Courtesy of Polestar, the XC90 is the Most Powerful Volvo Ever

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine with Polestar Performance Optimisation (Credit: © Volvo)

Power and Volvo have never been two peas in a pod. Sure, the Swedish automaker has dabbled in the world of high horsepower here and there, but it never fully launched itself into the realm of super-powerful luxury rigs. The announcement today that a new Polestar Optimization package has officially made the XC90 T8 the most powerful Volvo ever helps solidify the brand’s lack of muscle.

As standard, the T8 model produces a respectable 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged engine and electric motor. Once Polestar gets its hands on it, however, the power jumps to 421 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This power boost drops its 0-to-62 mph time from 5.6 seconds to 5.5.

In addition to the power boost, the Polestar Optimization package also enhances the transmission’s shift points, allowing it to hold a gear through a corner. This kit also improves throttle response and off-throttle response, giving drivers a more spirited feel when pushing this people hauler hard.

Other than the mild performance improvements, the Polestar Optimization package leaves the rest of the crossover unchanged.

Volvo expects to have the Polestar kit ready for U.S. delivery in October 2016.