Spec Comparison: Volvo S60 Polestar vs Audi S5 vs Mercedes-AMG C43

The Polestar brand is to Volvo, what M is to BMW or AMG is to Mercedes-Benz, and it is finally coming to India! The Volvo S60 Polestar will be the first product from the company's performance division to be launched in the country, we take a look at how it fares against (what we think) will be its direct rivals - the Audi S5 and Mercedes-AMG C43.

Dimensions

It is a mixed bag here; in terms of overall length and wheelbase, the S60 Polestar is the smallest here and the C43 the biggest. The S60 Polestar is the tallest and the widest car in this comparison, though. While these cars are not exactly meant to ferry passengers, the Audi S5 - with its 'Sportback' roof design - is the most spacious car in this comparison. The Audi S5 is the oldest car in this comparison, it was launched here in 2015 - though Audi has unveiled a new S5 which could be launched in India soon. The Mercedes-AMG C43 is, in fact, the newest car in this comparison even compared to the S60 Polestar - this is why it feels the most modern here.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

This is why these cars are so endearing. They are based on luxury sedans which can seat four people, these are powered by powerful engines and these cars have uprated internals for better handling too - but are not stratospherically priced.

Recommended Read: Mercedes-AMG C43 Driven on Track!

While all the cars here develop 300PS+ of maximum power, it is the Volvo that surprises the most. Compared to the S5 and C43 which are powered by turbocharged V6 motors, the S60 Polestar is powered by an in-line four-cylinder motor which is turbocharged AND supercharged. 

Recommended Read: Volvo S60 Polestar Driven!

In terms of on-paper numbers and happiness factor, the Mercedes-AMG C43 may be the best car here - it has the most powerful/torquey engine in this comparison paired to a fast-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Recommended Read: The Audi S5 is no slouch!

The Volvo S60 is able to keep up with the C43 in terms of acceleration figures, which is largely down to the fact that it has an intelligent AWD system. All the cars in this comparison have their top speed limited to 250kmph.

Price

Volvo has not announced the prices of the S60 Polestar for India, you will have to wait till April 14 for that but it is expected to be around the Rs 50-55 lakh mark. The Audi S5 is the more affordable car here at Rs 66.20 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi - but is also the slowest one here. The Mercedes-AMG C43 is priced at Rs 74.35 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.