What does the Polestar 5 have to offer?
The electric four-door GT segment has just got a lot more competitive with the arrival of the Polestar 5.
The 5 is Polestar’s first attempt at this sector of the market and to make it stand out, it features unique details both in terms of design, body structure and powertrains.
So, if you’re tempted by what this Swedish alternative has to offer, what are its key features?
It features an 800-volt architecture
The Polestar 5 comes fitted with an 800-volt architecture, which means it uses a higher voltage system in its battery, which enables it to be charged up at ultra-rapid speeds.
All 5s are compatible with charging speeds of up to 350kW from a DC unit, which allows the car to go from a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 22 minutes.
That makes the 5 a lot easier to live with if you cover lots of miles and are regularly having to top up on your journey.
It rivals the Porsche Taycan
This new Polestar sits in the growing sector of four-door electric GT cars, which means it faces some strong competition.
Its main rival is the Porsche Taycan, while other close counterparts are the Audi e-tron GT, Lotus Emeya and Mercedes EQS.
If you’re considering a petrol-powered four-door GT car, then there is the Porsche Panamera and Bentley Flying Spur.
There are two trim levels on offer
Choosing your Polestar 5 should be easy, as the firm only offers the model in two guises.
The entry-level ‘Dual Motor’ model starts at £89,500 and comes packed with standard kit such as 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo ventilated brake discs, a 10-speaker 300-watt sound system and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Then there is the top-of-the-line ‘Performance’ model, which can be yours from £104,900 and boasts the following equipment such as 21-inch alloy wheels, a 21-speaker premium Bowers and Wilkins audio system, Swedish Gold brake calipers, gloss black mirror caps and lower body cladding, a MicroSuede headlining and adaptive dampers.
It features an all-aluminium body shell and adaptive dampers
The 5 also features an all-aluminium body. Its purpose is to reduce weight and make the body shell more rigid.
This makes the car more agile around the corners, faster and helps improve efficiency. Plus, on ‘Performance’ models, it features Polestar’s ‘MagneRide’ dampers, where the shock absorbers contain magnetised fluid which instantly changes its viscosity depending on what road surface the vehicle is travelling on.
The MagneRide dampers are designed to improve the car’s refinement and comfort, while the driver has a choice of three settings; altering the car’s ride quality depending on the road conditions.
It comes as standard with dual electric motors
No matter which 5 you go for, all models provide decent performance and impressive claimed electric ranges.
Even the entry-level car features a 112kWh battery pack with dual electric motors to produce a total of 737bhp and 812Nm of torque. That can take the car to 60mph in 3.8 seconds and it will run on to a top speed of 155mph. Polestar claims this model can travel a distance of up to 421 miles on a single charge.
The ‘Performance’ model comes equipped with the same 112kWh battery and dual electric motor setup, though power is boosted to 871bhp and 1,015Nm of torque. It can take the car from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and the top speed is the same 155mph. The manufacturer claims this variant can manage up to 346 miles on a single charge.
It doesn’t have a rear window
Just like with its smaller sibling, the 4, the new 5 comes without a rear window, which might sound strange on the face of it.
The point behind this design is to increase space inside for rear occupants, while making the car’s exterior silhouette sleeker and more aerodynamic.
It also allows the panoramic glass roof to be longer, without eating into head space, and the driver gets a digital rear view mirror, to give them a better view when looking behind and reversing.
The 5 provides a decent amount of practicality
Inside, the 5 provides lots of interior space for occupants, with rear-seat passengers having no problem at all in getting comfortable. This is thanks to the car’s lack of rear window, which means the roofline can be taller, while there is acres of legroom too.
Space up front is good, with the 5 providing large door bins, a massive cut-out under the centre console, a centre armrest cubby hole and a wide glove box.
In the back, the boot provides 365 litres of space, and all models come with an additional 62-litre ‘frunk’; perfect for stowing the car’s charging cables away.
Fancy the Polestar experience? We’ve got some of the brand’s latest cars available here at UK Carline, so check them out today.
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