Chris Harris Drives The Polestar 1 - An Irresponsible Financial Decision?

[@nomen7152]

This fisherman knows how to talk about cars like he's done it before.

[@davidbarett5269]

😂😂

[@DDLNX]

Making you, the fisherman's friend?

[@Hermantrueman]

Hooked 😂

[@JellyMan3634]

In car speak it's "helmsman"

[@MarioDallaRiva]

@@JellyMan3634 seaman in a polestar 👌🏻

[@edwarddelderfield]

I love that Chris actually buys these cars, going back a long way now, making videos on them and being able to give a proper informed opinion.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

And just the mechanics and engineering of it, while he's describing it, makes it obvious that it would appeal to him.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Nobody is under the illusion he paid retail price for this car... LOL

[@hugeandy71]

@@edwardfletcher7790 - which will probably be true for every car he owns, key factor is he chose this one, that tells you this thing has something special in it. doesn't say everybody should buy one, but at the same time, if you go for a car he owns, you probably not mistaking

[@adammerza5745]

@@edwardfletcher7790 Also it helps that when he sells it, someone will pay over the odds to have a celebrity's car!

[@okavipra]

@@edwardfletcher7790 first thing that came to mind, come to think of it , i strongly doubt that he payed anything ...

[@MatthewGaither]

One of the best looking cars of the modern era, no doubt. Thanks for still being in the review business, Chris. You are an ace!

[@Bearly7feettall]

What the hell are you smoking

[@tbrowniscool]

I disagree it looks boring

[@jrex3575]

actually, it isn't.

[@tijmenvanhierden6870]

@@tbrowniscool I can see why you think that because it is quite minimalistic, but I saw one a year ago and it looks so much beter IRL compared to pictures and video's.

[@tbrowniscool]

@@tijmenvanhierden6870 I think I saw one a few days ago. Said polestar at the bottom of the door or on the quarter panel. Bit underwhelming in my eyes but each to their own

[@k13ehr]

Chris is now by far the best care presenter in the UK, maybe the world and is very underappreciated, I've seen most of his stuff and he's been faultless.

[@nomoreheroes93]

Underappreciated? He's a presenter on the world's biggest motoring show

[@H4rleyBoy]

@@nomoreheroes93 yes, underappreciated is correct, he should be doing the idiot McGuinesses job, not the junior and butt of the jokes, all gone now anyway possibly for good, best wishes to Andy.

[@thumper1747]

Couldn’t agree more, he was the main reason I bought Autocar back in the day; he exudes authenticity and is compelling to listen to

[@GlitterGuru]

For anyone curious, you can rent a Polestar 1 from Hertz for ~$200/day. I believe LAX, SFO and MIA airport locations have them available. Rented one myself for fun and it was a treat. You're a lucky man Chris :)

[@SenszR]

Interesting

[@shushup6557]

200 bucks a day is a bit bloody crazy even if it is a nice car.

[@lotsofcurveslover]

That’s pretty cool. Good to know.

[@martincburns]

@@shushup6557 Don’t come to Europe! 200 a day gets you nothing special over here.

[@GlitterGuru]

@@shushup6557 yeah for sure, but as a gift to yourself or a friend it's not bad. No more crazy than spending $200/night for a hotel 🤷‍♂️

[@Vargadumi]

@2:01 a 1M on the side of the road🤟🏻😎

[@_que]

was wondering if anyone else notice, 😎

[@landrover4081]

I had a Volvo 780 (Bertone Coupe) and now have a BMWi3S Rex, so *really* like the Polestar 1 - The crease over the rear arches is pure P1800, great design

[@gordonmccracken1209]

I have owned a Volvo 780 Bertone but always felt Volvo's Constant Track Live Rear Axle was better than the IRS fitted to the 780 Bertones. There is an article circulating online as of recent explaining why SAAB chose to use a live rear axle w/ the 9000 despite all the other Type 4 platform variants using an Independent Rear Suspension. The main gist being the live rear axle being more predictable when reaching the limits of adhesion which made sense in Sweden due to road conditions/weather.

[@richardsellers8671]

Not wishing to argue, but it's in NO way like an i3, which has an ICE ONLY as a generator. Not only that but the Polestar drives the rear wheels via TWO electric motors (i3 is one) and the engine drives the front wheels. You could possibly make a case for being a bit like the i8, but that's ICE rear wheels and electric front wheels.

[@landrover4081]

@@gordonmccracken1209 The 780 came with a Live rear initially, then changed to IRS - I never came anywhere close to the limit, but preferred the IRS over the live rear of the 740

[@lukemallory7832]

@@gordonmccracken1209 I thought the 9000's rear suspension setup was to maximize rear load space and match the 900's setup?

