The new all-electric Polestar 5 will be the brand’s flagship and is being developed at a new UK research centre
Polestar has thrown open the doors to its new UK research and development centre and revealed more information about the flagship Polestar 5 model, due in 2024, that’s being developed there.
The new car is being engineered at the base in the Midlands where Polestar is ramping up work on the car and the team based there. It currently employs 280 people, but that’s set to double in the UK over the coming months.
The Polestar 5 was previewed by the Precept from 2020, and is set to be almost identical to the concept car in our pictures. “We aim to deliver a car as close to the design conception of [Polestar CEO] Thomas Ingenlath,” said Pete Allen, head of Polestar UK’s R&D.
Key to the performance of the new car is a UK-developed, bonded-aluminium platform which, along with the structural battery, gives “supercar levels of torsional rigidity”, according to Allen. That will help to offer “best-in-class vehicle dynamics” – a bold claim given the car is set to rival the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S and Audi e-tron GT.
The slippery shape has a unique feature that’s sure to raise eyebrows among buyers: there’s no rear window. A one-piece glass roof flows back over rear passengers’ heads, but behind that is a solid panel. Polestar says it allows for greater boot space, although a look at the bodyshell reveals luggage space isn’t overly generous. There is a ‘frunk’ offering some extra storage under the bonnet, though, while space inside is set to be generous, too, including a ‘foot garage’ for rear passengers.
Concerns over rear visibility were eased by Pete Allen, assuring us that, “We have a technology answer to no rear screen.” That will mean a live camera system, while Lidar sensors will also work with the car’s autonomous driving technology.
There’s no news on batteries yet, although Allen says a decision has been made on the power source for launch cars. However, there’s enough flexibility in the platform to be able to accept different types of batteries throughout the car’s lifespan.
Expect 800V rapid-charging tech; Polestar claims that a 103kWh battery could charge to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes.
Other Polestar technology likely to feature on the 5 includes a 595bhp rear-mounted motor with a two-speed gearbox, hinting at performance to match or beat rivals’.
The 5 is a low car with a unique suspension system, too. “It gives Thomas the low bonnet that he wants and helps with pedestrian protection,” said Allen.
Inside, the car is set to be as minimalist as the Precept concept, with sustainable materials used throughout and a Google-powered infotainment system. Quality is a clear focus, with Polestar claiming impressive stats for prototypes, while the 5 will be made in a new factory in China.
Although the 5 will play a big part in Polestar’s future as a flagship, the upcoming 3 and 4 models – both SUVs and arriving in 2022 and 2023 respectively – will do the heavy lifting when it comes to sales numbers. Polestar delivered 29,000 cars in 2021, but that’s set to soar to 250,000 in 2025.
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Keyword: New 2024 Polestar 5 to rival Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT