In a world racing toward electrification, the Polestar 1 stands as a rare and radiant anomaly—a plug-in hybrid GT coupe that blends Scandinavian minimalism with electrifying performance. Launched as the debut model from Volvo’s performance sub-brand, Polestar, the 1 wasn’t just a car; it was a statement. And in 2025, as production winds down and the automotive world pivots fully to EVs, the Polestar 1 remains a collector’s gem and a benchmark for hybrid engineering.
⚡ A Powertrain That Breaks the Mold
At the heart of the Polestar 1 is a unique hybrid setup that flips conventional wisdom. Instead of using electric motors as a supplement, the Polestar 1 prioritizes electric propulsion:
- Two electric motors on the rear axle deliver 232 bhp and enable torque vectoring, giving the car razor-sharp cornering ability.
- A 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine powers the front wheels with 308 bhp, assisted by a starter-generator motor.
- Combined, the system produces a staggering 600 bhp and 737 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful hybrids ever built.
This configuration allows the Polestar 1 to drive up to 150 km (93 miles) on electric power alone—an astonishing feat for a performance GT.
🧬 Design: Scandinavian Elegance Meets Carbon Fiber Muscle
The Polestar 1 is a masterclass in design restraint. It borrows cues from Volvo’s design language but elevates them with exotic materials and proportions:
- The body is made almost entirely of carbon fiber, reducing weight and increasing chassis stiffness by 45%.
- Its silhouette is sleek and purposeful, with a low roofline, bold grille, and slim mirrors that scream GT sophistication.
- Inside, the cabin is a blend of Nappa leather, Orrefors crystal gear shifter, and mood lighting, creating a cocoon of luxury and tech-forward elegance.
Despite its beauty, the Polestar 1 isn’t without quirks. The infotainment system and dashboard are lifted from the Volvo S90, which, while high-quality, feels a bit too familiar for a car priced at £139,000 (approx ₹1.45 crore).
🏎️ Driving Experience: GT with a Twist
Driving the Polestar 1 is a study in contrasts. It’s not the softest GT, nor the most aggressive, but it’s arguably the most intriguing:
- The car uses manual Öhlins dampers, adjustable via knobs under the hood—a nod to racecar engineering.
- The brakes are sourced from Akebono, the same supplier for the McLaren P1, ensuring fade-free stopping power.
- It’s based on a shortened Volvo S90 platform, but with extensive carbon bracing and a reworked suspension setup.
The result? A car that feels planted, responsive, and surprisingly agile for its 2,350 kg curb weight. It’s not a track monster, but it’s a sublime long-distance cruiser with a rebellious streak.
🌍 Rarity and Legacy
Polestar limited production of the 1 to just 1,500 units globally, making it a true collector’s item. Built in the ultra-precise Chengdu facility in China, each car was assembled with obsessive attention to detail—only two units per day were produced.
The Polestar 1 was never meant to be a mass-market car. It was a halo product, designed to showcase what Polestar could achieve before transitioning to fully electric models like the Polestar 2, 3, and 5.
🔋 Why It Still Matters in 2025
As the automotive world embraces full electrification, the Polestar 1 serves as a bridge between eras:
- It proves that hybrid technology can be thrilling, not just efficient.
- It challenges the notion that performance must come at the cost of sustainability.
- It offers a glimpse into the future of modular powertrains, where electric and combustion systems work in harmony.
For enthusiasts, the Polestar 1 is more than a car—it’s a philosophy. It’s about pushing boundaries, blending art and engineering, and refusing to conform.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Polestar 1 may be gone from showrooms, but its impact reverberates through the industry. It dared to be different, combining cutting-edge hybrid tech with timeless design and uncompromising performance. In a sea of sameness, it stood out—not just as a car, but as a vision.