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A silver 2021 Polestar 1 coupe parked in front of a whitewashed wall

The Polestar 1 Is Already Getting Killed at the End of the Year

In 2017, Polestar proved it was more than a producer of prototype cars. The Polestar 1 is an exceptional performance hybrid, drawing inspiration from vehicles like the Volvo X90. Unfortunately, Polestar made it clear from the beginning that its flagship would have a limited production run. Final purchase slots for the Polestar 1 have officially …

In 2017, Polestar proved it was more than a producer of prototype cars. The Polestar 1 is an exceptional performance hybrid, drawing inspiration from vehicles like the Volvo X90. Unfortunately, Polestar made it clear from the beginning that its flagship would have a limited production run.

Final purchase slots for the Polestar 1 have officially opened, Car and Driver reports. Over the Polestar 1’s production life, only 1,500 units were produced, and just 375 made it to the United States. Here’s what we’ll miss most about the Polestar 1 and what’s next for the automaker.

The Polestar 1 at a glance

The Polestar 1 is packed with power thanks to its supercharged turbo-four and three electric motors. Together they provide a power output of 619 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rates it for 58 mpg-e, and it can travel 52 miles in electric-only mode.

The coupe gets power only from the rear wheels during electric driving but switches to all-wheel drive in gas-only mode. Enhancements like an electronically controlled suspension, Pirelli tires, and Akebono brakes make the drive even more exhilarating. During Car and Driver‘s testing, the Polestar 1 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds.

This sporty hybrid also boasts a luxurious interior with leather seats and a dashboard trimmed with carbon fiber. Although it theoretically seats four, most adults would find themselves cramped in the tiny backseat. Similarly, trunk space is almost nonexistent at only four cubic feet.

On the plus side, the Polestar 1 comes with much of the latest useful technology on other luxury hybrids. A large 12-inch touchscreen controls most functions, including smartphone integration and climate control. You can also download an app that allows you to use your phone as the car’s key. The Polestar 1 even comes with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking.

The all-new Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 has only two electric motors and no gas engine, producing 408 and 487 lb-ft of torque. It’s also five seconds slower than the Polestar 1 in the 0-to-60 split. But it still delivers fun handling and comes equipped with AWD. Comparing the two models, Jalopnik reported the Polestar 2 offers a slightly stiffer ride.

One area where the Polestar 2 is superior is its all-electric range. The automaker claims this model can travel 275 miles on a single charge. Polestar also says the battery can be replenished to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.

Unlike the coupe, the four-door Polestar 2 has room for backseat passengers. The cloth seats are fairly supportive, but supple Nappa leather is also available. In addition to a small frunk, 14 cubic feet of cargo room is available behind the rear seats.

Fold down the rear seats, and you get almost 39 cubic feet of storage space. The infotainment system is similar to Tesla’s, relying on an Android OS instead of smartphone integration. The Polestar 2 also has more safety features than its predecessor. 

The automaker’s future of Polestar

The Polestar 1 may be an awesome car performance-wise, but it’s not exactly practical. If you want one of the last units ever made, expect to pay over $150,000. Additionally, only 125 will come to the United States.

In contrast, the Polestar 2 retails for around $59,000 — not bad for a luxury EV. It’s also more functional than the soon-to-be-deceased coupe because it has more passenger and trunk space. Though we’re sad to see the Polestar 1 go, its legacy paves the way for the next generation’s success.

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