2021 Polestar 1
MSRP range: $155,000
2021 Polestar 1





+67
Total MSRP | $156,500 |
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Edmunds suggests you pay | $156,500 |
Choose the trim, color, options, packages and more for your 2021 Polestar 1.
Build and Price2021 Polestar 1 Review

byKurt Niebuhr
Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers.Pros
- Plenty of all-electric range
- Smooth and comfortable driving experience
- Comes fully loaded
- Rarity ensures exclusivity
Cons
- Not much cargo space
- Infotainment isn't as intuitive to use as rival systems
What's new
- Final year of production
- New Special Edition model limited to 25 units globally
- Part of the first Polestar 1 generation introduced for 2020
For many years Polestar was Volvo's in-house performance tuning arm. But as of last year, it became a full-fledged spinoff brand focused on electrified performance. Kicking the party off was the limited-production Polestar 1. We can't remember a more stunning and impressive automotive debut in recent times. The 1 combines classic good looks of a luxury coupe with a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain. Besides producing a substantial 619 horsepower, it enables the Polestar 1 to drive about 50 miles on all-electric power on a fully charged battery. After that, it switches to typical gasoline-powered operation.
So different is the Polestar 1 that it's hard to name any direct competition. Luxury grand-touring cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and striking Lexus LC 500 spring to mind, as does Porsche's all-electric Taycan. Production of the Polestar 1 was destined to be limited, and this is the final year of its production. Read our Expert Rating below to get our full take on the Polestar 1's performance, range and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
8.0 /10
The Polestar 1 is a significant car for many reasons, particularly because it's the first production model for Polestar since Volvo spun off the brand to focus primarily on electric mobility. The 1 pairs a potent but practical plug-in hybrid powertrain with a wide and elongated coupe body composed mostly of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. It's quick, comfortable and handsomely styled. And with only 1,500 units to be sold worldwide, it also has the potential to become a collector's item.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the 1 drive? The Polestar 1 doesn't feel like it has 619 horsepower because of how smoothly it cruises into triple-digit speeds. In our testing, it ripped to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds. Powerful brakes from Akebono scrub off speed at amazing rates, stopping this portly 5,200-pound coupe in just 99 feet. For context, that's slightly shorter than a Porsche 911 GT3 Touring. In casual use, the brakes at times feel a little grabby, though hybrid brakes are often tricky to tune.
Handling and daily drivability are commendable. Tight, twisty roads are dispatched with the help of torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Even without the electronic aids, the manually adjustable Ohlins suspension delivers exceptional body control and smooths out the road beneath. The steering could stand to be a bit more communicative on the highway.
Handling and daily drivability are commendable. Tight, twisty roads are dispatched with the help of torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Even without the electronic aids, the manually adjustable Ohlins suspension delivers exceptional body control and smooths out the road beneath. The steering could stand to be a bit more communicative on the highway.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the 1? The Polestar seats are very comfortable. There isn't a lot of adjustability, but you can still dial in long-haul comfort. They also offer decent lateral support to keep you secure under higher cornering loads. The manually adjustable suspension, in its standard setting, hits a sweet spot of compliance and control. But even in its firmest setting, it doesn't deliver as punishing a ride as some competitors.
The climate controls are accessed entirely through the touchscreen menu, which means there's a lag before the system becomes active after starting the car. There is an option to precondition the cabin; once set, it maintains target temps well. There's no vibrations to speak of, but there is a fair amount of road noise on rough textured surfaces. When the roads are a bit smoother, this hybrid is about as quiet as they come.
The climate controls are accessed entirely through the touchscreen menu, which means there's a lag before the system becomes active after starting the car. There is an option to precondition the cabin; once set, it maintains target temps well. There's no vibrations to speak of, but there is a fair amount of road noise on rough textured surfaces. When the roads are a bit smoother, this hybrid is about as quiet as they come.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2021 Polestar 1 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybri...
Edmunds suggests you pay$156,500
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The Polestar 1's wide and low body beltline doesn't just look good. It also makes for excellent visibility of the road in all directions and creates a sense of spaciousness for front occupants. The long doors provide ample space to slip inside; just watch for the lower rocker sills that jut out a bit. We knocked our shins a few times.
The form-follows-function narrative changes slightly when it comes to the user interface. The Sensus infotainment system plucked from the Volvo parts bin has the aesthetic benefit of a clean, minimalistic design, but it comes with the downside of having to access everything digitally. This means lots of swiping between screens when you're on the move, which can be distracting.
The form-follows-function narrative changes slightly when it comes to the user interface. The Sensus infotainment system plucked from the Volvo parts bin has the aesthetic benefit of a clean, minimalistic design, but it comes with the downside of having to access everything digitally. This means lots of swiping between screens when you're on the move, which can be distracting.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Much of the Polestar 1's tech has been proven out to some degree in Volvo's vehicle lineup, so it's better than the average exotic. Everything from the excellent 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system to a suite of advanced driver's aids is included, all of which make it more useful as a daily driver. While the adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist are pretty effective at relieving traffic stress, the parking cameras' low angles make for slightly awkward visual references.
Smartphones pair easily via Bluetooth, which allows clear playback for podcasts, phone calls and music using the native system interface. Or you can plug into one of two USB ports to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which is also standard. The vertical orientation of the touchscreen, though, downsizes the display of those systems a bit.
Smartphones pair easily via Bluetooth, which allows clear playback for podcasts, phone calls and music using the native system interface. Or you can plug into one of two USB ports to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, which is also standard. The vertical orientation of the touchscreen, though, downsizes the display of those systems a bit.
Storage
6.5/10
How’s the storage? At just 4.4 cubic feet, the rear trunk is tiny. The Polestar 1's batteries and electronics take up the bulk of the area. That said, it's easier to access and more usable than the trunks of either the BMW i8 or Acura NSX because of the low liftover height. In-cabin storage is a bit sparse too, which isn't uncommon for this segment. The center console has an extremely shallow bin meant just for phones and other small flat items, while the door pockets are a pretty nice size and rubber-lined.
Front-facing car seats or booster seats can be used in back, with car seat anchors relatively easy to access through zippered slits. A rear-facing seat will fit behind the passenger seat if it's adjusted to its front-most position, but it's not really practical. If you're not transporting small humans with you, the rear seats can act as overflow storage, be it for groceries or outerwear.
Front-facing car seats or booster seats can be used in back, with car seat anchors relatively easy to access through zippered slits. A rear-facing seat will fit behind the passenger seat if it's adjusted to its front-most position, but it's not really practical. If you're not transporting small humans with you, the rear seats can act as overflow storage, be it for groceries or outerwear.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates you'll get 26 mpg combined when the 1 is running in hybrid mode, which is about what the BMW i8 returns but with much more performance potential. We started with a partial battery charge (35 miles of indicated charge) on our 115-mile evaluation route and drove in hybrid mode. The car returned an impressive 36.6 mpg, which was spot-on with what the computer calculated on board.
The Polestar 1 has a 34-kWh battery that provides an estimated 52 miles of electric range, and based on our observations this range seems realistic. Charging at its maximum 11 kW of AC power will give you a full battery in about 3.5 hours. It is also equipped with DC fast-charging capability that'll get you to an 80% charge in less than an hour.
The Polestar 1 has a 34-kWh battery that provides an estimated 52 miles of electric range, and based on our observations this range seems realistic. Charging at its maximum 11 kW of AC power will give you a full battery in about 3.5 hours. It is also equipped with DC fast-charging capability that'll get you to an 80% charge in less than an hour.
Value
8.0/10
Is the 1 a good value? Perception of quality for an exotic car is almost as important as actual quality. The bulk of Polestar 1's expense goes into the hybrid powertrain as well as its carbon-fiber body, which saves a lot of weight and helps create a stiffer structure. But these things go mostly unnoticed because they're either underneath the car or covered with paint.
The interior of the Polestar, while luxurious and soundly assembled, looks far less exotic than you'd expect at this price. In fact, it looks like it's from a regular Volvo. That said, this will be a rare car with just 1,500 units produced, and compared to its closest hybrid competition, it's a much better value for the features, performance and practicality.
Basic warranty coverage is pretty standard at four years/50,000 miles, but Polestar covers hybrid and battery components for eight years/100,000 miles (10 years/150,000 miles for California residents).
The interior of the Polestar, while luxurious and soundly assembled, looks far less exotic than you'd expect at this price. In fact, it looks like it's from a regular Volvo. That said, this will be a rare car with just 1,500 units produced, and compared to its closest hybrid competition, it's a much better value for the features, performance and practicality.
Basic warranty coverage is pretty standard at four years/50,000 miles, but Polestar covers hybrid and battery components for eight years/100,000 miles (10 years/150,000 miles for California residents).
