Volvo has introduced a new Polestar-developed software upgrade, available through dealerships, that pushes more power to the rear wheels of all-wheel drive (AWD) models.

The dealer-fit optimisation package is available for all petrol and diesel models of the S90, XC90, V60, XC60 and XC40 produced from August 2018.

It can be ordered on new vehicles at the time of purchase or added to eligible vehicles at any time as a retrofit.

The upgrade costs £835 (including VAT and fitting), although there’s a promotion until the end of September that reduces this to £695.

“We are always fine-tuning the driving experience of Volvo cars, and this upgrade makes the all-wheel drive both smoother and more dynamic,” said Henrik Green, senior vice president of Research and Development at Volvo Cars.

The software increases the amount and frequency of torque distributed to the rear wheels, improving steering with enhanced turn-in, better control and engagement when cornering, and improved traction when pulling away, delivering a more engaging drive.

It joins five existing areas or enhancement, which include sharper throttle response, faster off-throttle response, quicker gearchanges, optimised gearshift points and in-corner gear holding, as well as increased engine output.

The AWD optimisation is engaged by selecting the Dynamic drive mode, or when the Electronic Stability Control is disengaged.

Plug-in hybrid models, including T6 Twin Engine and T8 Twin Engine derivatives, which feature an electric rear axle drive system already provide a rear-drive bias and do not require further AWD optimisation.

Polestar optimisations retain all Volvo factory warranties and are manufacturer approved.