Tesla Model S also left behind as 650kW confirmed as official target for Polestar 5 electric GT sedan
Polestar has thrown down the gauntlet to some of the biggest names in the EV business, announcing that the incoming 2024 Polestar 5 is being developed to produce 650kW of power and 900Nm of torque with a new dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain.
As the Chinese-Swedish brand prepares to run a development prototype of the Polestar 5 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week, the company said its UK and Swedish-based engineering teams were “advancing well” with the development of the four-door GT electric car, which will also feature an 800V electrical system for ultra-rapid charging.
To put the new powertrain into context, the dual-motor AWD Polestar 2 manages less than half the official “targeted” power of the Polestar 5 at 300kW, while maximum torque is 660Nm.
With 650kW/900Nm under its belt, the bigger Polestar 5 will out-power the circa-500kW Tesla Model S Dual-Motor AWD, the 400kW BMW i4 M50 and even the 560kW Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is still out in front with its phenomenal 760kW (1020hp) triple-motor powertrain.
“The new powertrain we are working on will set a new brand benchmark in our high-performing cars,” said Polestar’s R&D chief Jörg Brandscheid.
“Combining strong electric motor engineering ability with advances in lightweight platform technology is leading to truly stunning driver’s cars.”
Head of Polestar UK R&D, Pete Allen added: “Polestar 5 is shaping up to be a superb four-door GT and a true Polestar at heart.”
The powertrain is being developed in Sweden while the UK team is working on the platform, which Polestar says “combines low-volume performance car attributes with modern technological advances to bring lightweight, high-rigidity sports car chassis technology into mass production”.
“The UK team has taken the opportunity of working with a new mechanical platform to design and develop a unique bonded aluminium chassis, a prime factor in delivering the vehicle dynamics signature to create a driving experience that is as desirable as the design,” the company said.
Already confirmed for release in Australia, the Polestar 5 is based on the 2020 Polestar Precept concept and is the third of three all-new EVs to be launched by the company in the next three years.
The first will be the 2023 Polestar 3 large SUV, followed by the Polestar 4 mid-size SUV.
“Polestar 5 is a company-defining project. Its progressive design and advanced engineering set the tone for Polestar’s future,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
“We have great talent on board enabling us to create truly iconic EVs.”
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Keyword: Polestar 5 to out-power Porsche Taycan Turbo S