Quick Verdict: A Collectible Analog Performance Sedan
The 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar was never an electric vehicle. It was a limited-production, 350-horsepower gasoline performance sedan — the last analog performance Volvo before the brand pivoted to electrification. Only 750 units were allocated worldwide for the 2015 model year (approximately 250 for the U.S. market), making it a rare collector piece today. If you're researching this car in 2026, you're likely either a Volvo enthusiast hunting for a used example or someone who confused it with Volvo's current electrified Polestar Engineered lineup. This review covers what the 2015 S60 Polestar actually is, its specs, current used-market pricing, and how it stacks up against the electrified Volvos that replaced it.
Powertrain and Performance Specs
The 2015 S60 Polestar used Volvo's venerable 3.0-liter T6 inline-six engine, force-fed by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, paired with Polestar's ECU calibration, a revised exhaust system, and a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system. Here are the factory numbers:
| Spec | 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged + supercharged inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 350 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 2,800–4,750 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 seconds (Car and Driver tested) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Drivetrain | AWD (Haldex-based, rear-biased) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic (paddle shifters) |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg |
| Curb Weight | ~3,835 lbs |
The dual-charged inline-six delivers power in a way that feels fundamentally different from a modern electric drivetrain. There's turbo lag below 2,500 rpm, a supercharger whine as boost builds, and a linear pull to redline that no single-speed EV can replicate. The 4.7-second 0–60 time was competitive with the BMW M3 and Audi S4 of its era, though modern dual-motor EVs like the Polestar 2 BST (4.1 seconds) have since eclipsed it.
Chassis, Brakes, and Handling Hardware
Polestar didn't just bump the horsepower. The 2015 S60 Polestar received a comprehensive chassis overhaul:
- Öhlins dampers: Manually adjustable, 20-position rebound damping — a rare feature at this price point
- Polestar-tuned springs: 80% stiffer than the standard S60 T6 R-Design
- Brembo front brakes: 6-piston calipers with 14.6-inch (371 mm) ventilated rotors
- Strut brace: Front tower brace for improved rigidity
- Wheels and tires: 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/35R20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires
- Revised AWD calibration: Rear-biased torque distribution for sportier handling
The result was a sedan that could hold its own on a track day while remaining compliant enough for daily driving. The Öhlins dampers, in particular, are a standout — most competitors in this segment (Cadillac ATS-V, BMW 335i M Sport) offered adaptive dampers but nothing with the manual adjustability and motorsport pedigree of the Öhlins units.
Interior, Cargo, and Daily Usability
Inside, the 2015 S60 Polestar used the standard S60 cabin with Polestar-specific accents:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Front legroom | 41.9 inches |
| Rear legroom | 33.5 inches |
| Trunk volume | 12.0 cu ft |
| Seating capacity | 5 passengers |
Polestar-specific touches included blue stitching throughout, Polestar-branded sport seats with higher bolstering, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, and blue seatbelts. The infotainment system used Volvo's older Sensus interface on a 7-inch display — dated by 2026 standards, lacking Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (which arrived on later Volvo models). Rear-seat space is tight for adults over six feet, and the 12.0-cu-ft trunk is smaller than the BMW 3 Series (17.0 cu ft).
Original Pricing and 2026 Used-Market Values
The 2015 S60 Polestar carried a base MSRP of $59,995 — a significant premium over the standard S60 T6 R-Design (~$47,000). With no additional trim levels or major option packages (Polestar models were essentially "what you see is what you get"), the as-tested price hovered around $61,000–$62,000 with destination and minor accessories.
| Pricing | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original 2015 MSRP | $59,995 |
| 2026 used market (60k–80k miles, good condition) | $22,000–$30,000 |
| 2026 used market (under 30k miles, excellent) | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Collector-grade (under 10k miles) | $50,000+ |
Low-mileage examples are appreciating. The 2015 S60 Polestar was the final year of the inline-six Polestar before Volvo switched to the 2.0L Drive-E four-cylinder platform in 2016. That makes it the last "true" Polestar with the T6 I-6, and collectors are taking notice.
Federal Tax Credit Status
As a gasoline-only vehicle, the 2015 S60 Polestar does not qualify for the IRS §30D federal EV tax credit. It also does not qualify for any state EV rebates or HOV-lane access programs tied to electrified vehicles. If you're purchasing a used example in 2026, the used clean vehicle credit (up to $4,000) also does not apply — that credit requires a qualifying BEV or PHEV.
