Polestar Optimisation
 

My local dealer is doing the Polestar Optimisation software for £555 until 30 September.

My question is, does the software only kick in when it is in Polestar mode, or does it apply to all drive modes?

It applies in all modes, however the 'Polestar' mode is more aggressive with power delivery (adjusts throttle sensitivity and gear change profiles).

At that price, i'd say it's well worth it, especially as it also improves general gearbox shift smoothness too!

Booked in for 31 August. Will see how it goes.

I was also offered this recently on my XC90 B6. Felt a little move into BMW territory. If it’s so great and a simple 30 minute install, why wasn’t the software standard? Decided not to encourage them. Although my completist nature was tempted…

Because selling it separately gives Volvo an extra revenue stream.

I asked the question many years ago as why this is not applied as the std tune to all new Volvo's as its an optimisation and not a pure BHP tune.
The answer I got was that there are many different types of buyers of Volvo cars, those that look after them and those that don't. The stock tune gives a (significant) margin of abuse for those owners that don't regularly service or take care of their cars. The Optimised version was for those that do look after their cars, appreciates driving and what the optimisation does for the driving experience.

I am in the "it should be stock camp"
I posted before that when I added Polestar to my 2009 2.5T V70, it totally transformed the car, however in those days there was no multiple driving modes. My question with the modern tune, its it really noticeable in comfort mode or only active in Polestar mode?

Once I have it for a few days I will let you know if its worth it or not.

Pretty sure Volvoswede (excellent youtuber Volvo owner) had it done on his XC and has a video of himself driving it about locally and saying how much better the pick up is on it now.

I've had the polestar on my V90cc D4.
I have little awareness of the optimisation in normal driving modes,when polestar mode is selected the revs increase on idle,i can hear a exhaust note change, likely to be played through the speakers.
The car feels much sharper from standstill,pulling onto a roundabout etc.
It holds onto the revs longer and feels more responsive with snappier gear changes,although i feel it can be to quick to change down and rev rather than using the torque.

I definitely would choose it again.