Unveiling the Polestar 5: Five Scandinavian Innovations
At the bustling rooftop launch event of IAA Munich, Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar revealed its top-tier Polestar 5 grand tourer amidst bright lights and enthusiastic attendees. Once the festivities settled, we took a closer look at this sleek vehicle to highlight five standout features:
1. Dual Blade Lighting Design
Originating as a racing team for Volvos in the Scandinavian Touring Car Series, Polestar evolved into a high-performance Volvo specialist before becoming Volvo’s in-house performance brand in 2015. Reborn in 2017 as a premium all-electric marque, Polestar emphasizes performance, sustainability, and unique Scandinavian aesthetics.
This heritage is evident in the Polestar 5’s “dual-blade” daytime running lights (DRLs), inspired by Volvo’s iconic “Thor’s hammer” DRLs but split into two distinct elements.
2. Elegant Charge Indicator
While many electric vehicles use bright or flashy lights to display battery levels, the Polestar 5 opts for subtlety. The charge status indicator is discreetly integrated into the rear black trim beneath the roofline, just behind the quarter windows. During charging, a slender white LED line pulses increasingly faster until the battery reaches full charge, at which point it emits a steady glow.
3. Innovative Rear Visibility
Similar to the Polestar 4, the Polestar 5 forgoes a traditional rear window. Instead, a strategically placed camera offers a virtual rear view within the cabin. Contrary to expectations, the absence of a rear glass window enhances spaciousness thanks to the Polestar 5’s expansive panoramic roof, measuring 78 inches in length and 49 inches in width.
This roof grants rear passengers expansive forward vistas while seated comfortably in spacious, supportive seats with ample legroom. The seating configuration accommodates five through a 4+1 arrangement, with the center rear seat designed to accommodate an additional passenger by folding up the armrest.
4. Eco-Friendly and Stylish Interior
The interior of the Polestar 5 features a unique woven pattern on the back of the front seats, derived from the Polestar Precept concept. This material, known as ampliTex, is made from flax fibers provided by Swiss company Bcomp, aligning with Polestar’s commitment to premium, sustainable, and distinctly Scandinavian design.
Sustainable materials extend throughout the cabin, including Bridge of Weir leather options sourced from the UK and Ireland’s cattle industry. The door panels utilize a high-quality faux leather that mimics real leather in both appearance and texture. Additionally, the carpeting and floor mats are crafted from Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from recycled fishing nets, similarly used by luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry.
5. Spacious Yet Compact Design
Polestar’s design team has successfully created a sporty five-seater with a lower roofline, thanks to the 112 kWh lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the floor of the Polestar 5. Polestar CEO Michael Lohcheller, who is notably tall at over 6’5”, assures that the seats provide ample space for long drives without sacrificing comfort. This interior design maintains generous cargo space, featuring a 2.3 cubic foot front trunk capable of holding a soft carry-on and an additional 13 cubic feet in the rear trunk.
The showcased Polestar 5 model is the top-of-the-line Performance (Launch Edition) variant, boasting 884 horsepower, matte grey paint, optional 22-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Currently available in Europe with a starting price of 141,600 Euros (approximately $165,600 USD), the Polestar 5 is not yet available in the U.S. market.
