22 MPG combined in the 2018 Volvo S60 Polestar AWD isn’t going to win any hypermiling awards, but fuel efficiency is not the primary concern for those drawn to this particular Scandinavian sports sedan. This isn’t about maximizing every drop of gasoline; it’s about extracting maximum thrills from a potent and uniquely styled all-weather performer.

City and highway performance

The official EPA numbers peg the S60 Polestar at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has to work harder to overcome inertia. The highway MPG demonstrates the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at steady speeds, benefiting from the eight-speed automatic transmission’s optimized gearing. Expect that highway number to drop considerably if you’re frequently exploiting the Polestar’s ample passing power. This car begs to be driven assertively, and that style of driving will certainly impact your fuel consumption, even on the open road.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that you’ll spend $2,650 annually fueling your 2018 Volvo S60 Polestar. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This figure is a useful benchmark for comparison, understanding that your real-world costs will vary based on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway miles you accumulate. A lead foot in an urban environment will inflate that figure considerably.

Real-world expectations

Forget simply aiming for the EPA numbers. The S60 Polestar’s owners, more so than drivers of other S60 variants, are less likely to prioritize fuel economy above all else. The appeal lies in the car’s unique blend of performance and Scandinavian design. Expect the real-world combined MPG to hover around the high teens if you frequently exploit the engine’s capabilities. Treat it more gently, and cracking 24 MPG on a long highway trip is achievable. The temptation to unleash all 362 horsepower is always present.

How it compares

The BMW 340i xDrive, a direct competitor in the sporty AWD sedan segment, achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined, noticeably better than the S60 Polestar. Similarly, an Audi S4, another all-wheel-drive performance sedan, boasts around 24 MPG combined. Even the Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan, with its more potent V6 engine, manages around 22 MPG combined, matching the Polestar despite offering superior power. The S60 Polestar buyer is making a conscious trade-off: accepting slightly lower fuel economy for the Volvo’s distinct character, limited production exclusivity, and unique blend of turbocharged and supercharged performance. They’re less swayed by outright efficiency and more drawn to the Polestar’s understated charm. You can view S60 MPG across all years to put this number into further context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Be gentle with the throttle during initial acceleration. The S60 Polestar’s twin-charged engine is very responsive, but aggressive acceleration from a standstill burns a lot of fuel. Ease into the throttle to keep the turbocharger and supercharger from spooling up unnecessarily in lower gears.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent speed reduces unnecessary fluctuations in throttle input, decreasing fuel consumption. Set it and forget it on long stretches of open road to see the best possible highway numbers.

Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed, especially during temperature changes. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and tire life.

Avoid prolonged idling. If you anticipate waiting for more than a minute or two, switch off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and prolonged idling is one of the easiest ways to waste fuel, particularly in urban environments.

Plan your routes carefully to avoid stop-and-go traffic whenever practical. While not always possible, choosing routes with fewer intersections and less congestion will improve your overall fuel economy. Even a few miles less in heavy traffic adds up over time to significant fuel savings. For all Volvo fuel economy data, check our other pages.