[@stevemiller1626]

Absolutely. The Polestar came out of Volvos coupe concept from about ten years ago which was like a modern 1800.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Great video Chris. Congrats on having such an awesome vehicle. In the hands of Misha Charoudin, it actually does really well on the Nurburgring. He posted a few videos of the Polestar 1 on the Nurburgring. IMO, it’s a great looking vehicle. I love it. The shape reminds me of the C70 Coupe from the late 1990’s… 5 years ago, I watched the development of this car on the Polestar KZbin channel. Absolutely fantastic series of videos. A very bespoke vehicle, and limited to 1,500 units, is why the price is high. A hugely misunderstood and underrated vehicle. Polestar should have promoted this vehicle a lot more, as a halo vehicle for the brand.

[@Kylirr]

it's funny that you formatted this comment like a poem

[@skyhigheagleer6]

Misha has a Polestar 2

[@abstractgroove160]

"Simplicity executed to perfection". That sums up the very best of Scandinavian design.

[@panoply1886]

Used to see this car parked around Clifton when I lived there, didn't realise it was yours. Such a gorgeous shape.

[@TheCrazyHarpers]

And just when I thought the man couldn’t be anymore legendary, he rolls up in this thing. Fantastic car taste and for sure a future classic that will only be appreciated more with time. Great video as alway last Chris 👏🏼

[@EthanLeitch]

I think this is THE nicest looking car I have seen in the last decade. Just ideal design to me.

[@marcelstanford430]

Less is more when it comes to design.

[@automatic6772]

alfa romeo giulia quadrifoglio

[@audunskilbrei8279]

@@automatic6772 The Alfa is beautiful. But lacks the simple beauty of this Polestar. Both are beautiful in their own rights.

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

It is a blast to drive... let me tell you! That torque at higher speed is insane to me

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

@iscadean not the same, an EV dies after that initial surge but this feels relentless even at higher speeds, it’s a car for overtaking at 130 kph

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

@iscadean ever heard of the autobahn? Haha

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

@iscadean most performance cars I’ve driven have actually been EVs, I’m not a hater, I like them. I’m just saying that the PS1 is a underrated beast especially at higher speeds where it feels more powerful than a lot of pure EVs to me

[@nopota7290]

@iscadean eh hello. Knock, knock. Its the 1900's calling. Grow the fuck up, its 2023. Hybrids and electric cars are the future.

[@moogle68]

@iscadean And the truth finally comes out of you. Next time, save yourself some time and just say what you mean instead of beating around the bush. "The PS1 is a con. All Hybrids are." can replace all your other comments. IDK why you think that, and idk why you feel the need to shove what is simply your personal opinion down other people's throats as if it's a fact, but my own opinion is that behaving that way is not likely to bring anyone over to your way of thinking. I'd recommend a different approach in the future, just saying.

[@SmallBlogV8]

It's cars like this that make the automotive world so interesting, not the mainline performance stuff you see on every media outlet/effluencer channel. I can see how some would feel it doesn't make enough sense, if it's about as quick as an M3 but twice the price and twice as complicated, but it's great that something different and a bit out-there can exist and be executed this well. It also looks ace in twilight blue.

[@deldridg]

@iscadean Nowhere near as much as the manufacturing and transport required for pretty much everything you own and eat, unless you're in a self-made log cabin and a complete subsistence farmer, wearing clothes you've made yourself from flax/hides and you don't fart. So there! 🙂

[@deldridg]

@iscadean Yes of course, but I was making another point. It's so tedious to hear the endless hypocrisy of the whingers who conveniently forget that their own consumption choices contribute to CO2-equiv emissions while they criticise anything that doesn't meet their wholesome standards. Perhaps I'm wrong and our mate is guilt-free on the emissions side, in which case I humbly apologise for any offence created. 🙂

[@deldridg]

@iscadean Something like that. "So there" was tongue-in-cheek. It's something of an Aussie thing meant in good spirit.

[@Wizards_Sleeve]

I'm not surprised you're proud to own that car Chris, it's a beautiful looking and sophisticated thing 🙂👍🏻

[@tctf1]

Lots of new unsold Polestar 1s in the US right now and all are pretty much holding their price so far waiting for buyers. Absolutely beautiful cars. I have a 23 Volvo V60 with the less powerful 455HP / 40 mile range setup, but you still get much of the same goodness (Brembos, Ohlins suspension, seats, etc). I also love the spilt personality of the car and the truly remarkable seamlessness of such a complex propulsion system.

[@7itese840]

Bought into the taillights of the Polestar 1 with the 22 S60 Polestar with 415HP, been loving this car so far

[@rtpcannon]

This is something I’m exploring. Don’t have kids but gear hauling etc it seems to be a wonderful daily driver + adventure car

[@mikelucinder3284]

Has your ERAD failed yet? I have the T6 Ultimate Recharge V60 car and had nothing but problems with it. Volvo have recalled the ERAD 3 times now. The indicators don't tick regularly as it's an artificial sound through speakers. The range drops to 30 miles in winter and refuses to run in electric mode when cold. Brakes have been recalled and had warranty repairs to other items.

