The Polestar 5 will probably be automotive like no different from the younger, EV-only model. As we speak’s Polestar 2, in addition to the Polestar 3 and 4 arriving in Australia subsequent 12 months, are all carefully associated to fashions made by Volvo and Geely. Not the Polestar 5…
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-5-Goodwood-1024x683.jpg)
This lengthy, low and enormous four-door coupe, due to enter manufacturing in 2024, is all Polestar’s work. It’s a clean-sheet design that goals to raise Polestar’s picture. The 5 will high the line-up, so it would carry the model’s worth ceiling too.
Earlier than we get into the main points, right here’s a fast recap of the Polestar story…
From racers to EVs
It begins within the Nineteen Nineties, when Polestar was the identify chosen by a Swedish constructor of Volvo-based race automobiles. Volvo purchased Polestar in 2015, and for a time used the identify on high-performance ICE- and hybrid-powered variants.
Volvo had been purchased from Ford by large Chinese language automotive maker Geely in 2010. In 2017 Geely and Volvo introduced Polestar could be spun off as a stand-alone model centered on EVs.
Polestar’s first EV, the Polestar 2 hatchback, was revealed in 2019 and went into manufacturing in 2020. It shares all its core tech with the Volvo XC40 and C40 EVs.
The Polestar 2 arrived in Australia early in 2022, and rapidly turned one of many best-selling EVs within the nation behind the Tesla Mannequin 3 and, later, the Mannequin Y.
Early subsequent 12 months the Polestar 3, a modern, five-seat SUV, will be part of the two. It’s constructed on the identical platform as the brand new Volvo EX90. Inside months it will likely be joined by one other sporty SUV, the smaller Polestar 4. It’s constructed on a Geely-developed platform.
In distinction, the technical basis beneath the aerodynamic pores and skin of the 5 is all Polestar’s work. And it’s slightly spectacular.
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-5-MIRA-workshop-1-1024x683.jpg)
Getting aware of the 5
EV Central spent a day at Polestar’s UK growth facility getting aware of the 5. Based mostly inside the MIRA proving floor within the Midlands, the corporate’s crew there has grown from round 50 in 2018 to greater than 500 as we speak.
They’ve been engaged on the Polestar 5 since 2019. A few of them have been employed from Method 1 groups, others beforehand labored for automotive makers from BMW-owned Mini to VW Group-owned Bentley, or main automotive part suppliers.
The UK crew is chargeable for growth of the automotive’s physique construction and chassis. One other crew, primarily based in Sweden, is engaged on the 5’s electrical drivetrains, user-experience tech and software program growth.
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PolestarMira2023-28-1024x683.jpg)
The physique of the Polestar 5 is made out of bonded aluminium pressings, castings and extrusions. To hurry the setting of the adhesives that actually glue the automotive collectively the assembled our bodies will probably be baked in an oven.
Polestar engineers say the bonded development delivers better stiffness than different strategies, like spot-welding and riveting.
A full-length glass roof will probably be a typical characteristic of the Polestar 5. So robust is the bonded aluminium physique that no crossmember is required to affix the physique’s B pillars. This implies there’s nothing in the best way of the large sheet of curved glass above the seats.
The inside could be very spacious, too. Particularly within the rear seats. This isn’t only a blissful coincidence, it’s good engineering.
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-5-interior-with-idiot-1-1024x683.jpg)
The Polestar 5’s slim 800-volt lithium-ion battery pack has cut-outs to create space for rear passengers’ toes, just like the Porsche Taycan. Count on the pack to have a usable capability of round 100kWh, and a driving vary of greater than 600km.
As a result of the 5 has a boot as an alternative of a hatchback, there’s no want for a crossmember to help hinges proper above the rear seat. This advantages headroom, which is ample.
The Polestar 5’s chassis is a gimmick-free zone, explains head of auto engineering Steve Swift as he walks EVC round prototypes within the firm’s MIRA workshop.
Sound primary design means it doesn’t want expensive extras, like air suspension, fancy adaptive shock absorbers or rear-wheel steering to disguise the implications of compromises.
A journey with dynamics engineer Chris Baguley round one in every of MIRA’s dealing with tracks exhibits Swift and his crew clearly know what they’re doing.
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PolestarMira2023-67-1024x683.jpg)
This specific prototype has a single motor driving its rear wheels. Polestar isn’t prepared to debate its output at current, however when Baguley pins the accelerator pedal it looks like 400kW to 450kW is at work. It’s very fast, however there may even be a dual-motor Polestar 5 that will probably be faster nonetheless.
Polestar goals to make the 5 a efficiency and dealing with rival for Porsche fashions just like the good Taycan EV and the Panamera. However what Baguley does with the Polestar 5 prototype feels extra like one of many nice ICE-powered, rear-drive M automobiles from BMW. Minus the noise, naturally.
There’s nice grip from the entrance finish, and the rear may be made to slip sideways with fluid grace and full management at any time when Baguley desires. From the passenger seat the Polestar 5 actually looks like a automotive that may thrill eager drivers.
Although the MIRA monitor isn’t practically as bumpy as an Australian rural backroad, it’s removed from completely easy. The suspension handles these British bumps with soothing smoothness.
![Polestar 5 prototype on-track at MIRA.](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-5-MIRA-tracking-2-1024x683.jpg)
It’ll be Principle-like, inside and outside
Extra automotive patrons are attracted by pleasant design than delicate suspension or heroic dealing with. Regardless that a lot of the prototypes at MIRA have been camo-clad and had incomplete interiors, it’s apparent that the manufacturing Polestar 5 will probably be similar to the Principle Idea automotive that previewed it again in 2020.
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-Precept-front-34-1024x575.jpg)
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-Precept-IP-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Polestar-Precept-overhead-view-1024x575.jpg)
In different phrases, it’ll be an excellent trying large automotive; curvily muscular, superbly proportioned and deftly detailed.
Worth place at current unknown
The Polestar 5 will probably be positioned above the Polestar 3, which will probably be priced from $133,000 for the Lengthy Vary Twin Motor launch model.How rather more than this Polestar will ask for the 5 is pure guesswork in the intervening time. The $150,000 to $200,000 zone appears cheap when roughly equal fashions within the present Taycan line-up are thought-about. Nonetheless, like different Polestars, the 5 will probably be manufactured in China, the place manufacturing prices are decrease than Germany. Will costs replicate this, or not?
Bottomline? For many who will be capable to afford it, that is an EV value ready for.