Wildcard
9.0/10
It resembles a Volvo but it's more handsome, and there's nothing else quite like it on the road. It outshines the aging BMW i8 in nearly everything except cool gullwing doors, and it's more rare and less expensive than an Acura NSX. It draws attention everywhere it goes without trying. It's the equivalent of an attractive person who's unaware of it.
The Polestar 1 may not blow you away as much as other exotic vehicles with its straight-line speed, partially because it develops power so smoothly, but it changes direction amazingly well. The hybrid system with its torque vectoring, along with the excellent Ohlins suspension, works to make spirited driving effortless yet enjoyable.
The Polestar 1 may not blow you away as much as other exotic vehicles with its straight-line speed, partially because it develops power so smoothly, but it changes direction amazingly well. The hybrid system with its torque vectoring, along with the excellent Ohlins suspension, works to make spirited driving effortless yet enjoyable.
Which 1 does Edmunds recommend?
The Polestar 1's options are limited to a smattering of exterior colors, wheel finishes, and two choices for interior upholstery. If you're fortunate enough to grab one of the only 25 Special Edition models, we'd absolutely recommend you do. With its striking matte gold paint and gold interior stitching, it's sure to be a future classic.
Polestar 1 models
The Polestar 1 is a performance luxury coupe that also doubles as a plug-in hybrid. Electrical power comes from a 34-kWh battery pack that drives two electric motors on the rear axle. The internal combustion engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with both turbo and supercharging (326 horsepower, 384 lb-ft). When combined with the electric motors, the Polestar 1 makes a total of 619 horsepower and 738 lb-ft. The Polestar 1 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and is all-wheel-drive.
The Polestar 1 is very well equipped, and options are limited to appearance items, with paint colors, wheels, trim and interior leather the only ways to personalize the vehicle. For 2021, Polestar is offering the Special Edition, painted in matte gold with gold brake calipers and gold stitching in the leather upholstery. It is otherwise identical to the standard Polestar 1. Highlighted standard features include:
- 21-inch wheels
- LED exterior lighting
- Adjustable suspension
- Torque vectoring (distributes power to either rear wheel to improve traction and handling)
- Carbon-fiber body panels
- High-performance brakes
- Panoramic sunroof
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
- Bowers & Wilkins audio system
- Heated sport seats with leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Crystal shift knob
The Polestar 1 also has advanced driver aids such as:
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Polestar and the car in front)
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

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Consumer reviews
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2021 Polestar 1 videos
MARK TAKAHASHI: I'm going to talk about my personal picks for the 10 most beautiful cars on sale today.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I'm well aware that style is subjective. I don't claim to be the arbiter of style and taste, and I realize that one person's trash might be someone else's treasure. I'm sure we're going to have some disagreements on my picks. Leave a comment below. Leave a civilized comment below. So let's jump right into it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
My first pick is the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, the C8, the mid-engine Corvette. It is a stunner in person. It's very angular. It's almost like a stealth fighter with all these facets everywhere. It's sharp. It's cool. It capitalizes on a lot of potential that I thought the NSX didn't.
I'm a fan of these forward-leaning angles that the designers put into it. I like that it's almost attacking the air in front of it. Also, I like that they still have some of the character of the old Corvette in the hood here with these streaks.
The proportions are great. Unlike some mid-engine sports cars, the Corvette still has a decent-sized hood, and the back end isn't too big and boxy or bulbous like some other mid-engine sports cars can get. To me, everything just sort of works well together, and it's just super sharp. And by the way, all of these pics are in just random order. There's no rhyme or reason to these.
My next pick? Dodge Challenger.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
This is impressive, because the Dodge Challenger hasn't been redesigned since it was introduced in 2008-- well, reintroduced in 2008. It still has a lot of that sinister character that sets it apart from other muscle cars, and indeed, any other car out there.
The design cues that I really like are pretty much all up front. It's this brow that cuts into the grill right there from the hood dipping over. It's almost like Clint Eastwood's furrowed death stare at you. It's mean-looking. It almost demands respect before it's even moving.
The newest touches come here in the wheel arches here. They're a little bit tacked-on, but from different angles it, looks really good. It just kind of widens it out and interrupt that big slab of nothingness on the door here. And I like that they actually kept it unadorned on that door panel and that body panel. They didn't go with any fake vents or stupid chrome accents. Nice and clean. And that's kind of the theme with a lot of the cars that I like.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Ah, que bella machina. This is the Ferrari Roma. It's not an all-out supercar for them. It's a Grand Tour. And I love it. I love it for a lot of things that we'll see later in other cars.