[@Taylor___]

Classic Chris Harris. When he does video's like this, he's the best in the game

[@Subboxstoker]

I always thought it looks like a swedish camaro and i love it!

[@IwillBwaiting]

I fell in love with it, the moment I first laid eyes on it. No matter when, I have been saving up since that day and one day this will be my car and I will be very happy. My job is fun and I love it, but the wages are average so I will still need some time but when the time comes, I will be like Roger Moore, and noone can take that away from me!

[@Beer_Dad1975]

If you buy this, you are handing your money to the Chinese Communist Party - don't do it!

[@johnmull59]

A brilliantly subtle car.....just wish I could afford one. Don't understand why all hybrids don't have similar range.

[@superblackbirdrider]

Honestly don't need that much. Our Tuscon "only" has a 35 mile range. During a normal week we don't use the ice. Just plug it in overnight, and it'll do the work run for at least a couple of days. Also, as the battery is small we can charge quite easily off a 13 amp socket, and if the sun is shining (because it's only charging at 1.5kw/h) our solar panels give us free electric😊. Went to Belgium last week, no issues just filled up with fuel and enjoyed the trip.

[@andreiarama8745]

Because you will have a very expensive plug in hybrid, very heavy and with a small boot

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

More mass, less expensive materials, worse (cheaper) battery technology used to keep costs down, is probably why. Polestar One gets to use all the best materials and has great engineers working on making it great.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

The type of car you treat yourself to if you win the Lottery!

[@johnmull59]

@@martinmcdonald4207 yep...and for a European road trip👍

[@stephenhenion8304]

This Polestar 1 got Fantastic reviews in Road & Track Magazine! You are Smart and Lucky Chris!!!

[@peterbradburn9115]

Beautiful motor. Don't shout me down, but that crease up the side got a hint of the Mk 3 Tina coke bottle styling. Love it. And, yes, very much aware this is a very different proposition. Gorgeous

[@timc924]

The coupe silhouette is nicely defined. Tech-wise, the blend of petrol/electric has to be the long-term solution particularly with synthetic fuels on the horizon across the board. Volvo's history of unusual coupes adds credibility.

[@stephenbaldwin7948]

Understated, elegant, fast, eco-friendly, unique, it’s a beautiful car. I’m incredibly jealous! Thank you for a great review Chris. It may be pricey, but if I had the money it would be a contender. Why? Because Polestar, and Volvo have something that no other real manufacturers have - Classless class.

[@reffrof1]

Hi Chris, I just checked the numbers for the Polestar 1. I can tell you that 4 cars have been registered in the UK in total.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Today i drove down my street and as i drove i notice a white Polestar parked up. Left hand drive on British reg plates. It looked great in the metal. I hope it`s a new neighbour just moved in so i can ogle over it every day as i pass by! Cheers from Dublin.

[@no.planman]

It's the subtlety of what a muscle car should've evolved into. I'm happy to have the opportunity to experience some of the shared qualities in the P2, also a great car.

[@finq0997]

That "Hold" mode makes SO much sense. While I was watching the introduction, I was actually wondering about if any hybrid vehicles have this function. I would think that driving along at a consistent speed on the motorway or autobahn, the ICE is very efficient. And you don't want to deplete the battery and then have to use it in town. Best case scenario is probably to return home with 5% battery charge and then plug it into your wallbox.

[@WillBecker]

Every plug-in hybrid that I've been in has an equivalent.

[@Whatshisname346]

Well I love it. The looks, the package, as a fellow short arse It’d suit me fine. Respect for taking the leap. As it’s a vol … sorry Polstar it’ll probably be pretty reliable too. Well done.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Bullet proof build. These will hold their value and become a classic in the future.

[@XGGaMeRGX]

Turbo charged, supercharged 4 cylinder.. doubt reliability is good. If the XC-90 (same engine) is indicative of reliability, this vehicle will be a nightmare to own. But time will tell. I still love it!!!

[@Whatshisname346]

@@XGGaMeRGX is it that bad? JD power and whatcar have the xc90 on average, if not stellar, levels of reliability. Most of the mechanical and electrical parts (apart from the battery pack) are interchangeable with some quite high volume Volvos so I’d say parts availability on the important stuff would be quite good. Maybe I’m missing something. I only know people who had flawless experiences with xc40s and v60s, xc90s a bit rich for my social circle.

[@andoletube]

It's a Geely, actually - so you might want to temper your reliability expectations.

[@saippuakivikuappias]

​@@andoletube Geely, from what I've heard are fairly hands off when it comes to tampering with the companies that they own. Volvo/Polestar have apparently been given free reign to explore and innovate without compromising on thier traditional values.....but of course they need to make money on Geely's investment.

[@MikeLindup42]

It’s a beautiful thing you’ve got there, Chris. Thanks for sharing.

[@mozzaev]

Polestar do make beautiful cars, not just the Polestar 1, but the Polestar 2 (i may be biased as I have a Polestar 2) 🙂

[@fenix2k1]

Had an S90 R Design for 2 1/2 years and loved it. So comfortable on long distance journeys. A coupe version with 600HP and option of electric only round town sounds perfect.

