Polestar Optimisation

[Franko1960]

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?

[silo24]

Originally Posted by Franko1960

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!

[Franko1960]

Originally Posted by silo24

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.

[Greenback78]

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…

[techwatcher]

Originally Posted by Greenback78

If it’s so great and a simple 30 minute install, why wasn’t the software standard?

Because selling it separately gives Volvo an extra revenue stream.

[Greenback78]

Originally Posted by techwatcher

Because selling it separately gives Volvo an extra revenue stream.

Exactly my point. Like BMW asking for money to activate heated seats. Slippery slope.

Edited to add. I’ve just been sold a B6 being told it’s the pinnacle of Volvo’s petrol engines (yes I know the mpg is horrific). And subsequently told that actually I’m not getting the best out of the engine as it’s not tuned correctly. And I can have a badge to say that Volvo did a proper job. But only after I spent over 500 quid.

[Dan1971]

Went into my local dealer today to ask exactly that. Cleland Volvo, Galashiels, Scottish Borders.

I basically explained that I want to be going along in eco or comfort, but then if an opportunity arises to pass something slow moving on an A road, I don't want to be faffing with selecting a different drive mode. The service manager told me that it is effective regardless of drive mode and is designed for exactly that purpose - mid range punch.

I'm booked in for 17th August, T4 petrol - and he's doing it for £500.

[ovlov04v]

Originally Posted by Dan1971

Went into my local dealer today to ask exactly that. Cleland Volvo, Galashiels, Scottish Borders.

I basically explained that I want to be going along in eco or comfort, but then if an opportunity arises to pass something slow moving on an A road, I don't want to be faffing with selecting a different drive mode. The service manager told me that it is effective regardless of drive mode and is designed for exactly that purpose - mid range punch.

I'm booked in for 17th August, T4 petrol - and he's doing it for £500.

He was accurate in what he told you. It also modifies the drive train (gearbox) settings to match the revised set up.
I have it on my T5 and it transformed the car. Yes if you put it into Polestar mode it is like supersport action. In other modes what it does simply is give a more balanced access to those horses through the mid range. You should notice some improvement in your T4 even in Eco mode.
My T5 feels and drives more balanced in all modes. Fuel consumption in all but Polestar optimisation mode is very little different to stock.
I agree with Clan that Volvo don't supply the cars as stock as most Volvo owners look for comfort. However, in the case of the S60, which was marketed as a sports saloon they should have applied it a stock.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by techwatcher

Because selling it separately gives Volvo an extra revenue stream.

Because it alters the characteristics of the drive which doesn't suit the majority of volvo owners. They have done their homework ..

[Ian0803]

Originally Posted by Greenback78

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…

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?