Following the S90 and V90, the XC90 is the latest Volvo model to receive modifications from the carmaker’s in-house motorsport division, Polestar.

However, this optimisation is exclusive to the range-topping XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid. The powertrain upgrades have resulted in a combined power output of 421hp, making the XC90 Polestar the most powerful vehicle in the Volvo line-up. Torque too has seen an increase of 60Nm to 678Nm. Just like the standard model, the Polestar-optimised T8 has a pure electric range of 43.45km.

The Polestar T8 can go from 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds, which is a tenth of a second faster than the standard T8. Meanwhile, the new gear hold function - which shuts out mid-corner automatic gear changes - should help prevent the car's balance from being upset under lateral load due to unwanted shifts. The Polestar engine modifications are claimed to have improved throttle response as well.

Polestar’s chief operating officer, Niels Möller claims that these changes will “give customers who want a new level of driving pleasure with their XC90 an easily accessible and attractive performance increase”.

Volvo will launch the Polestar-optimised XC90 T8 in certain international markets later this year.