[@donjuan150]

I test drove an S90 and thought is was just perfect....Turbo and Supercharged

[@AlexLutzC]

Absolutely gorgeous car. Future classic with so few made and great purchase.

[@CovKid2K10]

No electric car will be a classic. Period

[@PrinceBarin77]

The design is stunning. Retro and concept all in one and a lovely shape. If it was under £75k, I’d own one.

[@brogenville]

I’m happy to see Chris is a fellow radio 4 listener.

[@peterlarkin762]

Still a few decent programmes, but Radio 4 has been going downhill for years.

[@brogenville]

@@peterlarkin762 I would agree. Still better than most of the inane babble on nearly every other station.

[@chadbarbaro]

thank you, Mr. Harris congratulations on your lovely new car.

[@barrettwbenton]

A much more compelling car than anything Polestar's put forth afterward. With that much electric-only range, one could conceivably do a day's errands without burning a drop of plankton-juice…eating your cake and having (as y'all say Over There). Would love to hear occasional reports on how well you get on with it over time.

[@thedrivebygg]

Hang on a minute, you have just described the BMW i8 that was released in 2014 😂. Fully electric up to 70 mph with up to 23 miles range, and a combined range of 300+ miles and can be yours for £45k. Joking aside i really like what Volvo are doing in recent years, great interiors, partnering with Bowers & Wilkins for sound, and decent design. I do however think the world should pay tribute to BMW who had the foresight to develop the i3 & i8 light years ahead before all the other mainstream manufacturers. The tech in the i8 back in 2014, head up display, surround and bird view parking, I could go on an on. Rant over, informative video Chris and awesome rare car.

[@WparuSlowach]

Amazing review! Very nice car, unfortunately not my price range. Why Polestar or Volvo do not make new C30. It would be brilliant to have. The same principles: 4 seats, beautiful and unique design, only rear window to get access to boot, premium compact price to be more affordable. I am really bored with modern automotive market - only SUV or Crossovers, big, fat and ugly. :/ I still keep mine R-Design, T5 is a iconic engine, such a C30 design, it gets old very well. I am pretty sure the right example with low milage (facelift T5 R-Design or model with Heico exhaust) is future classic.

[@harryspeakup8452]

Manufacturers seem to work on the basis that small cars = small profits unfortunately. I would be very interested in a properly updated and genuinely pretty car built on that sort of concept, especially if they paid attention to refinement, interior quality and ride.

[@slimigan]

Volvo is making a new C30, coming late 2023 or 2024 (full electric). It'll be the C30 Recharge.

[@WparuSlowach]

@@slimigan We had electric C30. Let’s see how it will looks new C30. Hopefully they won’t play safe. C40 in my opinion is the ugliest Volvo to date.

[@slimigan]

@@WparuSlowach I think it'll look great. I do, however, quite like the C40 as well - so our tastes clearly differ!

[@everpuremusic]

@@WparuSlowach Maybe not the ugliest Volvo, but definitely an opportunity that they let pass by. If they had made the C40 a regular coupé and not that horrible SUV-bastard, it could have been quite nice.

[@beans953]

Nice little 1M at 2:02 - 1 of 450 ;). Always loved the look of the Polestar 1! Great vid Chris.

[@R-Tap]

Oddly, I saw a UK one in Dublin today. Couldn't believe I'd seen a super rare car, looked great.

[@pato10111]

Polestar Dublin have one or two of them there. Might have been a P2 also.

[@R-Tap]

​@@pato10111 it had the One rear light setup, which is slightly different.

[@pato10111]

@@R-Tap It was probably a Polestar 2.

[@pato10111]

@TwinTurbo Ray yes, what's your point? If someone saw a Polestar in Dublin it's likely it was a Polestar 2 as they are more common.

[@pato10111]

@@twinturboray if you read back he says the car had one continuous rear light which makes me think it was a P2.

[@Q22ube]

PHEV have been getting such a bashing for car reviewers, glad Chris can see the sense in the flexibility and the awesome tech that’s in them

[@reitsmaassociates]

Very sweet car! we use it in our 3D CAD renders to make luxury homes look the part. Don’t believe any have been imported here in Australia. Exclusivity can’t have a price. One of our work cars is an Alpine A110, 1 of only 6 in Queensland , needless to say I never see another on the road. Keep enjoying your fabulous car Chris - Cheers from Brisbane

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Sadly, Polestar 1 only made in LHD. Not offered for sale in Australia. Polestar should have brought a couple of Polestar 1 to Australia, and used them as promotional vehicles, to help launch / promote the brand and Polestar 2 in Australia. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@duster8100]

That glass roof with no blind would never work in Oz, been there and done that.

