The 2021 Polestar 1 is not only one of the prettiest plug-in hybrids to ever recharge a battery, the elegant 2+2 coupe is also both expensive and exclusive. As the halo car for Volvo's performance-EV subsidiary, Polestar, it costs more than $150,000, and only 150 copies are available for purchase each year. While the sleek PHEV has an impressive all-electric driving range of 52 miles and a combined system output of 619 horsepower, its synthetic steering feel and firm ride diminish the driving experience. The packaging required for its electrified powertrain and large battery pack also compromise the coupe's passenger-and-trunk space. Although its interior design and materials match Volvo's signature style and richness, a car this expensive should have power adjusters for both the steering column position and seat-cushion thigh extensions. And its lack of a sun shade for the huge glass roof is especially irksome. Still, the 2021 Polestar 1 is a special plug-in hybrid.

As the Polestar 1 reaches the end of its production run after the 2021 model year, there will be a Special Edition sold in limited numbers (25 worldwide) and painted in matte gold. The gold theme also extends to the coupe's brake calipers and interior stitching.

Unlike the Porsche 911, the Polestar 1 offers few options. This isn't all that surprising, given that the brand intends to produce only 1500 examples for the world. Buyers can have their choice of wheels and exterior and interior colors. That's it.

Up front, the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid has a turbo- and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make a combined 375 horsepower and drive the front wheels. Out back, a pair of electric motors, each producing 114 horsepower, drives the rear wheels. This combination provides all-wheel drive and develops a total system output of 619 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. That said, in EV mode, the 1 relies solely on the rear wheels, and in gas-only mode, the fronts take control. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. What's more, this Polestar comes with ultra-sticky 21-inch Pirelli P Zero tires, an electronically controlled suspension, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and big Akebono-sourced brakes. When we drove the 1, its performance attributes were on full display, the car espousing agility without a hint of understeer. Owners can adjust the damper settings, but they'll need to pop the hood and jack up the rear end to do so. And even then, the dampers struggle to soften the 1's firm ride.

The EPA has given the Polestar 1 a fuel efficiency city/highway combined rating of 58 MPGe and an estimated electric-only range of 52 miles. That range figure is fairly high for the plug-in-hybrid class. When we have a chance to run the Polestar 1 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg.

The interior of the Polestar 1 is clean and sophisticated and shares many components with its Volvo counterparts, the Volvo S90 sedan and V90 station wagon. The sleek dashboard screams luxury with its mix of carbon fiber and chrome trim. Leather is, of course, standard. The front seats—available in black or light gray—are comfortable but firm. There's room enough for two passengers, but beyond that, you're pushing it. The back seat reminds us of the 911's tiny rear compartment; its lack of legroom and the sloping roofline overhead make the space feel confined. And the trunk, which can hold a mere four cubic feet of stuff, is smaller than the luggage compartment in the little Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car.

The Polestar 1 comes with virtually every piece of technology that a modern car could have, including the ubiquitous touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The vertically oriented screen is angled toward the driver for ease of use. Physical switches and buttons are scarce. In front of the driver sits a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a head-up display. There are two USB ports in the front row, and Bowers & Wilkins provides the audio system. The brand's app, called Polestar Connect, allows you to use your phone as a key. You can also adjust the cabin climate and lock and unlock the car from anywhere using the app.

The 2021 Polestar 1 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Still, it comes equipped with various driver-assistance technology, including an advanced system called Pilot Assist. Borrowed from Volvo, this system engages adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology to make highway driving easier. The Polestar 1 also has blind-spot detection, a 360-degree camera to help you navigate tight parking spaces, and rear- and front-park assist. Key safety features include:

Polestar offers industry-standard warranty coverage. Unlike the Volvos on which it's based and rivals from BMW, the 1 does not come with any complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Specifications

2020 Polestar 1 Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE Base/As Tested: $156,500/$156,500Options: none

POWERTRAINsupercharged, turbocharged, and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 326 hp, 384 lb-ft + 1 front and 2 mid AC motors, 71 hp and 119 lb-ft (front), 114 hp and 177 lb-ft (mid, each), (combined output: 619 hp, 738 lb-ft; 29.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 6.6-kW onboard charger) Transmissions, F/R: 8-speed automatic/2 single-speed direct-drives

CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.7-in vented, cross-drilled disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 F: 275/30R-21 98W VOL R: 295/30R-21 102W VOL

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.9 in Length: 180.5 in Width: 77.1 in Height: 53.2 in Passenger Volume: 72 ft3 Cargo Volume: 4 ft3 Curb Weight: 5184 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 3.7 sec 100 mph: 8.2 sec 1/4-Mile: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph 130 mph: 14.4 sec 150 mph: 21.7 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.1 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.9 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.3 sec Top Speed (mfr's claim): 155 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.95 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 21 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/City/Highway: 26/22/31 mpgCombined Gasoline + Electricity: 58 MPGeEV Range: 52 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED