Polestones Automobiles, a Chinese car manufacturer you’ve likely never heard of, has just unveiled its first model in the form of the 01. It is an intriguing off-road-focused SUV designed by Pininfarina and driven by a range-extender engine. As a first attempt at a production model, it looks pretty good.
The Polestones 01 measures 5,050 mm (198.8 inches) in six-seat guise or 5,295 mm (208.4 inches) as a 7-seater, 1,980 mm (77.9 inches) wide, and 1,869 mm (73.5 inches) tall with a large 3,010 mm (118.5-inch) wheelbase. As such, the length and wheelbase of the Polestones 01 are almost identical to the Land Rover Defender 130, a car from which it appears to have taken some visual inspiration. The 01 was first previewed earlier this month as the Jishi 01 but it is now expected to be sold as a Polestones model, a new brand from BAIC.
Viewed from the side, the 01 immediately reminds us of the Defender 130, although it doesn’t have a rear overhang quite as long (thankfully). Meanwhile, the front end of the 01 looks suspiciously like the recently unveiled 2024 Lexus GX with similarly shaped headlights and a large blacked-out grille. The rear of Polestones’s creation is characterized by trick LED taillights and a spare tire carrier.
A number of striking features are found in the cabin. For example, a small kitchen area has been incorporated into the tailgate and includes a water dispenser, an induction cooker, and plenty of space to store plates, bowls, and utensils. Found up front is a large digital instrument cluster, a Tesla-inspired landscape infotainment display, and two wireless charging pads, also configured in a very similar way to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. We can also see a two-spoke steering wheel and luscious leather adorning the seats.
It appears as though the second row will be sold exclusively with two captain’s chairs, both of which have individual armrests and reclining functions. A large display also folds down from the roof and second-row occupants can also enjoy a large panoramic glass roof. Both the first and second-row seats also include heating and massage functions.
In terms of safety features, the 01 comes standard with six cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors while shoppers seeking the more advanced autonomous driving system can opt to have three LiDARs, 12 cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Read: Pininfarina’s PURA Vision Concept Is A Stunning Gullwing Coupe-SUV
Powering the Polestones 01 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that acts as a range extender driving a pair of electric motors with 469 hp (350 kW) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm). The SUV can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds and has a 56 kWh battery pack giving it an all-electric range of 146 miles (235 km) on the WLTP test cycle. With the range extender in action, the 01 can travel up to 693 miles (1,115 km) between stops.
Pricing and availability details have not yet been announced.
