - Drives clean round the bends, eh? Or maybe round the Benz...

[@hallohey8995]

Focus rs blue

[@painintherc7771]

Being a tuned 850r manual owner i certainly appreciated this one

[@peterre4422]

I bought my black Polestar new in 2014. It’s understated, plenty fast enough and I love it. I had a 911 on adjustable dampers (1972 car via Tuthill Porsche) at the time and so I got Richard to fiddle with the Volvo. He took something like 15 clicks out of the Ohlins and the result is a vehicle that really works on UK roads. Brilliant car..

[@AndyD070568]

Always liked the V60 Polestar. My V60 D5 is about to be replaced after 3 years faithful service and it's been utterly faultless. That Polestar is so much cooler than the equivalent M3/RS4/C class AMG. It's less obvious, less shouty - the thinking man's choice.

[@papa_pt]

only to a contrarian most of those cars are longitudinal based and rwd. This is more comparable to a 335i estate than an M and that car definitely drives much nicer.. but a little more maintenance

[@AlektronPrime]

Thank you for the great review. I own one from 2016, got it in 2019 at some 30k miles, after the price dropped before the switch to the smaller engine. I resonate with you and can confirm that it’s a great car, bit of a sleeper, similar engine remap to 412hp, love it, will keep it for as long as possible. Downside, the software patches aren’t identical to the regular V60, so even the Volvo Cars (factory) technicians struggle occasionally (regular service, on-call app etc.) and the spare parts made me sell my fifth kidney, especially these 371mm front rotors from AC Floby.

[@Tombrosapien]

Polestar C30’s are gorgeous 😍 even regular C30’s ALWAYS catch my eye

[@RadicalMeme]

Thank you for complimenting my car kind stranger :)

[@BHC99]

Great to see my Polestar on the channel. As an owner of the 2.0L 2nd gen, it seems the broadly-accepted main differences are better acceleration, better fuel economy, better 8sp gearbox, same interior, worse engine sound

[@wilf18]

If I ever find one, I always fancied the 3 litre version. Not sure what the advantages and disadvantages are.

[@stefanbraem]

I really like your honesty and expertise, something that makes you rare among car youtubers 🙂

[@mrt1392]

Happy to see theses sort of cars over the super car line up that is every other car KZbinr, 👍

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

As an Audi nut through and through I’ll happily say nothing wrong with a Volvo badge I’d prefer one over a merc or beemer anyday

[@EvoraGT430]

Except that the vast majority of (truly awful) Volvo drivers put me off completely.

[@GG-ml3vr]

@@EvoraGT430 What a stupid comment,and blatently wrong

[@stevenhearnden66]

Says the vw fanboy. 😂

[@cornishrider]

Hmmm? As a serial ex Volvo owner (2007-2013) the post 2010 Mercedes I have owned since are considerably better built.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

@@cornishrider they tend to be when they spend 90% of ownership in the dealership 🤣 ( dw just banter mate) as an Audi owner it’s only right we bicker between them 🤣 in all seriousness Audi Volvo merc bmw jag all kinda the same category we’re all in the same boat when you look at it that way

[@shanewaller2864]

That car was owned by my mate kris who sold it to Ian, it was a brilliant car and I was also impressed on how good it was to drive . It was Vicki butler Henderson that drive this very car on fifth gear back in 2014 when the car was brand new. She went head to head with the then new bmw alpina diesel estate .and it was the volvo that was fastest around the Anglesea track .

[@sjoroverpirat]

The twin charged unit is a real treat. I was very much impressed.

[@marijnmolenaar2848]

What a awesome car. It looks and sounds like it could eat up any B road, while not being shoutly and loud about it. It really is the thinking man's German estate car.

[@DarrenJMHughes]

I have always liked how Volvo and Saab did things that but differently. The rebel blue is a great colour and makes this special edition that but more special. I have owned two R’s both S60 and the 4C suspension (continuously controlled chassis concept which was a joint venture between Olhins, Tenneco and Monroe. They made the car handle well for a 1600ish kg car. I can believe that the Olhins on the Polestar a thing of beauty. Shame you can’t actually seem them. Great review and you are very knowledgeable polite in your delivery.

[@MatsGarage]

2.22 Even the exhaust grows longer when given som beans... ;-)

[@andymiller8877]

Oh the Btcc 850 😍 Those where the days of great (real) touring cars. Great video keep it up 👍

[@jordanbaillie6337]

That's honestly my dream car. Not a month goes by that I don't look at them in the classifieds 😂

[@realbadtech9318]

I found mine for sale at the dealer like 10 minutes from my house, I figured it was fate so I took it for a test drive came back and told them to take my money lol

[@fredandre3415]

There were several options for these, for example heated front glass and mirrors, spare wheel, dark windows, sun roof, fuel heating, inside heating dedicated system, smoker kit, DAB, DVB-T.

