Hello All,

I have begun shopping for a new car to replace my beloved 08 Forester XT sleeper (modified, it's no regular forester), looking for something modern and a bit more luxurious that will be hopefully as exciting to drive. So far, I think the s60 polestar is the only thing out there that really seems to fit the bill. Right now I am just doing a bit more research to make sure I will be happy with the decision. The only thing I dislike is the lack of a manual-transmission option. Yes I know automatics are better in every way nowadays, but I just prefer driving a manual ... but I'm going to have to give that up I think. Here's the old whip I'll be replacing:



Right now the only real question I have is: can the engine charge the battery, or do you *have* to plug it in to charge the battery? The information on Volvo's site is decidedly scant (either that or I have not found the right links to follow). Otherwise I am trying to set up a test drive with my local dealer but assuming they don't have the colour I want, what is the experience I can expect ordering one in the colour I want directly from volvo?

cheers!

 

The best information I have (a co-worker has a 2019 S60 Polestar), is that the engine can charge the hybrid battery when driving. As for your other question, it's pretty rare to find a dealer that has any Polestar S60 (or V60 - my preferred option) at anything close to "in-stock". If you find a dealer that has one, you're pretty lucky. I wound up driving my co-worker's S60 Polestar for a little while, and was able to find a local dealer that had one in stock (you may have to call around) to set up a test drive. It is exceedingly unlikely that your local Dealer will have any in stock, let alone more than 1.

I placed an order from my local dealership for a Osmium Gray model in February time frame, with delivery in the late May/Early June time frame. Then Covid happened, and they canceled my order, though didn't tell me about it until I inquired again in July. It was apparently re-placed again on June 2, and I'll be taking delivery tomorrow, December 1st. So expect around a 3-6 month wait time for it to arrive back at your local dealer from the time of ordering. And if another Pandemic hits before they start building your car, expect that your car will be substantially delayed.

PS: I'm not very happy about the 9-10 month turnaround time from initial order to actual delivery.

PPS: I like the sleeper-ishness of the Forrester XT, btw (I still have a 2010 WRX wagon), so kudos. There's no Subarus that I'm interested in buying at this time.

 

Thanks for your helpful response! And yes — you are right, the V60 is by far the more desirable model. Gorgeous. I got them mixed up, V60 is what I wanted not S60. I was able to test drive an s60 Polestar at a nearby dealership after making some phone calls. Test drove that, along with a Jaguar F-Pace SVR and just for fun, a Porsche 911 Turbo S.

I ended up deciding to just fix my car:

The Volvo had by far the best interior (and braking — the the braking on the Volvo was *outrageously* good), but it felt a bit numb driving (though handing was solid) and although the performance was very good, it was not as fun to drive as my Fozzy. The interior was truly delightful though — and the braking was stupendously great.

The Jaguar was fun to drive with its 600 supercharged ponies, but the braking, and handing on it were totally unacceptable (which I guess, what do you expect it’s an SUV). Punching the throttle at low speeds was a lot of fun, but once you were up to highway speeds acceleration was not as impressive as one would have hoped for, but it would have been acceptable were it not for the terrifyingly bad handling. On hard braking it would pull hard to the left, and even on quick lane-changes it had way too much body roll. Not a car I would want to have to trust in an emergency situation.

Of course the 911 Turbo S was well ... no complaints! Fast, fun, planted, and totally mechanical feeling but also: 120k without a warranty (used) so ermm .... nope! A deliciously fun test drive was had, however!

I did really love most things about the Volvo it just wasn’t quite exciting enough to drive! I suspect the issue is with the added weight from the battery.

Also I agree : There is not a single Subaru that I would buy today. They have turned the Forester into a lumbering top-heavy barge, same with the outback, the accent is even bigger and more top-heavy, the crosstrek has no turbo option, and why would you buy a BRZ when you could get a miata? If they made a turbo crosstrek I might be interested but yeah, I think subaru’s heyday is past. The WRX/STi is still a great platform but there are many competitive options today for fun & cheap power.

I hope you enjoy your new V60! It’s a sexy beast!

 

I recall reading a post that noted the Volvos have a switch to allow the driver to choose whether the engine charges the hybrid battery or not. At any rate, you can find the owners manuals online to get a good idea of the features and creature comforts. https://www.volvocars.com/us/own/own...owners-manuals

 

hmmmm, sounds kinda sophisticated