Polestar brings driver-focused software upgrade for AWD Volvo cars

Polestar is set to introduce a software upgrade for a number of all-wheel-drive Volvo cars tailored towards a more driver-focused experience.

The upgrade allows a greater percentage of torque to be sent to the rear wheels when in ‘Dynamic’ driving mode, which the Swedish firm says delivers a more engaging drive.

It’ll be available on petrol and diesel variants of 90 and 60 series vehicles, along with the XC40, later in August as part of the Polestar Engineered Optimisation pack — an £850 option. However, it won’t be coming to hybrid vehicles.

Along with a more rear-biased torque distribution, the upgrade will also improve throttle response, provide quicker gear changes and optimise the points of gear change for better use of the engine’s power.

Henrik Green, senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Cars, said: “We are always fine-tuning the driving experience of Volvo cars, and this upgrade makes the all-wheel-drive both smoother and more dynamic.”

Polestar may currently be best known for being the performance arm of Volvo, but the firm’s first bespoke car will reach roads next year. The Polestar 1 is a hybrid coupe that delivers 592bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. It’ll only be available on a subscription-based payment plan, similar to that of a phone contract.