Since you're from a T6, Polestar's worth to you for the T8 will be the same it was to you for the outgoing T6.

If you didn't value it for your T6, you wouldn't for the T8. That's because, apart from smooth gearing etc, it works only on ICE stuff and not on the electrical stuff

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

I see. Thanks Seti.
I do like the Polestar on my T6 and it's worth but I thought because of the additional power from the electric stuff, the upgrade isn't that significant anymore. Let me think about it as this can be done at the dealer and I still have about 4months before my order will arrive (hopefully no delay).

 

The upgrade is less significant for the T8 because of the instant torque and diminishing returns at higher power levels (400 hp vs 316 hp).

 

It is useful when you want to twist on freeway. On city streets mostly you are using battery, not P* mode.

But you can also drive T6 for 2 more years and see if SPA2 XC90 T8 is much better, such as they squeeze in more battery.

 

I was thinking of this option but I don't think SPA2 will be available right away in my location (Japan). Also looks like XC100 is coming out after SPA2 XC90 so I'll just have to wait and see 5 or more years from now.

 

I had 2016 T8 and now have a 2020 T8 with Polestar (came with it already when bought it). Do I feel much difference? Probably not so much (or I haven't used it as much) but I did notice this loud growl sound when you step on it that I don't think I ever heard before with my 2016 lol I should start using it more but I just try to maximize my electric mode to the max

 

Thanks Brutus99 and lamarguy for the feedback.
So setting aside the loud growl, it looks like P* isn't that significant anymore for city driving since battery is mostly used.

 

Yes, I recommend the P* upgrade on the T8.

 

Finally the waiting (about 4months) is almost over. My Recharge just arrived and ready for pick up this Saturday. However the dealer told me that Polestar upgrade is no longer available. I think I can still live without it given T8 has more hp/torque than my current T6.

 

Check out models at Home | Polestar Engineered. MY2021 T8 is on the list for Japan. Dealer don't know everything.

Sent from my Z978 using Tapatalk

 

I thought I saw a dealership owner on here posting about a massive discount / sale his dealership did for the Polestar. Said it was still profitable for them and dealerships could offer reduced pricing so it’s worth asking. Can anyone find that thread?

 

my local dealer who I bought car from last week has Polestar upgrade for $995. Is that a good price for 2021 XC90 T8? I don't know what the MSRP is so its hard to say whether thats a good price or not. Another nearby dealer has 20% off of Polestar upgrade.

 

That's a very good price. I have three dealers in my vicinity that all wanted over $1400. And with the 30% accessories coupon, you can knock another $200 off (max discount allowed).

Where is your dealer located?

 

I think Polestar is AWESOME in the T8!! Highly recommend it!

 

I think Polestar is AWESOME in the T8!! Highly recommend it!

Do you have a picture or your badge on the back of the car? Want to see if it varies from year to year.

 

Finally picked up my Recharge. Unfortunately, Polestar is no longer available but I don't think I'll miss the Polestar on my T6 as this thing is really different as what I can feel.

 

I thought the 21's had Polestar tuning available for the T8's

 

Recently upgraded to T8 from a BMW v8 500hp tuned SUV and the the polestar makes the T8 drive atleast like a base BMW torque delivery wise. Not as zippy as I would have wanted, but much better than stock.

 

All I can say is it is fun to drive. However tomorrow I am driving a Tesla S P100d tomorrow as friend just bought one and offered it to me. He calls it his "roller coaster ride" and I believe it. Cheetah mode and all. My view of the XC90T8 Polestar might be muted by the end of the day tomorrow.

 

yeah, Volvo is no Tesla and Tesla is no Volvo. and Tesla thing wears off quickly after few test drives and couple of service center visits Trust me, I had Model 3 and Model Y. I do not miss at all.

 

I owned a MY2018 XC90 T8 (w/o polestar) and recently traded it in for MY2021 XC90 w Polestar.
Polestar removes any response lag when you press the accelerator. It’s worth the upgrade.
I also own a Tesla Model X. In my POV XC90 with Polestar is fast enough and safe.
It’s difficult to realize how fast you are going in Tesla ModelX, which I feel is unsafe. You need to keep an eye on the speedometer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I got a question: how much of a difference is polestar from Power mode?

 

imo, much much different, as soon as you switch to Polestar mode, engine goes into a beast mode.

 

I would not characterize the Polestar mode a beast mode, but it is quite spirited. The BMW, Audi and MB variants are all awesome in my mind. The sexiest by far is the Jag F-Pace SVR with its snarling V8, but if you can pass on the audible contributions of the XC90T8 as they are definitely not anything to be proud of, I have a hard enough time enjoying 100% of the available thrust in my current vehicle and I can't imagine using 100% of any of the others either. The most anyone can enjoy that thrust is for about 4 seconds, then you better peak out of you will be in jail. So is it really worth it to spend $125,000 to $150,000 on any of the other top variants for bragging rights? Mine as priced in 2020 was around $86,500 MSRP (now it would be around $82,000 for a 2021). In my mind this is a bargain, almost cheap by comparison. These are high class problems and if any owner of any of these vehicles are bitching or moaning that one thing is better than the other, I bet there are 2 billion others who will never see one of these cars once in their lives and really want clean water to drink for the first time. They would think we are stupid for having a discussion on this topic. They just don't want to get sick and we are whining about the wrinkles in a leather seat. I'm just making a point so don't hate on me for saying it. Thinking about that keeps me grounded in reality.

But I will say since we are fortunate enough to own these vehicles and report our findings with others on this forum, I have to say that the Tesla is a blast! But would I ever own one? Not for a second. Fit and finish are miles behind Volvo. For god sake the panels don't match with each other and this was a 1 week old Tesla! One panel gap was wide enough to stick my pinky finger between the panels where on the other side the car in the same spot the panel gap was about the 3 mm. That is horrible! There were paint inconsistencies, and the plastic feels super cheap. Hard pass from me.

 

You are spot in with your Tesla comments. My ModelY spent two weeks at body shop right after delivery to fix dust under paint issues all over the A/B pillars. My door colors are mismatched and bumper had totally different white color to it depending on which angle you see it from. I don’t even want to talk about panel gaps. And all of these are WITHIN SPEC as per Tesla. After 2 Tesla purchases, I am done with them.

 

Oh and another thing. I just had my first oil change and service performed. According to the report, my brakes are still at nearly 100%, barely showing any wear at all. I did not have to rotate the tires as they are wearing perfectly and even. Tire wear is almost zero after 8,200 miles. Both of those findings were a surprise but a happy one as I was concerned based on my reading on this forum about premature wear of tires and brakes. My average mpg for the year is 49.1 which is higher than I expected. For context about 70% of my driving is in EV mode and generally short distances of 25 miles or less. The bulk of my miles have been highway miles when the ICE engine has been running. Overall I am thrilled with the vehicle and will definitely get another one when my wife is tired of her Acura. The one wish I have is for there to be a camera button to push on the steering wheel or the lower dash, so you don't have to swipe, and press the camera button. Sounds silly but we can set up the Acura to automatically turn on the camera of our choice when we come to a parking lot speed. It is very convenient when you are pulling into a parking spot and the camera automatically turns on to see where the curb is and you don't have to do anything manually to get that visibility. Just an idea for a future Volvo technology adjustment.

 

Yeh everyone has the same wish for the camera button. So in new Android Sensus it is finally offered on home screen, but Android Sensus is only offered for XC40 P8 EV right now.

Brake pad is usually used very little and mostly at low speed on T8, if you don't drive aggressively. You won't see the wearing like on T6/T5. Maybe only need to replace pads after 6, 8 or even 10 years.