[@ElTurfStuff]

As usual, an informative and interesting review. Can't help but like the sound of this car.

[@bump_draft]

I looked at the C43 (there's no estate here in the states), I looked at BMWs, but I ended up with the Polestar. The automatic in the c43 drove me absolutely insane; it had 4 modes, they were all wrong, and it was so difficult to change modes. The M235i was almost impossible to find with a manual, and didn't have much practicality, so I ended up with the Volvo. It makes a nice bridge betwen our Boxster S and the truck. Fun car, great road trip car, and wagon practicality. The Haldex system means it's understeer-only, but it will make it's way up a twisty road pretty dang quickly nonetheless. I'm happy with it.

[@clinteagles9357]

I own the s60P*. Black wheels and spoiler. I love it. Flies under the radar. Only a select few know what it is. The exhaust note is one of the highlights. With the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, I run out of talent before it runs out of grip. Great video

[@rnetherclift]

Love slightly odd-ball motors like this. Another great video James. 👍🏼

[@NinaMango789]

Those wheels look incredible

[@uwehaensch1951]

simply one of the best Volvos ever

[@EvoraGT430]

Not terribly difficult.

[@GG-ml3vr]

@@EvoraGT430 What do you drive?

[@MrFredscrap]

The weakest point of that car is the old 6 speed Aisin automatic (AF40-6, aka: AWTF-80 SC), it;s rated to ~450NM max torque The engine actually produces more torque than the transmission can handle.... When it was road tested in Australia the transmission overheats (and go into limp mode) after a few laps on a track. Opel Insignia OPC with a similar setup (6 cylinder turbo, haldex AWD) has the similar problem (same transmission ).

[@TeaVR]

Good review. Honestly, I'd take loads of physical buttons over soft touch / infotainment c**p.

[@mattbrown4747]

I’d cut off my left ear for a shirt like that.

[@SULKNATIONtv]

Really enjoyed the dissection of the Polestar! It appears to be a very balanced car! 👍🏻

[@ammaraihaan]

Brilliant video, until recently I owned a 2017 V60 Polestar which I really miss!

[@paulroberts5690]

I have one in Silver - a 3.0 one and I love it - had an S60R before the Polestar and as much as I love and miss the S60R - the Polestar is in a different league - I also have an S2000 Mugen GT which is great fun too ! :-)

[@hanoiboy9839]

Volvo Polestar forever 👌

[@christopherdonald5035]

I would say they are more an alpina style developer than AMG, M. I love them although they are a fortune!

[@tjk9263]

Very good comparison on your part. Polestar is more about changing the look of the exterior and interior even though they do give a little more engine performance, they are not like AMG or M who turn up the engine performance big time plus the suspension and exhaust system. IMO Polestar charges wayyyy too much for what you get.

[@tracktimevideos5164]

@@tjk9263 this is not correct. The polestar has circa 70bhp over the next most powerful V60 and the chassis is much, much stiffer. Alpina is more an exercise in comfort and luxury.

[@tredfxman]

Exactly! Greets from southern Sweden! Live half an hour from where the Koeningsegg are being produced! Owner of the GTI Clubsport MK7 seen at my channel!👍

[@jamsxr]

Love these cars. I went 340i estate with m performance kit for a number of reasons, but this looks tasty and better in anything but dry conditions.

[@JYD_esign]

Funny you mention the Evora, I sold my V60 polestar to buy the Evora haha. I miss it, amazing daily. You mentioned the window switches looked borrowed, it's actually the other way around. Ford to used Volvo switches in a lot of Ford and Jag and even Aston Martin products.

[@deenoc3622]

Love reviews of cars like this, i.e. ones i never heard of.

[@leebuckles2364]

That growls out of the exhaust

[@realbadtech9318]

Love seeing this! Have an E36 M3 and a V60 Polestar in my garage. It's a fantastic daily if a little rough on the 20" rubber bands. If you switch gears to an American mindset you realize the Audi, BMW, C63, etc., estates aren't even sold here. I wanted a fast wagon, I couldn't shell out for an E63, which makes the Polestar that much rarer and more interesting of a choice in the states. My first test drive I was laughing like a madman when I rolled the windows down at a light and smoked the Mercedes next to me, you just don't expect a Volvo to feel and sound so damn aggressive from the factory. Especially because people barely even drive hot hatches here let alone wagons, it's all crossovers everywhere.

[@papa_pt]

E61 my friend

[@peterm.2501]

I have a 2018 V60P*, with the twin-charged 4 cyl. You are welcome to come drive and review. Fair warning, though, it is located in Colorado, USA.😉🇺🇸. (I also own an Evora 400, and your reviews were a big influence on that purchase. What a car!)

