Very few things are conventional about the Polestar 1, a plug-in hybrid gran tourer with the rather challenging task of introducing Polestar as a standalone premium performance brand.
The Polestar 1 is essentially the production version of the 2016 Volvo Concept Coupe, but that’s where most similarities with other Volvos end. The bodywork, which is made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), is just a thing of beauty and elegance and makes the coupe look effortlessly dynamic.
Related: Nico Rosberg Goes For A Quick Blast In The 592 HP Polestar 1
The highlight of the Polestar 1 is of course its powertrain, which is a combination of a twincharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 340 HP and two electric motors on the rear axle driving each wheel independently. The combined output is rated at 592 HP (600 PS) and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque – which should make it quite a performer, then.
The hybrid system is connected to a 34kWh battery pack, which gives the plug-in hybrid a pure electric driving range of 93 miles (150 km) – the longest yet among other PHEVs in the market – and, thanks to those electric motors, active torque vectoring for the rear axle.
You would imagine that a luxury GT with 592 HP on tap would be a supercar-hunting machine, but the drawback of the Polestar’s electrified powertrain is weight. Tipping the scales at over 5,100 lbs, this is not a lightweight dancer but rather a heavyweight bouncer, albeit a flexible one.
Featuring a price tag of $155k, the Polestar 1 is entering a rather difficult arena, where arguably more exotic rivals tend to roam. Is the high-tech powertrain and gorgeous styling enough to make it stand out? Let’s see what Autocar has to say about that…