[@rjnation5042]

As the owner of a Volvo P1800 ES & a 242 standard roof coupe, mind you with a Lexus LS 400 engine and transmission with a supercharger, I would own one of these in a heartbeat if I could get one over here, absolutely beautiful colour too, it's not a silly purchase, it's already becoming a modern classic, Rj in Oz

[@sleepysamk1400]

Chris is the real car Guru Ommm ommm 😂👌☝️☝️

[@neilmcmahon]

Chris's description of that crease running along the rear haunch is something that resonates with me. There is a similar crease on my c7.5 RS7 that I can't explain why it appeals to me so much.

[@BarryMakariou]

Get it over to Harry’s garage would be a great collab

[@Lexcifer]

Excellent as usual thank you, Mr Harris i look forward to the next video, Long-term viewer from the CH on cars days

[@BiglumpADV]

I think if you had to describe the Polestar in one word, it would be; elegant.

[@SB-vb8ch]

The Bentley comparison is an interesting one as I'd never even considered it... comes down to what you buy a car for, to impress yourself or to impress others? I love the understated nature.

[@jaakkosavilammi3972]

True. But I worry is this on the other hand portraying too much love for China policy and their alliance with the biggest country in in the world.

[@deldridg]

@@jaakkosavilammi3972 ???

[@danmayberry1185]

Swedish design is right. Lines like classic teak furniture, and loaded with Scandinavian logic. Too good to be a boutique brand.

[@Revheadrev]

My wife drives an XC40, terrific small SUV. I’m not surprised that this is an excellent smallish hybrid. However, it’s not a driver’s car, at all. My F10 M5 is so far above it in terms of interest and drivability it’s not a contest. All that said, love your work, Chris, always challenging and a makes me revisit my presuppositions.

[@VS666]

If these banks would stop loaning people 2 to 5x their yearly salary maybe car prices would come down 😅

[@W92Baj]

Echoes of the P1800. Fabulous looking thing

[@brianrainey2739]

Stunningly beautiful design. I will never be able to afford one but I can dream about a V60 Polestar…

[@pranavyalamanchili125]

I got one of the only ones in the states and is possibly the best overall package you can get

[@V8bgt]

No one can describe the users experience like Chris can, but it is exactly how I feel about and use my X5 45e. Too bad for the PHEV haters but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages easily as society is still not full EV ready.

[@joshuad1716]

Now that the horrible top gear is over, I truly hope that Chris Harris on Cars is coming back, one of the best KZbin series of all time

[@Jason-cl8hk]

Totally agree. Whilst I’m glad Chris made out like a bandit on Top Gear, it was a waste of his prodigious talent, so I’m glad to see he has a platform to enable him to edge back to that KZbin series. ‘Holy Trinity’, anyone? Almost as good as his Autocar stuff…

[@Mark_Williams.]

As a hybrid user driving a RAV4, having the ability to tell the car to charge, hold current charge or use full power would be great. Currently I have no control over it apart from how I use the throttle to try to get it to do what I want battery charge or deployment wise. Nothing more annoying than getting near home and the battery is depleted and the ICE comes on in charge mode while sat there idling. Good thinking Polestar!

[@thehumanoid6543]

this seems like just the kind of car that would take very well to a 7 litre C6 corvette z06 engine and a 8 speed torque convertor.

[@paulwade5853]

uuuurrrggghhh the 1 braincell club has joined the chat

[@kentfrederick4596]

Because of your review, I just got mine and I have to say that I love it!!!!

[@7ampint]

What an incredibly handsome thing. The car looks good too 😄

[@mrbig1022]

Gayyyyy

[@bernardausterberry6174]

Thanks Chris. I've been hearing the name Pole Star for a while now, but no one was talking about it. Thank You, I now have a credible review without a sales bias. After so many performance reviews it's funny to hear you mention children in the back seats. Tks again.

[@samthoma2719]

Ah, my drug dealer is here with my fix. Excellent.

[@glyph241]

😆… 😳: Those must be nice drugs… 🤑

[@SteadVex]

As someone with I guess the prototype of this car, a V60 D6 From way back (2014). I feel quite happy knowing mr Harris approves of this hybrid setup! It's a car I thought was stupid until I test drove it, much like this day to day waft about in electric then a 5 clyinder diesel with more power than a safety wagon needs. Surprised to find myself agreeing with everything said about the driving with my old Bangor version... I use the drive modes the same way. Tend to keep electric for town and do find myself gulping down fuel to charge it up at times, one thing that seems odd though, here you've mentioned when the battery runs out its just fwd, assuming it's like the older setup the isg should keep enough power to the electric motor so in awd/power you'll always have that extra kick at the expensive of fuel guzzling! 10 years ago volvo was ahead of its time. OK 31 miles range isn't much, but at the time most phevs had 8 to 20 miles at best. If I had 150k spare I'd of ordered one of these!

