Polestar 5 Prototype Review: A Purist’s Electric Saloon

Polestar 5 Prototype Review Polestar 5 Prototype Review

Polestar 5 Prototype Review: The Polestar 5 is shaping up to be a milestone in electric vehicle engineering, blending sports saloon dynamics with cutting-edge EV technology. Unlike previous Polestars, which shared platforms with other Geely Group vehicles, the Polestar 5 is a clean-sheet design, built on the brand’s Polestar Performance Architecture. This allows for a level of chassis purity and handling precision rarely seen in volume electric vehicles.

Polestar has opted for a bonded extruded aluminium chassis, reminiscent of Lotus Elise construction, offering lightweight strength and exceptional rigidity. This method has traditionally been used by low-volume sports car manufacturers, but Polestar is bringing it to a volume model for the first time. While more expensive per unit to produce, the approach allows flexibility in design and tooling costs, and enables engineers to optimize handling without the compromises that usually come with shared EV platforms.

The Polestar 5 isn’t just about engineering ingenuity; it also delivers high performance. With up to 872bhp, it competes directly with high-end electric saloons like the Porsche Taycan, yet it retains the driving purity of a true sports saloon. With double wishbone front suspension, a super-thin battery pack, and low seat rails, the Polestar 5 has been designed to deliver an authentic saloon experience rather than feeling like an SUV in disguise.

Specifications of Polestar 5 Prototype

FeatureDetails
Vehicle TypeElectric sports saloon
ChassisBonded extruded aluminium
PlatformPolestar Performance Architecture
Power OutputUp to 872bhp
BatteryExtra-thin, low-mounted EV battery
SuspensionDouble wishbone front, multi-link rear
SeatsLow Recaro seats, fully adjustable
DimensionsSlightly narrower than Porsche Taycan, visually low and wide
Interior FeaturesPremium materials, fabric dashboard, light wood trim
InfotainmentLarge central touchscreen (production-spec software)
Performance FocusSaloon driving dynamics, low center of gravity
LaunchProduction expected after prototype development

Performance of Polestar 5 Prototype

The Polestar 5 delivers sports saloon performance with up to 872bhp, placing it in the same league as top-tier electric saloons. The low, super-thin battery and lightweight aluminium chassis enable precise handling and responsiveness. The double wishbone front suspension ensures excellent steering feedback, while low seating positions enhance the driver’s connection with the road.

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The Polestar 5’s weight distribution and low center of gravity help it feel balanced and agile, making it a purist-friendly alternative to other electric saloons, such as the BMW i5 or Genesis Electrified G80, which can feel more SUV-like despite their saloon form.

Exterior Design

The Polestar 5 presents a sleek, low-slung silhouette, visually wider than it is due to its low stance. Compared to the Porsche Taycan, it is slightly narrower but maintains a sporty, athletic appearance. Clean lines, low-profile proportions, and a purposeful stance emphasize its performance-oriented design.

Its exterior cues focus on minimalism and functionality, avoiding overly aggressive styling while still appearing futuristic. The emphasis on low height and a broad visual footprint highlights the car’s dynamic character even at a standstill.

Interior Features

The cabin of the Polestar 5 prioritizes driver comfort and luxury:

  • Seating: Low Recaro seats with extensive adjustment options ensure a perfect driving position.
  • Materials: Fabric dashboard, light wood trims, and light-colored interiors offer a distinctive, less conventional EV feel compared to carbon-heavy competitors.
  • Infotainment: A large central touchscreen, similar to the Polestar 3 SUV, manages media, navigation, and vehicle systems. While software refinement is ongoing, the system offers all essential EV functionalities.
  • Design Philosophy: Focused on space efficiency and saloon proportions, avoiding the cramped or SUV-like feel seen in some EV competitors.

The interior combines sustainability, comfort, and premium feel, making it a standout in the high-performance EV segment.

Technology and Innovation

  • Chassis: Bonded extruded aluminium for lightweight strength and high rigidity.
  • Battery: Super-thin, low-mounted pack enabling low seating and optimized handling.
  • Suspension: Double wishbone front, multi-link rear, tuned for precision and agility.
  • Software: Advanced EV controls integrated via central touchscreen; incremental improvements expected pre-production.
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The Polestar 5 integrates engineering excellence with driver-focused dynamics, giving purists an EV that feels like a performance saloon rather than a technology-first compromise.

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Conclusion

The Polestar 5 prototype demonstrates that electric vehicles can combine performance, luxury, and driver engagement. With a dedicated aluminium chassis and lightweight battery design, it sets new standards for sports saloon EVs.

Its handling and dynamics rival high-end EVs while maintaining saloon proportions, giving drivers an immersive and responsive experience. The innovative construction allows Polestar flexibility and a focus on purist driving enjoyment, rarely found in other electric saloons.

Inside, the cabin merges premium materials, low seating, and modern infotainment, delivering a distinctive and elegant environment. The emphasis on light colors and natural trims sets it apart from darker, carbon-heavy competitors.

Overall, the Polestar 5 positions the brand as a leader in high-performance, sustainable EVs, combining Scandinavian design, precision engineering, and electric power to create a truly desirable sports saloon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Polestar 5?
The Polestar 5 is a high-performance electric sports saloon, built on a clean-sheet aluminium chassis for optimal handling and lightweight strength, aiming to rival cars like the Porsche Taycan.

2. How powerful is the Polestar 5?
It offers up to 872bhp from its dual electric motors, delivering sports saloon performance and precise handling.

3. What is unique about the Polestar 5 chassis?
It uses a bonded extruded aluminium chassis, inspired by Lotus construction methods. This provides stiffness, low weight, and flexibility for low-volume high-performance EVs.

4. How does the interior compare to other EV saloons?
The Polestar 5 offers a spacious, low-slung cabin with premium materials like fabric and wood, low seating positions, and fully adjustable Recaro seats. It avoids the cramped feel of competitors like the Taycan or Emeya.

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5. When will the Polestar 5 be available?
Production will follow prototype development, with the car expected to launch in the near future as a volume sports saloon EV, marking Polestar’s fifth model in its lineup.

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