Polestar is a name that performance enthusiasts are familiar with because it’s long been associated with Volvo. But the new version of Polestar is a brand new company, created in collaboration with Geely, whose mission is to launch fully or partially electrified motorized luxury cars.
And the first step in this brand new page of automotive history is the Polestar 1. Don’t look for the brand’s dealers. Don’t even try to pass this model on the road. Its total number of units will be limited to 1500 in three years. And right now, their total number is at your fingertips, or almost.
ut the Polestar 1 is a real technological success story, which proves the Swedish manufacturer’s ability to offer an exceptional car.
A unique car
The Polestar 1 is a coupe with spectacular lines. Inspired by past prototypes and Volvo’s P1800, it’s clearly destined to turn heads. Which it does effortlessly. I can’t even pretend that it’s my fault either, since onlookers would flock to my driveway to catch a glimpse of it and take a picture of it.
The interior is soberer. It’s not that it isn’t stylish, but it’s almost identical to the S90’s, which is disappointing in a vehicle that’s so exclusive. But you can easily forgive these small things with this kind of car.
One little detail for tire enthusiasts: the car is mounted on Pirelli tires, as it should be with the impressive 230ZR30/21 dimensions. In plain language, look at the photos, and you’ll understand how the wheels confirm the unique and balanced look of the vehicle.
Hybrid too
Under the hood, not one, not two, but four engines. Well, only one gasoline-powered, 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine that’s tightly mated upfront to a 71-hp electric motor that also acts as a starter. In the back, there are two other electric motors housed on the axle. The total result is 619 horsepower that makes up a nervous and spectacular cavalry…while still being economical.
With its 34-kWh battery, the Polestar 1 has an electric range of some 115 kilometres. Combined with the gas engine, this allowed me to maintain a fuel consumption average of 6.0 L/100 km.
That’s without forgetting to test the vehicle’s acceleration, braking and dynamic driving dynamics a few times. And I did not forget to check each of the five driving modes, including the all-wheel-drive version. Another info: an 8-speed gearbox transmits power to the wheels.
Comfort and technology
The Polestar 1 has an almost entirely carbon fibre architecture, which makes it considerably lighter. It’s also equipped with a large panoramic roof, wrap-around seats, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system that allows me to cover my not-so-interesting voice without difficulty despite my great solos, and a host of on-board safety technology designed to make the ride safer,
Add to this manually adjustable Öhlins suspension for maximum travel, and you’ve got a good idea of the car.
Beware, it’s not perfect. The rear seats are ridiculously small, and the space in the trunk, severely handicapped by the presence of batteries in the floor and the back of the rear seats, makes people like Honey rage if they have an oversized purse. Imagine, this big car has only 125 litres of cargo space!
Of course, at about $199,000 at the time of purchase, you’d want it to be flawless. But remember that this Polestar 1 is only the first step. The real challenge for the company will be to offer a 100% electric Polestar 2 that’s just as enjoyable, for a price already announced at about $70,000.
But I can say that I have, in a way, participated in the first steps of the creation of a company that will be talked about for a long time.
