The Polestar 5 Performance Grand Tourer has been unveiled. The specifications are impressive. The maximum output of the Polestar 5 Performance model reaches an astonishing 650 kW (884 horsepower).
The Swedish premium electric vehicle brand Polestar officially unveiled the four-door performance Grand Tourer (GT) on the 9th. The future design and technology, as well as the sustainability of the brand, presented through the concept model 'Precept' in 2020, has finally been materialized into the Polestar 5. It is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026 in Korea.
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, said, "The Polestar 5 is a model that brings the future into the present," adding, "Polestar's vision for design, technology, and sustainability is no longer a dream; it has become a purchasable reality. Composed of Scandinavian pure design, an independent platform, powerful motors, a refined chassis, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable materials, the Polestar 5 is the guiding star of the industry and a perfect flagship model."
The Polestar design team applied the Precept concept design almost unchanged, eliminating unnecessary embellishments to complete a bold Grand Tourer (GT) with a modern and minimalistic length of 5 meters. The main inspiration was drawn from the aviation field, as shown by the wing-like profile and Kamm-style tail.
The front end is designed based on the SmartZone first introduced in Precept, featuring a low nose, while Polestar's signature dual-blade headlights come equipped with pixel LED technology. The wheel and hood lines are very low and close together, made possible by the independently developed platform and a unique front suspension structure in its segment. The lower door sections visually lower the vehicle's height (142 cm) with gloss black and shade cladding, and the flowing roofline and glasshouse complete a profile reminiscent of an airplane's wing.
Despite its sleek design, the Polestar 5 secures ample space in the second row. Similar to the Polestar 4, the head structure in the second row has been moved back, and a digital rearview mirror has been implemented. Additionally, it features the largest panoramic glass roof among Polestar models, measuring 2 meters long and 1.25 meters wide, providing a spacious feeling for second-row passengers.
The rear end features a dedicated light bar and air vent details designed for aerodynamic efficiency, with an integrated rear diffuser achieving a low drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd, complemented by frameless doors and flush-type door handles.
The Polestar 5 offers a total of six color options, including two matte options: a striking dark gray "Storm" and an elegant and subtle "Magnesium."
Nahum Escobedo, head of exterior design at Polestar, noted, "Designing the Polestar Precept was a dream-like experience, and I felt greater satisfaction in bringing it to mass production as Polestar 5." He added, "I am proud of all team members who dedicated themselves to maintaining the concept's vision in the production model. I hope customers feel the joy we experienced in creating the Polestar 5."
The interior adopts a 4+1 seating configuration for both the driver and passengers. The front seats, developed in collaboration with Recaro, provide a low hip point, supportive bolsters, and unique Swedish comfort. The base specification is charcoal MicroTech, while options include Bridge of Weir's Napa leather in charcoal or zinc color. The leather complies with animal welfare standards and has undergone chrome-free processing, featuring ventilation, heating, massage, and electric adjustment functions.
The Polestar 5 is fundamentally designed as a four-seater, allowing rear-seat passengers to control the four-zone climate system, seat heating, ventilation, and massage features directly with the center armrest down. The rear seats are identical to the front Recaro seats and offer individual reclining options. When the armrest is raised, a fifth seat appears, providing shoulder space through a tiered arrangement, effectively making the performance GT a practical five-seater. Thanks to the space called the 'Foot Garage' located behind the front seats, second-row passengers can secure more foot space and experience a more natural and comfortable seating sensation.
Natural fiber materials are used throughout the interior. The front seatbacks feature a signature woven pattern developed in collaboration with BComp™, enhanced with AmpliTex™ material for increased strength. This material is a bio-based flax substitute that is up to 40% lighter than plastic and reduces the use of fossil fuel-based raw materials by 50%. The lower door sections utilize NFPP material with BComp's powerRib™ solution, showcasing the natural texture of bio-based materials. Such instances can also be seen in the lining of the 365-liter rear storage space and in the 62-liter front storage compartment, which employs AutoNeum's UltraSilent material to reduce weight by about 60% (approximately 5 kg) compared to traditional plastics. These materials are part of a single-material strategy to facilitate recycling at the end of their lifespan.
Like other Polestar vehicles, the Polestar 5 actively utilizes recycled materials. The recycled material Econyl, made from waste like fishing nets, is used in the carpets, while recycled PET is used for the headliner, and knitted decorative material is employed on the top of the doors.
