In 2013, Volvo revealed a 2-door concept that draws inspiration from the legendary P1800 from the 1960s. Dubbed the Coupe Concept, the model was essentially a sporty version of an S90 luxury sedan and received a largely positive response from the automotive community. Fast forward to 2019 and Volvo's iconic design is about to roll off the production line for the first time, embodied in the new Polestar 1.
A new and advanced model from Volvo's performance brand, Polestar 1 combines a beautiful exterior with advanced technology features and a powerful hybrid drivetrain augmented by three battery stacks. With this luxury plug-in hybrid already available for pre-order, here are the things we currently know about the 2020 Polestar 1.
8 It packs a punch
Think this is just another Volvo? Think again. Though on paper the Polestar 1 uses a mere 2 liters of petrol engine connected to a hybrid powertrain, it uses not only a turbocharger but also a supercharger to extract every bit of performance out of that four-cylinder.
At the back, an electric motor is mounted to each rear wheel, providing 111 horsepower of extra power, bumping the total power output of the car to a stunning 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This puts it well on the radar of anyone considering a luxury supercar.
7 It competes with the fastest EVs
Though Polestar will often be associated with Volvo and its long history of reliable luxury cars, the new Polestar 1 also adds extreme performance into the mix.
That said, the upcoming hybrid coupe will be able to compete with the likes of the incredible BMW 8-series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, and Bentley Continental GT supercars. Courtesy of its 600-horsepower hybrid 2.0L, the Polestar 1 will be ready for a sub-4-second 60-mph dash and a top speed of at least the standard electronically-limited 155 mph.
6 Battery and range
We've mentioned the BMW 8-series and the S-Class Coupe as Polestar 1's expected competitors, yet it's the battery technology in the latter that really put it on another level. The S-Class Coupe has no hybrid option at all, and while the 8-series does offer a hybrid model (the i8), it comes out very short with its 23-mile electric range courtesy of the 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
This pales in comparison to the Polestar 1's 34 kWh battery with 93 miles of pure electric range. Considering the similar price and performance, we expect this to be one of the selling points of Polestar's 2020 model.
5 Price: $155,000
The Polestar 1 will compete in the same price range as the 8-series and S-class Coupe as well, with the base price starting off at $155,000. However, with the model, Polestar is also introducing a very unique and convenient purchase method via their subscription.
While buyers can easily pay the $155,000 immediately and drive away with the Polestar 1, they can also take the car with zero payment upfront and pay for it in monthly subscription installments. The subscription option is unique as it includes all the maintenance and insurance costs of your Polestar for the following couple of years, while the only thing you will have to worry about is fuel. The subscription cost will even include the cost of Polestar personnel picking up and delivering your car from maintenance. At the end of the subscription period, your car will be replaced with an entirely new model. Top that, Mercedes!
4 The Interior remains flashy
Step inside the Polestar 1 and you will be reminded that this is, first and foremost, a Volvo. The upscale interior is reminiscent of the luxury S90 limousine model. However, it's equipped with the most advanced tech and forward-looking design features, such as the full panoramic glass roof.
As a bonus detail, the Polestar logo is projected on this panoramic roof like a shining star above the passengers' heads. The leather interior comes in two choices - beige and dark grey. While it's not bespoke or over-the-top in luxury, the Polestar 1 does boast the comfort levels you'd expect from a $155,000 car, and the rear boot is relatively spacious for a sports coupe as well.
3 It's packed with technology
The Polestar 1 will boast the extremely advanced Ohlins CESi electronic suspension, which adapts to the conditions on the road and the owner's driving style. Moving on to the back, and this luxury coupe actually has a hidden active rear wing that comes out at high speeds to provide necessary downforce.
The inside follows the same forward-looking trend, with the first thing that will look you in the eye being the massive Sensus touchscreen infotainment system. The car also integrates a top-notch Bower & Wilkins sound system, with quality subwoofers integrated all around the cabin. Without mentioning all the luxury features you'd expect to find in a car of this caliber, the Polestar 1 will also surprise you with things like voice control and technology known as "Phone-as-Key," that offers you the ability to use your car with just your phone.
2 The Trim options
As of yet, Polestar 1 comes in only 1 trim, powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain made up of a 2.0L four-cylinder connected to two electromotors, one at each rear wheel. This winning combination comes up with 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque that are sent to all four wheels.
When it comes to visuals, Polestar 1 offers its buyers the opportunity to tailor both the exterior and interior design features of the car to their personal preferences. More precisely, you get to choose your own rims and brightwork on the car, along with your own preference of paint among six alternative options available in either matter or metallic. The interior feel of the car is up to the owner as well, with custom made upholsteries based on the owner's personal choice.
1 It will be available globally
The company intends to market the Polestar 1 globally, however, the car will be somewhat exclusive, given only 1,500 units are being planned for production. Currently, the Polestar 1 is available for pre-order in as many as 18 countries globally, and for anyone who wants to get their hands on the model early, the pre-order process will set you back some 2,500 Euros (it is refundable, though).
Of course, Polestar 1 will be available for purchase in North America as well, and will open its New York retail space early next year at the latest.