2021 Polestar 1

Pros: Striking styling; limited production numbers ensure exclusivity; high-tech body construction and features; invigorating performance

Cons: Steep pricing; small trunk; very cramped rear seats

CG Says: The Polestar 1 is the inaugural offering from Polestar, the luxury electrified-vehicle division of Volvo Cars. The Polestar name originated as Volvo’s in-house tuning division (similar to Mercedes-Benz’s AMG or BMW’s M), and has now become a stand-alone brand as well. The “1” is a high-performance plug-in-hybrid 2-door coupe that can run on electric power, a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, or both. Total system output is an impressive 619 horsepower, and the estimated pure-electric driving range is 60 miles. The Polestar 1 is a very limited-production vehicle (Polestar says it will make only 1500 units globally over 3 years), and it comes as a fully-equipped luxury vehicle; the only option (at $5000) is matte-finish paint.