First off, a nice, pointed long hood like that. These sharp angles are just gorgeous here. I'm not that big of a fan of this air dam underneath here that's kind of jutting out, but I'm not going to argue with Ferrari designers.
One thing I'm really a big fan of, though, is the way that this compound curve meets a straight, and then it pops back into another compound curve in the front. There's no real transition. It just kind of smoothly blends from one end to the other. In other cars, you'll see a curve, and then an abrupt stop, and then a straight-away. This is just sinuous and beautiful and muscular. Man, from nose to tail, it is absolutely gorgeous.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
One of my favorites, the Jaguar F-type. The spiritual successor to the E-type from the early 1960s, it's not trying to be this campy homage to the E-type. It's its own thing. But it still has a few subtle hints.
First off, we have the headlights here, this plexiglass covering that's a little bit of a nod to the old E-type. Of course, there's the grill, this big ovoid. But in the case of the F-type, more of a rounded corner, inverted trapezoid. It gives it enough character to know that it's from the same company as the E-type, but it's not trying to be the E-type.
I'm also a fan of the way they did these air intakes here, these cooling vents. They didn't go with this plastic surround. It's just kind of carved into the face of the F-type. Unfortunately for the 2021 refresh, they actually put some plastic surrounds around that. And I'm not that thrilled with the way it looks. It might grow on me later, but so far, I'm still a bigger fan of this pre-refresh F-type.
Other styling cues include, in the tail light, this round feature here, which is a nod to the old E-type, as well as this barrel-shaped side that they put in. Of course, there's the silhouette, which tapers down to a wonderful little point in the back, just like the old E-type.
Here's a shot of the reflector I'm talking about on the old E-type, that little round feature. But there's one thing I wish that Jaguar did with the F-type, and that would be to use this glorious light metallic blue color that they used for the concept or pre-production car. It never made it into the order guides, and I was really hoping that would be in it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
We've been raving about the Telluride, not just because of the way it looks, but because of the way it drives and the value proposition. It's just a really great mid-sized three-row SUV.
When it comes to design, I like that it's more upright and boxy than a lot of other SUVs. I also like this amber surround here. You can tell that a Telluride is coming behind you from a ways off, thanks for that distinctive running light.
They used a lot of Kia's styling cues throughout, but it's not gross about the way they did it. These double tabs are their signature throughout the Kia lineup. It's there. It's also in the top of the windshield there, and a little hint of it right here in that B-pillar. Overall, it's a really tidy design. It's industrial it's a little beefier than pretty much anything else in its class.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Not my favorite car to drive. I wished it was a little more wild and lively than it is. But it is a looker, for sure. It still turns heads a few years into its production. Again, long coupe hood. And I haven't been a fan of this Lexus spindle grill since it came out, but this is actually the first instance where I do like it, mostly because this car was designed to have it from the beginning. When they first started incorporating that spindle grill, they used it on cars that weren't necessarily designed to have. It
All of these lines all come together right at the logo. They just all point to it. It's a nice touch. It gives it that sharpness, that pointiness, that you kind of want from a wild-looking sport coupe like this.
Another thing I'm a fan of is this cut-out right here, this little air intake, maybe for brake cooling, maybe for trans cooling. Who knows? But I like how they didn't, again, put some cheesy plastic surrounds in there. It's just kind of sliced into the side of the body. It's graceful. It's sharp. It serves a purpose.
Around the back of the LC, it continues that line where everything converges on that one logo point. I like that it's a theme that's carried over to the back. One thing I'm not too crazy about, though, is this drop-down here off the tail light. It seems like it's just a little bit out of place. I realize that's part of their corporate style, but every time I see it I always see this tier line under a cheetah's face. Maybe it's not the worst thing to be associated with.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
My next pick-- it's the Mazda 3 hatchback. Mazda has just been killing it when it comes to design, and the 3 hatchback is, at least for me, a prime example.
I love this big grill that's very distinctive, but it's not overly horsey, in my opinion. They have these wonderful compound curves that are built into the bodywork without any sharp creases that almost every other car has.
