Volvo has long been known for making safe, reliable, and reasonably priced vehicles. However, over the past decade or so, the Swedish automaker has also been turning out luxury cars to compete with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lexus. Volvo’s top-tier cars offer buyers more power, lavish features, and prestige to go along with the brand’s reputation for safety.
In this article, we will explore some of the most expensive Volvo models ever made. Specifically, we will look at the 8 priciest Volvo vehicles of all time and discuss what makes them so costly, from high-horsepower engines to premium leather interiors and more.
8. Volvo XC90 T8
Year Model: 2015
Wheelbase: 298.4 cm
Ground Clearance: 231 mm
Image source: Autocar
The 2015 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid SUV was the first Volvo designed for electrification. With a starting price of just over $70,000, it delivers premium performance of 400 horsepower while emitting pollution levels rivaling even small hybrid cars.
This powerful yet eco-friendly midsize SUV can travel some 25 miles on electric power alone courtesy of an 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery before the turbocharged and supercharged gas engine kicks in.
The lavishly appointed XC90 T8 seats seven passengers comfortably and comes equipped with a huge touchscreen interface, 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance technology, and other high-end features.
7. Volvo XC90 Supercharged V8
Year Model: 2005
Wheelbase: 286.0 cm
Ground Clearance: 231 mm
Image source: Velocity Journal
Despite its aggressive styling, the 2005 Volvo XC90 Supercharged V8 SUV maintained the brand’s commitment to safety. Priced around $80,000 when new, this muscular iteration of Volvo’s popular midsize crossover SUV produced a mighty 311 horsepower from its supercharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, allowing for a 0-60 mph time under 7 seconds despite tipping the scales at over 2.5 tons.
Yet high performance did not come at the expense of occupant protection. The XC90 Supercharged featured Volvo’s full suite of safety systems like Roll Stability Control, inflatable rear curtain airbags for all three rows, and structural enhancements to improve crash compatibility.
6. Volvo XC90 T8 Polestar
Year Model: 2016
Wheelbase: 298.4 cm
Ground Clearance: 238 mm
Image source: Autoweek
As if the standard plug-in hybrid XC90 wasn’t quick enough, Volvo offered the 2016 XC90 T8 Polestar tuned by their in-house performance division for even sharper acceleration.
This all-wheel drive electrified SUV carried a lofty $80,000 price tag thanks partly to Polestar massaging more power from the 2.0L turbo/supercharged four-banger, now making 316 horses and 325 lb-ft of torque. But more than just cranking up the boost, Polestar stiffened the chassis, lowered the air suspension, and added bigger brakes plus their signature gold brake calipers.
Distinctive blue body accents and 21-inch wheels complemented the amped-up dynamics while preserving Volvo hallmarks like safety, seating for seven, and minimal environmental impact.
5. Volvo Amazon Custom Concept
Year Model: 2006
Wheelbase: 259 cm
Ground Clearance: 210 mm
Image source: Top Car Rating
Unveiled in 2005, the one-of-a-kind Volvo Amazon Custom Concept married retro styling with cutting-edge technology. Paying homage to Volvo’s classic 1956-1970 Amazon sedan, this fanciful concept car sported a curvaceous body with distinctive touches like a single Cyclops headlamp, a small rear wing, and a two-tone exterior.
Underneath the flowing sheet metal lay an advanced electric powertrain producing 600 horsepower and rocketing this show car to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds despite its front-wheel drive format.
Though not intended for production, the $110,000 Amazon Custom Concept represented Volvo’s creative vision for the future with its blend of heritage design, innovative propulsion, and excellent dynamics.
4. Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept
Year Model: 2010
Wheelbase: 263.91 cm
Ground Clearance: 134 mm
Image source: CarPixel
As a last hurrah before the beloved C30 hatchback went out of production, Volvo tapped their Polestar performance arm to create the extraordinarily rare 2010 C30 Polestar Concept. Strictly limited to just 177 examples globally, this special edition C30 has a menacing matte black exterior treatment befitting its $250,000 price tag.
But more than sinister looks set it apart, as Polestar massaged more muscle from the turbo five-cylinder, now putting out a healthy 221 horsepower to all four wheels for a 4.9 second 0-60 dash before hitting a 175 mph top end.
3. Volvo S60 Polestar Performance Concept
Year Model: 2012
Wheelbase: 277.62 cm
Ground Clearance: 136 mm
Image source: Motor Authority
Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the Volvo S60 Polestar Performance Concept injected Swedish performance pedigree into the svelte S60 sedan profile.
A collaboration between Volvo’s road car division and their Polestar Racing outfit, this dazzling concept equipped a turbo inline-six with new internals to produce over 500 horsepower while styling enhancements like big wheels, slim lights, and blue accents enhanced the sporting character.
Inside the tech-laden cockpit, sculpted sport seats and a thick flat-bottom wheel completed the track-inspired vibe. Though not made for production, the overwhelmingly positive response to the S60 Polestar Concept previewed the eventual launch of full-on Polestar Engineered editions we see today.
2. Volvo P1800 Cyan
Year Model: 2021
Wheelbase: 244.60 cm
Ground Clearance: 140 mm
Image source: MotorTrend
A stunning recreation of the iconic Volvo P1800 coupe from the 1960s, the limited-production 2021 P1800 Cyan brought vintage styling into the modern age courtesy of the legendary Swedish race team Cyan Racing.
Their tuning expertise massaged 420 horsepower from the high-revving turbo four-cylinder, while the curb weight was kept below 2,200 pounds for incredible performance – 0-60 mph takes just 4.3 seconds.
Yet beyond standout acceleration and agile handling befitting Cyan’s WTCC championship-winning pedigree, cutting-edge safety systems were seamlessly incorporated too. From the shapely exterior to the plush leather interior, the $500,000 P1800 Cyan exuded class rivaling exclusivity as well.
1. Volvo XC90 PUV Concept
Year Model: 2004
Wheelbase: 286 cm
Ground Clearance: 218 mm
Image source: Top Car Rating
The 2004 XC90 PUV Concept is considered the most expensive Volvo car one can buy today. Long before the XC90 became Volvo’s bestselling model worldwide, the 2004 XC90 PUV Concept previewed its vision for a range-topping luxury SUV.
With seating for six pampered passengers, this early XC90 prototype pursued a more radical look than the production version with its sharply raked windshield flowing into an elongated fastback-like roofline for a distinctive silhouette.
Power came from a 311 horsepower V8 putting this two-box leviathan on par with contemporary premium SUVs in both performance and posh accommodations.
