Summary
The Polestar 1 was the first car from Volvo’s spin-off car brand. It was a two-door coupé powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, available in left-hand drive only. It was built in a limited production run to launch the all-new Polestar brand.
The styling was based on a 2013 Volvo concept car called the Volvo Concept Coupe, which is why it bore a strong resemblance to the Volvo saloon and estate model range of the same era. It was a halo car for the new Polestar brand, and was the only model from the company to have a petrol engine component – the subequent Polestar 2 and all future models have only been available as fully electric vehicles.
The Polestar 1 received very positive reviews from the UK media, although with several caveats and reservations. Reviewers praised the external styling, driving dynamics, performance, overall comfort and the low running costs associated with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, they were more critical of the interior design, which is lifted largely from the Volvo V60 and S60 models, as well as the relatively cramped rear seats and poor boot space.
No longer on sale, the Polestar 1 holds a Used car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 60%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions, but its media review scores were only average and its running costs are high.
Key specifications
Body style: 2+2 coupé (left-hand drive only)
Motor: petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £139,995 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: N/A
Production ended: Summer 2021
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“The Polestar 1 is an absolute masterclass, and a superb showcase at to what Polestar will hopefully offer from future all-electric models.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2020 update
Score: 8 / 10
“The Polestar 1 feels special to drive, special to look at and, even using recognisable Volvo parts, special to sit in, too. The powertrain is the defining feature though, offering market-leading low emissions and company car tax.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“While every other manufacturer is trying to shuffle people into bloated electric SUVs, Polestar’s elegant coupe is a breath of fresh air in the plug-in segment.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 6 / 10
“Strictly a collector’s item, the Polestar 1 is a mind-boggling, plug-in-hybrid, super grand tourer, and the first model from the electric performance brand that used to be part of Volvo. It’s seriously expensive and available in left-hand drive only.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Its excellent electric-only range means it’s both a convincing EV and a satisfying and highly desirable new petrol-electric performance GT.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Left-hand drive and a limited production run mean the Polestar 1 is destined to be a rare collectible coupe that combines 601bhp with a 78-mile pure-electric range.”
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Carwow
Score: 8 / 10
“The Polestar 1 looks superb, has a genuinely brilliant hybrid system and is great to drive. It’s pricey, though, especially when lots of its parts are found in much cheaper Volvos.”
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Daily Mail
“The Polestar 1 has plenty of dram about it. It might be a hybrid but it’s far from boring, designed to look like a sophisticated sporty GT.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“One of the most appealing electrified vehicles on offer from any manufacturer, but not without its flaws.”
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Honest John
“The Polestar 1 is an electric performance hybrid 2+2 coupe with 600hp and 1,000Nm of torque.”
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Parkers
Score: 7.2 / 10
“Stunning looks, plus all-electric powertrain from debut Polestar”
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The Telegraph
Score: 8 / 10
“In as much as we will move on from the oil age eventually and on to battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cells, the Polestar 1 is a transition car, which struggles to contain its power and its wide variety of power sources. But it also has an integrity and sheer muscularity that is hard to resist.”
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Top Gear
Score: 8 / 10
“Not the softest nor the sportiest GT car, but probably the most interesting.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Notes on safety rating
The Polestar 1 was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its limited production run.
Being a part of the Volvo family and developed largely under the same roof, the Polestar 1 was fitted all of the safety technology developed by its Swedish parent. That meant advanced active safety systems, like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive control with steering assistance.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Polestar 1 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its limited production run.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which are generally very low for a plug-in hybrid) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, and given that the Polestar 1 could run for considerable distance on electric power, it would been very likely to score highly in Green NCAP testing if it had ever taken place.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Polestar 1, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi e-tron GT | Aston Martin DB11 | Bentley Continental GT | BMW i8 | Lexus LC | McLaren GT | Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé | Porsche Taycan
The Polestar 1 doesn’t have any rivals that quite match its particular qualities. The Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental and Mercedes S-Class Coupé are petrol-engined GTs rather than plug-in hybrids. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid like the Polestar, but it’s a mid-engined sports car rather than a GT (and it’s also just ended production). The Porsche Taycan is perhaps most similar in overall concept, although it’s fully electric rather than a hybrid and it’s also a four-seat saloon rather than a 2+2 coupé.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Polestar 1 at The Car Expert
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