[@VinDieselS70]

When it comes to the window switches on the V60 and other post Ford owned Volvos, it is exactly the same layout Volvo had on the 1997 S, V and C70 MK1. The 850 had them between the seats and Ford bought Volvo in 1999 so Ford seem to have adapted Volvos design for sure.

[@Dreamlink91]

I have 015 V60 Dark Blue D5 AWD Polestar tuned Oceanrace station vagon, 215 bhp its not like you need any more for day to day life even that is too much. But that said it is very good looking for myself, very stiff and tuff no clicking shaking and cheap feelings, great safety, comfy seats maybe the best i ever sat in, and i love the looks a lot.

[@cardiary]

I think the 850R is when Volvo went truly rogue

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Great video, I love the colour. Has anyone else noticed the recent surge in Volvo estates on KZbin the past week? High peak autos, car throttle and now JayEmm

[@smith5796]

Jay absolutely nailed the down shift at 2:39 I felt.

[@scourge_gaming5082]

im in the process of looking for a fast estate and this right now is top of my list, this looks far more interesting than the norm Audi, BMW or Mercedes

[@vanguardsr368]

If I remember what car magazine said this car was not quick enough when they reviewed it. I thought it was perfect, for the size and weight.

[@jy2592]

The last true performance car Volvo ever made.

[@weedaviec]

Volvo not really my thing but thanks for showing us this cracking car. Btw I really like your outro music and graphics. Much better than the dull lounge jazz one you also use.

[@davidrichards6710]

Nice to see you driving around my way!

[@philbalon6992]

I own a 2018 V60 t6 with twin whiners (turbo/supercharger) not a Polestar but plenty quick....I love this car !😎😎😎

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

I think I'm one of the few that gets the left field choice more than going mainstream when looking at cars. A car like this appeals far more to me than any equivalent BMW, Mercedes and Audi ever could. A transverse mounted engine makes no difference when the car has 4wd. You have to applaud Volvo for treading it's own path and not trying to just follow the Germans. 24mpg average is very close to my V8 Vantage... That's hilarious. Dali.... I don't do Instagram. Though love my Hifi, spent a small fortune on mine over recent years. Wish I had known about DB Hifi... I did buy from various others though, Cheshire Audio, Willow Tree Audio, Vinyl Passion, Audio Emotion, Elite Audio and many others along the way.

[@RichieRouge206]

Such appealing cars and the whole point of them is that they aren't the predictable German choice - who wants to follow the crowd lol. In the Volvo community these are coveted. Funny how BMW and Audi are selling cars in a very similar shade to the Rebel Blue which first appeared on the then new V40 back in 2013. Great video

[@lukeshardlow768]

Love it, I remember these being at goodwoood. They sound even better in person.

[@mrvik8]

I had one of these with the i6 engine in the same colour. Delightful engine with a tardy gearbox. Was characterful albeit a bit thirsty. The car was a tad bit heavy and the turning radius was shockingly bad.

[@simonzero3815]

You always say it as it is. Long may car manufacturers offer you their efforts, or not as it may be. Either way great viewing.

[@diyforlife2809]

Nice review. I just bought a used 2011 V60 T6 RDesign. One notch below the Polestar. I’m still getting used to it after owning an S212, which definitely has a nicer build quality and interior. But I’m happy to own something with over 300hp/tq and AWD. I agree that the seating position could be lower, I don’t think the turning radius is very good though.

[@ckm-mkc]

Love it and I drive the Antiques Road Show Volvo...... Although it typically carries engines bits, dogs & snowboards rather than antiques...

[@jackleonard2088]

Love the sedan version in rebel blue.

[@simonk337]

Love these. Pretty sure the later smaller capacity ones have a 8 speed box? Might be worth hunting one out

[@palmermonsen9098]

You gonna review his twizzy? Could be fun

[@karlblower4019]

I like these, a bit different to the norm and it will do everything you want it to well in that normal Volvo way

[@ANDREASS202]

Wow. love the shirt, first time watching and a swed always like to see volvo videos.

[@ollie42]

😂 You've done it again Jay... You always seem to release a video of a car that I'm looking at.. Are you stalking me 👀 😂

[@natebarry5553]

I thought I was alone

[@ollie42]

@@natebarry5553 Apparently not 🤔

[@tomthompson7400]

Not Rouge ,,, Right. But that engine looks transversely mounted straight six to me.

[@pratapp]

Inline refers to the arrangement of the cylinders .... it’s a straight six, not a V6. You’re confusing it with the orientation... it’s a straight/inline six, transversely mounted. You’re referring to transverse vs longitudinal orientation, which is different. @JayEmm is correct.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

No - in the video I originally said longitudinal, when I meant transverse. I cut out the mistake

[@pratapp]

@@JayEmmOnCars no wonder I didn’t hear that bit ☺️

[@tomthompson7400]

@@JayEmmOnCars there's many a slip between the cup and the lip ..... an old saying my granny used a lot ... your videos are outstanding . Well informed and fair .. great job your doing sir.

