2021 Polestar 1

Polestar is an all-electric brand that offers the Polestar 2 sedan, Polestar 3 SUV, and Polestar 4 coupe SUV EVs. Its vehicles have a lot in common with Volvos, both of which are owned by the Geely conglomerate. Polestar started out as a company that tuned Volvos to be sportier and was eventually acquired by Volvo itself—kind of like BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG. In 2017, Polestar became an independent company and started producing its own vehicles. The Polestar 2’s choppy ride and cramped interior did not impress us when we tested it, but newer models seem to be aimed at a broader audience. Originally, Polestar vehicles were sold online and through showrooms, but the automaker is now opening traditional dealerships.

The Polestar 1 is the first model from Volvo's electric-focused performance brand. The coupe makes extensive use of carbon fiber, including doors, hood, and trunk. The top is a fixed panoramic glass roof. The four-seat Polestar 1 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a gasoline engine driving the front wheels and two electric motors spinning the rear wheels. The combined output of the engine and motors is 600 horsepower. The car uses three battery packs providing 34 kWh total, with the weight distribution slightly biased to the rear. Production of this $155,000 luxury coupe will be limited to 500 cars per year, and they will be offered for subscription and outright purchase.