[@lbnewell23]

Love these things. They definitely don’t get enough love and I think it’s maybe the most beautiful modern car on sale, I want one desperately and I’m very jealous of your collection congrats

[@K1lostream]

I just don't get hybrid- when you in electric mode you're lugging around engine, fuel etc, and when you in engine mode you're lugging around electric motors, batteries. Just too much dead weight all the time. I'm sticking with petrol unless electric cars become affordable and second hand battery life question is answered, hybrid just makes no sense (well maybe unless you're in 'everything' mode, but that implies you're booting it and I bet the electric bit doesn't last long when you do that.

[@lbnewell23]

@@K1lostream Chris explains it perfectly in the video you can have an electric city car so you’re not spewing out co2 in everyone’s faces in town and you can also have a conventional ICE car when you want to go a longer distance. I have been in many hybrids and everything mode doesn’t imply you’re booting it, you just drive it like a normal car and it chooses between petrol electric or both. A proper hybrid like this is a power plant that you have to say, don’t bash it until you try it. And by try it - like Chris says - it’s not just a test drive you have to live with it for a bit before you understand (this isn’t meant to be patronising) this hybrid is one of the best because it can go 80+ miles in EV mode which is more than enough for most people and then when you’re getting into rural areas you can boot up the petrol engine without feeling guilty about pollution so you now have a car that has none of the disadvantages of an EV and doesn’t pollute cities. I understand the disdain towards hybrids because most of them can only go 15 or so miles on a charge which makes them a bit redundant but one like this is the perfect all round car for a lot of people because its 2 cars in 1.

[@RiperSnifle]

probably because they're 150k? Absolutely mental money

[@lbnewell23]

@@RiperSnifle any car that is sold in limited numbers always commands a higher price but I mean they just didn’t get much press or recognition on release

[@K1lostream]

@@lbnewell23 Well put, and I do understand what you're saying but for the reasons I mentioned, hybrid still seems like a fudge to me. Weight is EVERYTHING in terms of pollution and for my two cents I'm gonna go with one or the other while they are most affordable and practical- having both on board seems like the worst of both worlds rather than the best. The biggest pollution problem modern cars pose is they're too damn heavy and they require recently extracted resources- my bet for the least polluting cars overall would be the Cuban jalopies that have been kept running since the 1950's.

[@clydeg4274]

Volvo is so smart and classy. I dig the understatedness.

[@hyperbandit]

I'd be curious on his take for the S60 Recharge. It's got the same kind of setup, but is a sedan with more space, just at about 200hp less, half the electric range, but all at a third of the cost.

[@L1ven]

Just got 2020 S60 T8 Polestar and it is a nice car. Same interior as in PS1 as well as brakes and Öhlins. It is a bit sleeper tho 😅 It takes forever to warm up and you cant see the engine temperature for some reason. But once the engine is warm it really pushes the 2 ton weight like a madman. Uphill pedal to the metal feels really nice. Also it got B&W and comfy ride in general. Interior quality is a lot better even compared to the G30 BMW 530 we got. Here it cost 58 000€ tho. But considering it only have 12 000km driven it felt a lot better option than M340i 2019 which cost 80 000€ here... And that would be 70 000km driven. Here the T8 PS cost less than 330e 😂 In many countries it cost 340/M3 level.

[@IOWPCV]

Well done Chris ahead of the curve as always !

[@tonymarcella13]

Lexus LC500 blows this out the water imo. Far better looking inside and out. Sounds better even if you choose the hybrid. Also super rare on the road and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[@hanse81]

I think both the Polestar 1 and 2 looks boring inside,

[@shingoose6197]

This is the exact sort of new engineering solution that works perfectly in today's driving environment. I don't think the average car buyer necessarily wants a 2.0l four cylinder + hybrid combo like this, but it offers that peace of mind that you do not get from the current charging network. A car with a pure electric range of 80 miles/130 kilometers? It can charge itself? It can make over 600hp in the right setting? This is exactly what automakers should be priortizing. It's not like the small four cylinder engine is a big polluter...although it still does pollute somewhat. But new ICE engines are so damn efficient that it makes perfect sense to do this kind of combination. I scoffed when Mercedes had the gall to do a four cylinder E63, but it will be a brilliant car. They simply need to let the name die off, that's all. But this wave hybrid cars with proper full electric range will be a comfortable solution that can easily take us well into the future.

[@Hostilenemy]

Before Volvo bought Polestar in 2015, they themselves were acquired by a Chinese conglomerate called Geely in 2010. And this car is built in China. Take that for what you will. Another point. The engine does not make 400 HP. Volvo has not released the power figures for the ICE, but they have stated that the electric motors provide a total of 300 HP with overall power figure at 600 HP.

[@adhsmith1601]

Polestar has released the power for the ICE, same as the Volvos, 309bhp, not unsurprising, but Polestar add the CISG to it I guess perhaps not quite accurate, but still quick. I included the specs link but it was deleted, easily found with a search of 'polestar 1 erad'

[@Hostilenemy]

​@@adhsmith1601 310 HP seems anemic given that Merc's M139L with the same displacement and a single turbo charger can deliver over 450 HP.