[@ws5917]

Great car and that shirt! Awesome mix!! :)

[@5amH45lam]

Volvo 240 Coupe. THE coolest Volvo of all.

[@RawkustvOfficial]

Everyone knows we are all here for Jame's shirt not the Volvo. 😂

[@MrMarkusmulder]

And his Lamborghini 😇

[@CarsofGlasgow]

same

[@i.s.3458]

Speak for yourself

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@MrMarkusmulder It is really nice! I like the blue on it!

[@GrubblandeGrapplern]

I'm here for the Volvo.

[@mjohannssen]

Great review!

[@TheMadTatter]

Great video, excellent car, can't say fairer than that. Someone get this man a V70 T6 to review! If I had one I'd offer mine but sadly I dont.

[@liamcinq]

Great content, those alloys wheels are good lookers, in black these are proper Q cars.

[@MrTimstaaa]

Very very poor conditions ? Gee, just by looking at your shirt I could have sworn you were in Cuba. The only thing missing is the cigar. 🤣🤣🤣

[@simonhutton1]

A straight six turbo?? Hello! What engine is it exactly jay? Cool video 👍🏼

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Volvo T6

[@RichardBagnall1]

I have one of the other press cars (driven by Chris Evans). I love it and wouldn't part with it. A true sleeper or Q car with all the toys.

[@i.c.d.-videos1901]

I have only seen 2 so far & had the chance to speak with both drivers. One had changed the exhaust that made it sound very Aston Martin. The boot & rear seat areas are smaller than a MK 2 / 3 focus, but I would still like 1! Did you engage the special kill switch sequence to unlock full power? Or had that been mapped out?

[@connorPiper0]

I would like to point out the 850 BTCC cars were wagons simply because of time constraints. The factory did not have 500 sedan bodies ready at the time, and the wagons were not much different.

[@JackScooter17]

one of these used to live near me always thought it was pretty cool

[@idealstandard3692]

had an XC70 with the T6 for a few years, was a lovely engine

[@Birmingham_racing]

Only knew about these because of horizon 4

[@jameschambers3146]

Hi @JayEmm I have an e46 330d 6 speed manual touring with 199k miles on it. If you want to test it please let me know! Based in Leatherhead. Keep us the vids, best James

[@jholmes_]

Shame missed out on one last year, will try and get a s60 polestar in Switzerland.

[@andregadellaa]

Only option was a sunroof. Most had them fitted though (mine does).

[@equieh]

The engine is mounted transversely nit longitudinaly.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Correct. Brain fart.

[@pratapp]

@@JayEmmOnCars didn’t you just say straight, not longitudinal?

[@josefgordon7712]

Creeping up on my dream car list.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Great insights, thank you!

[@DanLMH]

The newer S60/V60 T8's with the 2L super+turbo-charging, quick enough but very much a vaccum cleaner succ, and the 8spd Aisin gearbox is not particularly quick changing/'sporty'. The plug-in bit is nice though, over 20mi without firing the engine (even in the XC90 T8 in winter)

[@acchaladka]

So James, your choice for performance Volvo thingamajigg? I’d love to have one that’s this but more affordable. I’m also waiting for any brand to make an electric performance estate in the next years.

[@KayMac1]

Hi James, could you review the 635d (E63 chassis) as you already reviewed the 650i so it would be a great comparison as something which is more useable every day

[@TomRxtroWav397]

Thought it's said "V60 Pornstar" for sec...

[@jmac4455]

May have seen this about in Ipswich

[@zorbathegreek192]

I love your shirt, where did you get it from?

[@wilf18]

Other reviewers have said the ride is too firm. Strange that Jayemm says it has a good supple ride. Definitely conflicts with other reviewers.

[@fteoOpty64]

The Dali looks real cool!. 24hrs of music ?. Blown.

[@miguelfreitas1991]

lovely cars, shame Volvo did away with the T5 engines :'(

[@tomthompson7400]

shame they did away with the 2.3 t5 the 2.5 wasnt any where near as much fun , I bought a c30 with one in , and it just wasnt any where near as much fun as my old 850r was.

[@TheShinyShow]

I like Volvos normally, but the Polestar is definitely a 'cool' Volvo. Also DALI is a proper brand, nice to see one that isn't the same old crap with different logos on it.

[@jamesellison6154]

thing is, all these years on, if you buy a c63, top end issues and timing chains are really becoming something to add in the budget..

[@OryShihor]

I had a white 2016 V60 Polestar and miss it terribly

[@davethevicar88]

Was, so close to getting one lol very tasty motors

[@BM_PAZ]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate that amazing shirt!!