The driver's seat is designed with performance in mind, positioned low with a nearly vertical steering wheel close to the driver. An electric adjustable steering column integrates a 9-inch driver display, ensuring it is perfectly in view from any position. Additionally, a 9.5-inch head-up display completes the driver-centric information display system.
Between the front seats, there is a low center console with a lockable storage space and a centrally positioned audio controller that connects to a 14.5-inch vertically oriented center display. This display is based on Polestar's proprietary Google built-in Android Automotive OS, featuring the latest interface that combines the strengths of Polestar 3 and Polestar 4. Four dynamic keys positioned at the bottom of the display can be customized to the user's preferred functions, and through dedicated shortcut keys, up to six frequently used functions can be executed from the home screen.
The audio system can be chosen between the Polestar high-performance audio system based on 10 speakers or the Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 21 speakers and Tweeter-on-top technology, producing an output of 1,680 watts. Laser line ambient light envelops the interior, extending to the soundbar behind the rear headrests. Combined with active road noise canceling, it provides a first-class indoor experience.
The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is one of the key elements of the Polestar 5, with sensors, radar, and a front parking camera integrated into the SmartZone. Pilot Assist adjusts the driving speed and lane position up to 150 km/h. A total of 11 vision cameras, one driver monitoring camera, one mid-range radar, and 12 ultrasound sensors are installed. Utilizing eight airbags and indoor radar, it detects the number, position, and type of occupants, taking optimal safety measures in the event of an accident.
The platform of the Polestar 5 is a completely newly developed custom bonded aluminum platform, which is the core of Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA). Using high-strength aluminum extrusion, presses, and castings, the structure is lightweight and highly rigid, providing torsional rigidity that surpasses that of two-seater sports cars or supercars. Of the total aluminum used, 13% is recycled material, and 83% is sourced from aluminum supplied by a smelter powered by renewable energy, significantly reducing the CO₂e footprint compared to conventional procurement methods.
The aluminum architecture, lighter than its steel counterpart, enhances safety and utilizes SK On's 112 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery (106 kWh capacity). A compact front double-wishbone suspension, lightweight two-piece alloy-bonded front disc brakes, and a steering rack positioned in front of the front axle together realize a performance-oriented driving characteristic. The Brembo four-piston front calipers are the same as those on the Polestar 3 but combined with lightweight 400 mm two-piece discs, saving 12 kilograms compared to an SUV, thus improving unsprung mass and handling.
The Polestar 5 dual motor features BWI passive dampers and rebound coil springs, while the Polestar 5 Performance uses BWI MagneRide adaptive damping. This damper can detect road conditions up to 1,000 times per second and responds in just 3 milliseconds thanks to the magnetorheological fluid, providing excellent body control and comfort at all speeds.
The Michelin tires developed exclusively for the Polestar 5 complete a performance-oriented handling package tailored for a wheel combination of 20 to 22 inches.
Lutz Stiegler, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Polestar, stated, "The R&D team continuously worked to develop the Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA) from the ground up, and the results are definitely evident in the driving performance of the Polestar 5. The self-developed rear motor, 800V architecture, and innovative engineering have combined to make the Polestar 5 a true all-round Grand Tourer (GT)."
The Polestar 5 is equipped with a self-developed rear motor that delivers a maximum of 450 kW and 660 Nm, while the output of the Polestar 5 Performance reaches 650 kW and 1,015 Nm. This allows the Polestar 5 Performance to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, while the 550 kW dual motor model reaches it in 3.9 seconds. Both models have a top speed limited to 250 km/h.
The first-ever 800-volt architecture not only enables these performance figures but also supports rapid (DC) charging of up to 350 kW. Battery charging can be completed in about 22 minutes from 10% to 80%, and an external charging indicator located on the vehicle's C-pillar shows the charging status (SOC) at a glance.
To increase efficiency, the Polestar 5 can connect and disconnect the rear motor as needed. The Polestar 5 dual motor model can drive up to 670 km (based on WLTP), while the performance model can reach up to 565 km (also based on WLTP) on a single charge.
The Polestar 5 is scheduled to launch in Korea in the second quarter of 2026, with domestic pricing yet to be determined. The global launch prices are set at €119,900 (approximately 190 million won) for the Polestar 5 dual motor (output 550 kW, 812 Nm) and €142,900 (approximately 230 million won) for the Polestar 5 Performance. Online orders in the initial launch markets will begin on Sept. 8, 2025.
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