One my other favorite hatchbacks is the old Alfa Romeo Brera, that had this beautiful, rounded hatchback tail. It's very distinctive. It sets itself apart from everything else out there. It's a clean design, and it's carried over into everything that Mazda does. The CX-5, the CX-3, CX-30-- they're all what I consider the most attractive in their classes. And the CX-9 would have been, or it was, until the Telluride came along.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
The Polestar 1-- wow. The first time I saw this in the flesh, it was stunning. It's just such a clean design, really not a lot of adornment. Sure, it's got a long hood, coupe proportions again, a stubby tail in the back. But there's a simplicity about it that just drew me in instantly.
This grill is certainly an echo of Volvo, which is the parent company, but it's missing the sash and the Volvo logo in the middle. I'm also a huge fan of these side streaks in the nose of the car. It's almost aviation-like to me, like a Canard. Again, really nice, simple, unadorned side here, and we have this little feature here that catches light, and then a subtle little crease here that casts shadow below that.
It gives it some visual interest without having to resort to something kitschy or gaudy. I had a design instructor who gave us this quote that I keep using when it comes to car design. And I'm paraphrasing here, but it's, a pretty shape doesn't need a lot of jewelry. And this is pretty much unadorned perfection to me.
Of course, you can't talk about the Polestar 1 without also mentioning the S90 from Volvo. There's a lot of similarities there. I realize that. And I love the S90 for the exact same reasons. You can see down here that Volvo added that chrome strip down there. Doesn't really add too much visually for me. I prefer to see something, in other words, like the Polestar 1, where it's not there. Again, simplicity, cleanliness of design.
Of course, not all my picks are going to be exotics or sport coupes. I can't not talk about the most popular class of vehicles, pickup trucks. And for my money, it's the Ram 1500.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
The new design is a little classier, a little upmarket. In this top trim here, you get a lot of chrome. I'm outlining here this little step up from the headlight into the grill, and we'll get to that in a bit. But I like how everything is very cohesive, and it all seems to belong together.
One thing I'm not a big fan of is this kind of badge right here. It just seems a little out of place in an otherwise very clean design. The design also carries around to other Ram 1500s, like the Rebel, which has a very different take on the grill, but it's equally impressive and aggressive in its execution.
Getting back to the headlights integrating into the grill and all that good stuff, it goes back to the introduction of this new generation of Ram pickups in the mid-1990s. This is the heavy-duty version of it. And right here, that headlight line there steps straight up into the grill and then back down for the other headlight.
Around that time-- I think was the Kenworth T600 big rig had that same kind of sloping hood, and in that integration of the headlights into the fenders. And you can see it here. I mean, that is very much exaggerated the way it is here in the Ram 1500. But it's that sort of industrial, utilitarian design that made me really love it. I wish that Ram, however, capitalized on that design back then and produced a rival to the Suburban, a larger SUV with that kind of style.
My final pick is yet another sport coupe. It is the Mercedes Benz AMG GT.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Again, it's the familiar theme of really long hood, a wide maw of a grill here that denotes that it needs a lot of air to breathe, like a beast. And I mean, again, really huge intakes here as well.
One thing I'm not too crazy about is this feature right here. I like that it's a cut-out, and it's not surrounded by plastic, but it's this badge right here that kind of throws me off. I feel like maybe if they did something a little more subtle, it would have been better, at least personally for me.
Again, man, there's so many things to like about the proportions of this car. And another echo here is that kick-out there that catches light. It just lends it a little more visual interest. And then at the very back of the car, it's really, really quite rounded over, almost egg-like, like a Porsche 928. but they broke it up and kept it from looking overly bulbous by introducing these cutouts here. Whether or not they're actual heat extractors that function or not, there is a function. And that's aesthetically, it breaks up a lot of the monotony back here and keeps it looking a little sharper, a little more racy.
In any case, those are my picks for the 10 most beautiful cars on sale today. I'm sure you have some disagreements with my picks and probably thought I left out a few and probably included a few that didn't deserve to be. Leave a comment below. Leave a civilized comment below. Let's start a dialogue. It's not like I don't have the time to respond.
Thanks for watching the video. Thanks for hanging out all the way to the end. To see more videos like this, hit Subscribe. And of course, for any of these vehicles, if you want any information, head on over to edmunds.com. Stay safe. Take care of your friends. Take care of your family.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Top 10 Best-Looking Cars According to Edmunds' Mark Takahashi
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Polestar 1, but since the 2021 Polestar 1 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Edmunds' Mark Takahashi, a former designer and art director, gives his ranking of the best-looking and most beautiful cars, trucks and SUVs on sale.
