What makes a classic vehicle? Most people look at aesthetics, handling, comfort, usability, features, and rarity. And if you consider the latest cars that excel according to those criteria, you might think of the Maserati GranTurismo, Honda Civic Type R, or Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition.

MotorTrend agrees. A recent piece lists the above three among 16 first-rate vehicles. We might argue the inclusion of the Cadillac CT6 and Porsche Cayman GT4 are questionable. But while only time will tell which models will endure in car enthusiasts’ hearts and minds, the Polestar 1 is almost certain to become a classic. 

Why the Polestar 1 will be a future classic

Manufactured by Volvo, the 600-hp Polestar 1 is a high-performance hybrid coupe. The automaker claims can travel up to 93 miles when fully charged. Though costing over $150,000, a perfectly maintained one is sure to appreciate thanks to its rarity. According to MotorTrend, Volvo produced only 1,500 of these, with only 130 sent to the United States.

The Polestar 1 is a sleek, beautifully designed car that handles incredibly well. And it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, the manufacturer claims. Even more impressive, a MotorTrend road test recorded an even quicker time of 3.8 seconds. It runs on a gas-powered engine and three electric motors that propel it up the ranks of the fastest luxury coupes on the market.

Perfect for an everyday luxury driving experience

And despite its power, the Polestar 1 is excellent for daily driving, with excellent built-in safety features and mileage per charge. In fact, drivers commuting and running errands in regions with charging stations might never need to gas up their car. 

With light-gold accents throughout the interior and an impressive Bowers & Wilkins audio system, the Polestar 1 provides drivers with an upscale experience. And with a design that recalls the Aston Martin, the Polestar is truly a beautiful car. While its limited run and price put it out of reach for all but a handful of buyers, it’s firmly in the running for the “classic” tag.

But its rarity now means most of us will see the Polestar 1 only online or perhaps at car shows. However, if you’re looking to buy one of the brand’s models, you’re more likely to be able to find and purchase the latest: the Polestar 2.

The Polestar 2: Another future classic?

Priced around $60,000, the base-model Polestar 2 is much more affordable than its predecessor. It retains the quick acceleration speed and sleek design of the Polestar 1. However, unlike the Polestar 1, which resembles an Aston Martin, the Polestar 2 is a hatchback that looks like an earlier Volvo SUV, the XC40. It’s also an all-electric vehicle rather than a hybrid and boasts a 233 mpg-e, far surpassing the Tesla 3’s 141 mpg-e.

Equipped with an 11-inch touchscreen built into the dashboard and all-wheel-drive capability, the Polestar 2 also has an interior designed with all-vegan materials — a further enticement for those environmentally conscious shoppers likely to purchase. Consumers interested in luxury features might enjoy using their smartphone as their car key or knowing the climate controls automatically turn on as they approach.

The Polestar 2 is not nearly as elegant or rare as the 2020 model. And though it’s formidable in its own right, it’s likely out of the running for the coveted “classic” tag. But the Polestar 1 — rare, beautiful, and comfortable — is highly likely to receive that honor in the years to come.