[@adhsmith1601]

@@Hostilenemy Perhaps but it has all these other motors to assist, that 450 is not going through one axle, 310 is only for the front, with 68bhp cisg assist up front and additional 232bhp push from rear The later versions of the engine drop the supercharger, still the same power, well I think it is 312bhp in my t8 455, the emotors in that xc60 are not so hot, only 43bhp and 145bhp, can still shift my 2.2 tonne tank to the quarter mile in 12.6s, it'd probably be faster but it is speed limited at 112mph, a turn of pace it really doesn't need on the school run. :D

[@sm70911]

Chris has always had good taste - this stunning coupe is no exception. It's a curious mix of classic style cues, it immediately made me think of the Fiat 130 two door that had been force fed steroids.

[@stephencollins7714]

The most surprising thing about the car is that they managed to sell one! The sceptic in me sees an 8 year old Volvo interior and the weight of an XC90 being pulled along by a 4 pot driving the front wheels at times but … the exterior is truly stunning, the proportions are perfect. If they had knocked that out for £75k, the order books would have been full and you would probably not feel quite so special. Great review of a very rare and interesting car.

[@jclouw321]

I agree with you somewhat, but you REALLY need to see one in person to appreciate the craftsmanship on display. It’s not simply an “XC90” interior. Yes there’s design elements that are similar, it is a Volvo of course, but the Polestar takes it up 2 notches in terms of fit/finish and style. Plus there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a classic Volvo interior in a coupe. Nobody complains when BMW Makes an M6 coupe that uses the same interior as a base 5 series for the most part but costs 3-4x as much. That on top of the sheer engineering that’s gone into the Polestar, it’s easy to see where the money went. You simply could not recreate it at $75k; the Carbon Fiber monocoque chassis puts it beyond that price point.

[@stephencollins7714]

@@jclouw321 I was being a little unkind about the interior and only going by appearance, I am sure that polestar have enhanced it but even so, it looks like a bit of a lazy effort on a "bespoke" £150k car. I hear what you are saying about BMW et al but they are high volume car manufacturers enjoying economies of scale so they have a better justification. The carbon tub is a nonsense on a 2.5 ton car, what they have done here is is to produce an amazing engineering prototype and then have the balls to sell it and I wholeheartedly approve. I agree that they could not sell them for £75k but that does not justify £150k, clearly the vast majority agree as nobody is buying them but I would not bet against it being a sound investment. I seem to recall that BMW were struggling to sell the Z8 when new and look at that now ....

[@josephfranzen9196]

I’ve been fortunate enough at this point in my life to be able to buy a Polestar and with it being my first brand new car (I usually always buy the previous years model) I’ve absolutely loved it. My neighbor has a Tesla Model S as well as a built twin turbo C7 and I’m clearly biased but I think the Polestar is exponentially better. The twin charged engine is outstanding and for its weight, it corners substantially better and flatter than you would expect. I’ve taken it to Palmer Motorsports track (it’s about an hour from me) and had a blast in it.

[@hondansx1000]

if they made these in RHD, i'd get one

[@davidhendry130]

I'd have one whether left or right hand drive. Left hookers dont worry me

[@donjuan150]

I knew you owned one and have been waiting for this review. Thank you!!

[@baronvonhoughton]

So good. It's an absolute travesty its LHD.

[@davidsosnak2968]

I have seen one in Czech republic. Car turns heads for sure. Very elegant

[@ELXABER]

As an older petrolhead, I actually like the Polestar. Pure EV is garbage, and if you pull a Richard Hammond in a Volvo, you'll be safe. I like the simplicity,, of RWD as EV, a small engine with loads of power for a 4cyl, and couldn't think of much beyond the interior trim to critique. If you take it to a track, let us know how the chassis handles it.

[@pato10111]

The P2 is a great car mate.

[@-DC-]

Absolutely love Polestar design Beautiful Elegant Vehicles.

[@hideoutproductions909]

Love this car. It´s a future classic!!

[@martinmcdonald4207]

The fact they are only producing 1,500 of them will secure their classic car place into the future. Bullet proof build will add to the attraction of ownership.

[@sandywinton2723]

According to 'How Many Left' there are four registered in the UK .

[@jayb2617]

150k !!! way more choice available for that money

[@ItsXpensive]

Like you get a brand new M5 and an M2 with that money or an 911 Turbo S. I'll gladly take those over Polestar, no brainer. Looks cool but not for 150k. Also this car has manually adjusted dampers, like c mon. No one would do that.

[@ciaranburke3243]

It's fantastic chris so glad it ended up in your hands 👍

[@Fluterra]

Better than any new current BMW. I know that’s not saying much 😂

[@ItsXpensive]

I'll gladly buy a brand new M5 and an M2 with that money instead of this.

[@adammcelhatton6427]

​@@ItsXpensive exactly ill stick to my m5 comp

[@DanneZzZ]

Nice review! Some info that that I picked up was wrong. *it has double wishbone front suspension. *only a leafspring in rear. *also a electric motor on crank. * not mentioned it has 1000nm of torque. *it has a carbon fiber body.

[@VirtousStoic]

1st whwt about lucid air maxed out trim. Review that next

[@raymondberg7385]

Lucid is just making a push for Europe, but they are insanely expensive. Even in Norway, where there is only 25% VAT over $50k, you are talking about a $200k-220k EV, and ive heard less than stellar things about its software at this point.. Beautiful cars by all means, and insane range but like.. Yeah

[@lukemallory7832]

Back in '98, we owned one of the first delivered Volvo C70 T5s. It was amazingly quick, looked fantastic and had an eye-watering price tag. I feel like I can relate to some degree. We still own it.

[@lukemallory7832]

@TwinTurbo Ray What are you on about?

[@FOXHOUND4143]

£150,000! Thanks, I needed a good laugh! What rubbish.

[@docmccoy9813]

That's what we need to save the planet

[@mantvydasbarvydassurvila7561]

Some fact checking. They sold out all Polestar1 cars before they were unveiled. There are more than 14 on the road pre COVID just in UK. They made 1200 only so far. There is one in Manchester for £130k in the Polestar dealership. Or was two months ago

[@ruffneck_asian3688]

I think this car will be worth more than what you paid for in the next few years. If I had the money, I would get one as well. Elegant, rare, and subtle. Nice purchase

[@alanv3185]

Doubt it, the supply far outweighs the demand. This car is mostly electronics and computers, unlike other sports cars, which are mostly coveted for their engines, and electronics and technology are one of the fastest depreciating things out there so I highly doubt that it will be worth more in the future.

[@Hermantrueman]

Left hand drive 😮

[@pato10111]

@@alanv3185 Polestar are selling a lot of P2's at the moment and they have 3 new cars coming. Polestar are an excellent brand with brilliant cars. I think this car will find it's way with petrol heads in the future.

[@moontang8966]

Spotted a Valencia Orange 1M in the background ❤🍊 The Polestar is lovely, too.

[@FrilansPhille]

That a glorified Volvo C70 with a bigger batterie 🤣🤣🤣 that car needed the Volvo V60 Polestar T6 with almost 400hp from the beginning.

[@samkaraca1337]

Atta boy Sweden for fearlessly, trying new things. I think the age of automotive excess in regards to wood trim chrome massive engines is aging. Complicated simplicity. Chris you’re the man… 🤘

[@barrywhite5899]

Chris, I’ve seen you drive this and your m5 down the m32 out of Bristol. You’re always in a rush

[@simianmoonstudios]

One of the most beautiful cars on the road.

[@Random415510]

Did he just say hybrids makes sense as a performance car WOW Chris you know better. Who paid you to say that?

[@BennettIsAmazing]

While totally different vehicles - Chris touches on quite a few points that make me so happy with my G21 330e. I really like driving hybrid at the moment. Even more so when you get the engine mapped and the sport button becomes way more fun. Jack of all trades, master of none - for sure. But as a daily it's brilliant.

[@Kolja1987]

Pretty much all the things he was mentioning about electric mode and cleverness, I was thinking about 330e and how all of this is becoming a standard on the roads nowadays. All props to Volvo for all the innovations. Polestar 1 is a stunning piece of engineering.

[@Truthgoesonliving]

Shame that these electric cars are worse for environment than what they would have us believe about combustion cars 😂

[@pato10111]

That's not true though. You need to look at both sides of the argument. They aren't perfect by any means but they are going in a much better direction than ICE cars. It's up to people to choose what works best for them at the moment. Some people like ICE, others like EVS. Chris likes a bit of both.

[@Truthgoesonliving]

@@pato10111 people believe electric cars are zero emission but the reality is you export the emissions to the place where the minerals were mined. For one 1000 lb battery you need to dig up 500,000 lb of material. You need to use 100-300 barrels of oil to create one car battery with the equivalent energy of 1 barrel of oil. Just manufacturing one battery creates a carbon debt rate of 10-40 tonnes of CO2. There isn’t even enough minerals in the world to be carbon neutral by the supposed goal of 2035. The ultimate light bulb is that the people running the show don’t care about “climate change” it isn’t about that at all, the reason is a lot more sinister

[@pato10111]

@@Truthgoesonliving none of those facts are correct and nobody believes that electric cars are zero emission. The simple fact is that car batteries can and will be recycled and the technology as it stands a better chance of preserving our planet in the long run. We will never live in a carbon neutral world.

[@uo9045]

So I'm a real Volvo fan and have had a total of 5 Volvos so far. My 2 favorites were my first Volvo, a V70 2.4 Diesel and my Volvo S90 T5. However, I have to say about the Polstar 1, although it is really nice, there are definitely better alternatives for the price, which not everyone drives either. Here my absolute favorite would be the Lexus LC 500. And you can choose between a V8 or a V6 hybrid. The only thing that's really bad is the infotainment system.