The 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar AWD gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. It won’t win any fuel economy contests, and nobody buys this particular S60 model expecting great fuel savings. This is a performance car, a Swedish sledgehammer focused on enthusiasts who want responsiveness, all-weather grip, and understated style over saving gas. This car appeals to drivers who appreciate the sound of a boosted inline-six and the confidence of all-wheel drive more than a plug-in hybrid’s quiet ride.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates are 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures accurately represent the S60 Polestar’s fuel consumption. City driving, which involves stopping, starting, and quick acceleration, definitely impacts fuel economy. The turbocharger engages often, feeding the engine and using more fuel. However, on the highway, the S60 Polestar relaxes. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts into its highest gear, the engine speed decreases, and the car cruises comfortably. The 27 MPG highway number is possible if you accelerate gently, but the engine’s power is always tempting.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar AWD at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Real-world costs will change depending on driving habits and local fuel prices. Driving hard, particularly in the city, will easily increase that number. Driving mainly on the highway at consistent speeds might lower it slightly. This $2,100 is a starting point, but it depends on the driver and fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

Forget the brochure, forget the EPA sticker. What can you expect in reality? Most S60 Polestar owners see around 20 MPG in mixed driving. It’s a car that rewards gentle acceleration on the highway but tempts you to use its power. Frequent short trips and aggressive acceleration will lower that number toward the high teens. Consistent highway driving, with few bursts of speed, might approach the EPA’s 27 MPG rating. Expect to visit the gas station more often than owners of less performance-focused vehicles. If fuel costs are a major concern, this isn’t the car for you. See S60 MPG across all years; there are more efficient S60 models available.

How it compares

The 2015 S60 Polestar isn’t in the same category as economy cars. It competes with other performance sedans. The 2015 Audi S4 with its supercharged V6 gets an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The BMW 335i xDrive (later the 340i xDrive), with its turbocharged inline-six, gets slightly better numbers, around 22 MPG combined. A Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic (or later the C450 AMG or C43 AMG) is similar, around 21 MPG combined, but the driving experience is different. These cars provide similar performance and luxury and are in the same fuel economy range. The S60 Polestar owner chooses a particular combination of performance, style, and Scandinavian heritage, not necessarily the best fuel economy. See all Volvo fuel economy data for broader comparison.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The S60 Polestar’s engine works best with premium fuel, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. Lower octane fuel can reduce performance and potentially hurt fuel economy. What seems like a money-saving choice could cost you more later.

Avoid accelerating hard, especially in city traffic. The turbocharger delivers power quickly, but each acceleration uses more fuel. Accelerate smoothly and consistently to improve MPG in the city.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. The less the engine has to carry, the better the fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk or backseat.