The Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar models are set to receive heart transplants, as the brand replaces the old turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a high-output, twin-charged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine from the Drive-E family of engines. While some may miss the growl of Volvo’s straight-six engine, in all other respects the addition of the new Drive-E four-cylinder looks like good news across the board.
For a kick off, it has more power: 270kW (362hp) compared to the old six’s 257kW (345hp). The new twin-charged 4-cylinder might be down on torque, 30Nm (22lb-ft) less to be precise, but Volvo claims the new Polestars are quicker than their predecessors. With fewer cylinders to feed and a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous 6-speed, Volvo also says fuel economy is improved.
That’s more good news, too. Swapping out the old 6 with the new 4 means the S60 sedan and V60 Wagon are now 20kg (44lbs) lighter, while the Polestar models retain all-wheel drive – albeit with a BorgWarner system instead of the outgoing models’ Haldex system. Volvo hasn’t yet provided many details about the mechanics of this new system, so stay tuned for more information on how it puts the power down. Other changes include retuned steering, different brake discs, and new 20″ wheels.