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $156,500
- MPG & Fuel
- Electric + Gas (Combined City & Hwy): 58 MPGe
- Gas Only (Combined City & Hwy): 26 MPG
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal. capacity
- EPA Battery & Range
- Time To Charge Battery (At 240V)This can be tough to pin down, but we assume for simplicity that the 240V power source will enable the vehicle's onboard charger to operate at full capacity, and that the battery is fully depleted and will be recharged to 100%. Given those assumptions, the value provided is simply the battery's capacity divided by the onboard charger's power rating. For example, a battery rated at 100 kWh will need 12.5 hours to recharge fully using an 8.0-kW charger.: 9.0 hr.
- EPA Electricity RangeThis value is the estimated number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA's testing methodology.: 52 mi.
- Gas Range in Miles (Cty/Hwy): 349.8/492.9 mi.
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 626 hp
- Torque: 738 lb-ft
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 180.5 in. / Height: 53.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 81.5 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 77.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 5170 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 4.4 cu.ft.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite 1 safety features:
- Pilot Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatically adjusts the car's speed to speed up or slow down to match traffic and keeps the car centered in the lane.
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Illuminates a light in the sideview mirrors if a vehicle is in the Polestar 1's blind spot.
- Collision Mitigation Support
- Can help steer the car to avoid or lessen the chance of a front or rear collision.
Polestar 1 vs. the competition

2021 Polestar 1

2021 Lexus LC 500
Polestar 1 vs. Lexus LC 500
The LC 500 might only offer two seats, but its styling is every bit as striking as the Polestar's. Though a hybrid is available, we think the LC is best with a sonorous V8 under the hood. Like the Polestar, it's very comfortable over long distances but lacks the practicality and eco-friendly cachet of the Polestar.
Polestar 1 vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class Coupe, especially in its AMG guise, is arguably the top dog in luxury grand-touring coupes. It offers substantial performance with more traditional luxury trimmings than the Polestar. What the Mercedes lacks in eye-catching styling it more than makes up for with a better infotainment system, tons more personalization options and a V8 soundtrack.
Polestar 1 vs. Porsche Taycan
Just as striking and even more eco-friendly than the Polestar is Porsche's new EV, the Taycan. Outright efficiency plays second fiddle to eye-popping performance, but the Taycan's everyday comfort and usability are still impressive. Like the Polestar, the Taycan doesn't offer a lot of rear legroom and suffers from a less than intuitive touchscreen system.
FAQ
Is the Polestar 1 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 1 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 1 has 4.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Polestar 1. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Polestar 1?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Polestar 1:
- Final year of production
- New Special Edition model limited to 25 units globally
- Part of the first Polestar 1 generation introduced for 2020
Is the Polestar 1 reliable?
To determine whether the Polestar 1 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 1. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 1's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Polestar 1 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Polestar 1 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 1 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 1 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Polestar 1?
The least-expensive 2021 Polestar 1 is the 2021 Polestar 1 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $155,000.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $155,000
What are the different models of Polestar 1?
If you're interested in the Polestar 1, the next question is, which 1 model is right for you? 1 variants include 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of 1 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2021 Polestar 1
2021 Polestar 1 Overview
The 2021 Polestar 1 is offered in the following submodels: 1 Coupe. Available styles include 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). The 2021 Polestar 1 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic. The 2021 Polestar 1 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What do people think of the 2021 Polestar 1?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Polestar 1 and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 1.
Pros
- Plenty of all-electric range
- Smooth and comfortable driving experience
- Comes fully loaded
- Rarity ensures exclusivity
Cons
- Not much cargo space
- Infotainment isn't as intuitive to use as rival systems
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Polestar 1 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 1 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Polestar 1?
2021 Polestar 1 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
Which 2021 Polestar 1S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Polestar 1 for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Polestar 1.
Can't find a new 2021 Polestar 1s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Polestar for sale.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
What is the MPG of a 2021 Polestar 1?
2021 Polestar 1 2dr Coupe AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A), 8-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required)
26 MPG compined MPG,
22 city MPG/31 highway MPG
EPA Est. MPG | 26 |
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Drive Train | all wheel drive |
Displacement | 2.0 L |
Passenger Volume | N/A |
Wheelbase | 107.9 in. |
Length | 180.5 in. |
Width | N/A |
Height | 53.2 in. |
Curb Weight | 5170 lbs. |
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Polestar 1?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Polestar lease specials
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