When you think of electric vehicle (EV) brands, names like Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and Lucid likely come to mind. However, there’s another contender on the horizon—Polestar. This Swedish electric performance brand is gearing up to compete with the Porsche Taycan with its upcoming Polestar 5. While the prototype has already been revealed, showing a glimpse of the design, what really stands out about this vehicle is more than just its looks.
Polestar originated in Volvo’s high-performance division. Though it’s now an independent brand, it still shares some roots. For instance, the Polestar 2 uses Volvo’s infotainment system and steering wheel. While Polestar struggled to gain traction in the era of internal combustion engines, the shift to electrification seems to have given it new life. As a brand focused on high-performance vehicles, it’s finally carved out a niche in the growing EV market.
Aerodynamic lines define
Polestar’s new family look
The Polestar 5 prototype’s design is bold and aerodynamic. The new family design starts with a striking headlight layout, a signature feature for Polestar. Despite having four doors, the sharply raised beltline gives the vehicle a coupe-like feel. The large wheels emphasize the car’s high-performance intent, and the overall stance screams luxury.
One element that caught my attention was the absence of a rear window, which was also seen in Huawei’s EV launch in China. This design could lower the rear height, reducing air resistance and enhancing aerodynamics. A digital rearview mirror will likely be included, and overall, the proportions of the body feel fresh, evoking a sense of innovation similar to the first look at the Tesla Model S.
Taycan’s new rival: A balanced approach?
When competing with Porsche’s Taycan, the Polestar 5 holds its own with expected specifications boasting nearly 900 horsepower and torque exceeding 90 kgf·m—figures that rival the Taycan Turbo. While the standard Polestar 5 is expected to compete directly with the Taycan Turbo, there’s speculation about a higher-performance model that could take on the Taycan Turbo S.
While the Taycan is renowned for its sporty driving dynamics, it also offers a surprisingly comfortable ride. It proves that sportiness doesn’t necessarily sacrifice comfort. Polestar must strike a similar balance, focusing on luxury and performance to attract the right buyers.
Infotainment system: Details still under wraps
As for the interior, while the prototype reveals a steering wheel ready for the road, the rest of the cabin gives off a race car vibe. Polestar has kept many details under wraps and will likely refine the design before its official release. With Polestar and Volvo’s infotainment systems receiving generally positive feedback, seeing how the final product stacks up will be interesting.
Attention to detail will be critical. Polestar must ensure top-notch finishing quality if it wants to compete with high-end brands like Porsche. Recent criticism of brands like Mercedes-Benz highlights the importance of meticulous craftsmanship, especially regarding button textures and materials. If Polestar can nail the finer details, the Polestar 5 could elevate the brand’s image and significantly boost its market presence. How much can the Polestar 5 enhance the brand’s value? Only time will tell.