How It Compares to Modern Electrified Volvos
If you're drawn to the Polestar nameplate but want electrification, here's how the 2015 S60 Polestar stacks up against its spiritual successors:
| Spec | 2015 S60 Polestar | 2026 S60 Recharge Polestar Engineered | 2026 Polestar 2 BST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gasoline I-6 | PHEV (I-4 + electric) | BEV (dual motor) |
| Horsepower | 350 hp | 455 hp | 476 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 sec | 4.3 sec | 4.1 sec |
| EPA range / economy | 21 mpg combined | ~38 mi electric + 30 mpg | 276 mi (EPA est.) |
| Starting price (new) | $59,995 (2015) | ~$72,000 | ~$64,900 |
| Federal tax credit | None | Up to $3,750* | Up to $7,500* |
* Tax credit amounts subject to IRS §30D eligibility rules including MSRP caps, buyer income limits, and battery-sourcing requirements. Verify current eligibility at fueleconomy.gov.
The 2015 S60 Polestar is the rawest, most analog of the three. The S60 Recharge Polestar Engineered offers similar performance with the practicality of 38 miles of electric-only commuting. The Polestar 2 BST is the quickest and cheapest to operate but sacrifices the inline-six character that defines the original.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rare collectible — only ~250 U.S. units
- Öhlins adjustable dampers and Brembo 6-piston brakes at a sub-$60K price (original)
- Last Polestar with the turbo+supercharged inline-six
- AWD all-weather capability with genuine track manners
- Appreciating value for low-mileage examples
- Distinctive Rebel Blue paint (exclusive to 2015 Polestar)
Cons
- 21 mpg combined is expensive in 2026 fuel prices
- No EV tax credit, no HOV-lane access, no state EV incentives
- Dated infotainment — no CarPlay or Android Auto
- Tight rear seat (33.5 inches of legroom)
- Small trunk (12.0 cu ft) for a compact sedan
- Specialist suspension and brake parts may be costly to source
- 6-speed automatic feels slow vs. modern 8/10-speeds and EV single-speeds
Who Should Buy the 2015 S60 Polestar in 2026?
This car makes sense for a narrow buyer:
- Volvo/Polestar collectors who want the last inline-six Polestar before the Drive-E four-cylinder era
- Analog driving enthusiasts who prefer mechanical feel over digital performance — the Öhlins dampers and hydraulic steering communicate in a way modern EVs can't
- Track-day commuters who want one car for weekday driving and weekend HPDE events
It does not make sense for:
- Buyers seeking fuel efficiency or low operating costs (21 mpg vs. an EV's ~3–4 cents/mile electricity cost)
- Anyone expecting modern driver-assistance tech (no adaptive cruise, no lane-keep assist, no automatic emergency braking)
- Family buyers needing rear-seat space (the 33.5-inch rear legroom is tight)
- Buyers who want tax-credit savings — the full $7,500 §30D credit is unavailable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar an electric car?
No. The 2015 S60 Polestar is a gasoline-only performance sedan with a turbocharged and supercharged 3.0L inline-six engine. It has no battery pack, electric motor, or charging capability. Volvo's electrified Polestar models launched later — the Polestar Engineered PHEVs (starting 2019) and the standalone Polestar brand BEVs (Polestar 2, 2020+).
How fast is the 2015 S60 Polestar?
Volvo and Polestar quoted a 0–60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, with independent testing by Car and Driver confirming similar figures. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. The 350-hp inline-six with AWD provides confident passing power at any speed.
What is the fuel economy?
The EPA rated the 2015 S60 Polestar at 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Real-world ownership with spirited driving often yields 17–19 mpg. At 2026 national average gas prices (~$3.40/gallon), annual fuel cost for 12,000 miles is approximately $2,100 — roughly 4× the electricity cost of a comparable EV.
Does it qualify for any tax credits?
No. As a gasoline vehicle, the 2015 S60 Polestar does not qualify for the IRS §30D new clean vehicle credit, the used clean vehicle credit, or any state EV purchase incentives. These programs require a qualifying battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle meeting specific MSRP, income, and battery-sourcing requirements.
Is it a good used buy in 2026?
For collectors and enthusiasts, yes — especially low-mileage examples in the exclusive Rebel Blue. Values for sub-30,000-mile cars have held steady or appreciated to $35,000–$45,000. For daily-driver buyers prioritizing cost efficiency, a modern PHEV like the S60 Recharge Polestar Engineered or a BEV like the Polestar 2 offers better fuel economy, modern tech, and available tax credits.
What are common issues or maintenance concerns?
The 3.0L T6 inline-six is generally reliable, but high-mileage examples may need attention to the supercharger clutch, PCV system, and transmission valve body. The Öhlins dampers are rebuildable but service costs $400–$600 per corner. Brembo front rotors and pads are expensive (~$1,200–$1,500 for a front set). The Haldex AWD system requires fluid changes every 30,000–40,000 miles to avoid coupling failure.
