2016 Volvo S60 T6 Polestar Review: The Gas-Powered Legend That Preceded Volvo's EV Era

The 2016 Volvo S60 T6 Polestar occupies a fascinating space in automotive history. Built during Volvo's transition period — after Ford's ownership but before the Geely-funded electrification push — this limited-production performance sedan represents the peak of Volvo's internal-combustion engineering. With only 750 units allocated globally for the 2016 model year, the S60 T6 Polestar was never an electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid, or even a mild hybrid. It was a pure, turbocharged gasoline machine that laid the groundwork for the Polestar brand's eventual evolution into a standalone EV manufacturer.

For EV-curious buyers researching the Polestar nameplate's origins, or collectors weighing this analog sports sedan against modern electrified alternatives, this profile delivers the exact specifications, ownership realities, and market context you need. We'll also examine how the 2016 S60 T6 Polestar compares to Volvo's current electrified offerings and the Polestar EV lineup available in 2026.

Performance Specs: 367 Horsepower, Turbocharged Precision

The 2016 S60 T6 Polestar's powertrain was a collaboration between Volvo's R&D team and Polestar's performance engineers. The result was a heavily modified version of Volvo's 2.0-liter four-cylinder Drive-E engine, force-fed by both a turbocharger and a supercharger to eliminate lag and maximize output across the rev range.

The AWD system in the T6 Polestar was recalibrated by Polestar engineers to send more torque rearward under hard acceleration, giving it a distinctly more aggressive character than a standard S60 T6 AWD. The Öhlins-manufactured shock absorbers, stiffer springs, and upgraded Brembo front brakes (6-piston calipers with 371mm rotors) transformed the S60 from a comfortable cruiser into a legitimate sports sedan.

For context, the 4.7-second 0–60 mph time placed the 2016 S60 T6 Polestar in the same ballpark as the BMW M3 (F80) and Mercedes-AMG C63 of that era, though the Volvo traded some outright track performance for daily-drivability and Scandinavian understatement.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency: The Pre-Efficiency Era

Because the 2016 S60 T6 Polestar is a gasoline-only vehicle, efficiency metrics are measured in MPG rather than MPGe or kWh/100mi. Per fueleconomy.gov, the EPA rated this vehicle at:

Real-world fuel economy varied significantly based on driving style. Given the engine's forced-induction setup and the car's performance tuning, owners who drove enthusiastically — as most Polestar buyers did — reported combined figures closer to 18–20 MPG. Highway cruising at 70 mph could yield 27–28 MPG, but aggressive acceleration and city driving pushed consumption well into the teens.

The fuel tank held approximately 17.8 gallons, giving a theoretical maximum range of around 409 highway miles, though real-world range between fill-ups typically fell between 300 and 350 miles for mixed driving.

How the S60 T6 Polestar Compares to Modern Volvo Electrified Models

The 2016 S60 T6 Polestar was a dead end in Volvo's powertrain evolution — but a glorious one. Today, Volvo's performance aspirations live under the Polestar brand as a standalone EV maker, while the Volvo lineup has embraced plug-in hybrid ("Recharge") and mild-hybrid powertrains. Here's how the analog original stacks up against its spiritual successors:

The performance gap is clear: modern electrified powertrains deliver more power, faster acceleration, and dramatically lower running costs. The S60 T6 Polestar's appeal today rests on rarity, analog driving feel, and collector interest — not efficiency or technology.

Interior, Cargo, and Practicality

The 2016 S60 was built on Volvo's P3 platform, which predated the more spacious SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform introduced with the 2016 XC90. As a compact executive sedan, interior space was adequate but not generous by modern standards.

The Polestar edition featured unique interior touches: Polestar-branded sport seats with Nubuck textile and leather upholstery, blue contrast stitching, a Polestar sport steering wheel, and aluminum inlays. The rear seat was functional for adults on shorter trips but tight for long journeys — a common complaint among owners.

The 12.0-cubic-foot trunk was competitive with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 of the era, but the lack of a hatchback or fold-flat rear seat limited utility for larger cargo. No front trunk (frunk) existed — this was a conventional gasoline powertrain.

Technology and Driver Assistance

By 2016 standards, the S60 T6 Polestar's technology suite was respectable but has since been eclipsed. The infotainment system was Volvo's Sensus platform, displayed on a 7-inch center screen — small by today's standards but functional. Apple CarPlay was not available on the 2016 model year (it arrived for 2017+), though Bluetooth audio streaming and USB connectivity were standard.

Driver assistance features included:

• City Safety: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection (a Volvo hallmark)
• Lane Departure Warning: Alert-only, no active lane-keeping assist
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Included with rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Available as an option with Queue Assist (low-speed follow)
• Rear Park Assist Camera: Standard

This was a pre-autonomous era for Volvo. There was no Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system (introduced on the SPA-platform S90/V90), no over-the-air updates, and no large touchscreen interface. Everything was controlled through physical buttons and a modest central display — a setup many enthusiasts now appreciate for its tactile simplicity.

Pricing, Current Market Value, and Tax Credit Status

When new, the 2016 Volvo S60 T6 Polestar carried an MSRP of $60,995 (including destination). With only 750 units built globally and approximately 250 allocated to the United States, it was always a niche, collectible vehicle.

As of 2026, the S60 T6 Polestar trades exclusively on the used and collector market. Pricing varies significantly based on mileage, condition, and provenance:

Federal Tax Credit Status: The 2016 S60 T6 Polestar is a gasoline-only vehicle and does not qualify for the IRS §30D federal EV tax credit or the Used EV credit (§25E). It has no battery pack, no electric motor, and no plug. Buyers seeking tax incentives should look at Volvo's Recharge PHEV lineup or Polestar's EV models instead.

Maintenance, Reliability, and Ownership Costs

The Drive-E engine family in the 2016 S60 T6 Polestar is generally reliable, but the combination of turbocharging, supercharging, and Polestar's high-output tuning means maintenance costs are higher than a standard S60. Key ownership considerations:

• Oil changes: Required every 10,000 miles or 12 months using specific synthetic oil (0W-20); expect $120–$180 at a dealer
• Brake service: The 6-piston Brembo front brakes use proprietary pads and large rotors; a full front brake job can exceed $1,200
• Supercharger belt: A unique maintenance item not found on standard S60 models; inspect at every service
• Öhlins shock absorbers: High-quality but expensive to replace ($600–$900 per corner)
• Insurance: Specialty/collector vehicle insurance may be more affordable than standard performance-car rates given the car's limited production

The factory warranty — 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/unlimited miles for corrosion — has long since expired on all examples. Extended warranty coverage from third-party providers is available but can be costly for a high-performance, limited-production vehicle.

Who Should Consider the 2016 S60 T6 Polestar?

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: EPA fuel economy data via fueleconomy.gov; IRS clean vehicle credit rules via irs.gov; Volvo Cars USA historical specifications.