POLESTAR, 5

The Polestar 5 arrived in the UK in 2026, with prices starting at £89,500 for the Dual Motor and rising to £104,900 for the more powerful Performance version. Both models initially launched with generous equipment levels and a strong emphasis on luxury, technology and driving enjoyment.

The standard Polestar 5 Dual Motor produces an extraordinary 737bhp from two electric motors, delivering power to all four wheels. Acceleration from 0–60mph takes approximately 3.8 seconds, which is remarkable for a luxury four-door weighing around 2.5 tonnes.

The 112kWh battery provides a manufacturer-targeted WLTP range of up to 421 miles. In everyday UK conditions, approximately 320–370 miles is a reasonable estimate in favourable weather, although the official target and real-world expectations should be treated separately until further independent testing is available.

That makes the Dual Motor a particularly attractive long-distance performance car. It has more than enough acceleration for ordinary driving, while the large battery provides the flexibility needed for regular motorway journeys.

The Polestar 5 Performance increases output to an astonishing 871bhp, reducing the 0–60mph time to approximately 3.1 seconds. That's exceptionally quick, even by modern electric performance-car standards.

Official targeted range falls to approximately 346 miles, with real-world expectations of around 260–310 miles depending on conditions and driving style. The lower figure reflects the more powerful drivetrain, larger wheels and performance-focused specification.

The Performance version also receives MagneRide adaptive suspension, which continuously adjusts damping to improve body control and ride comfort. It's one of the most significant differences between the two models and gives the Performance a noticeably more focused driving character.

Both versions include attractive digital displays, premium interior materials, advanced driver assistance and extensive comfort equipment. The Dual Motor rides on 20-inch wheels, while the Performance receives larger 21-inch wheels and additional sporting details.

The Performance also benefits from upgraded audio and distinctive interior finishes, reinforcing its more expensive positioning.

Optional equipment includes alternative upholstery, premium trim materials and further comfort features, allowing buyers to personalise the interior.

Compared with the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT, the Polestar offers an enormous amount of performance for the money. Even the Dual Motor has more power than many high-performance electric cars costing considerably more.

The Dual Motor is arguably the more sensible purchase, with longer range and exceptional acceleration. However, the Performance version's adaptive suspension brings meaningful improvements to the driving experience, making it particularly attractive to enthusiasts.

The Polestar 5's interior is an excellent example of modern Scandinavian design. The dashboard is clean and attractive, the materials feel carefully selected and the overall appearance is stylish without being overloaded with decorative details.

The driving position is low and sporting, with supportive front seats and a substantial centre console separating the driver and passenger. It feels more like a grand tourer than a conventional luxury saloon, particularly with the long bonnet and low roofline visible from behind the wheel.

Material quality is impressive. Soft upholstery, attractive trim surfaces and carefully finished details give the cabin a sophisticated appearance. Polestar has also incorporated sustainable materials, providing alternatives to traditional leather without compromising the premium atmosphere.

A 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard, supported by a digital instrument display and head-up display. The infotainment system incorporates Google technology, giving drivers familiar navigation, voice control and connected services.

The graphics are clear and the system is generally responsive, although too many functions still require touchscreen interaction. Adjusting certain settings can take more attention than using physical controls, particularly while driving.

The front seats are excellent, offering extensive adjustment and impressive support. They're comfortable enough for long motorway journeys while holding occupants securely during enthusiastic cornering.

Rear passengers are surprisingly well accommodated. The 3,054mm wheelbase provides generous legroom, while the carefully designed roof allows adequate headroom despite the low exterior profile.

Two adults can travel comfortably in the back, with supportive seats and plenty of room to stretch out. A third passenger is possible, although the car is better suited to four adults travelling together.

The most unusual feature is the absence of a conventional rear window. Instead, Polestar uses a rear-facing camera to provide the driver's view behind the vehicle.

The digital rear-view mirror works well in many conditions, but it takes some getting used to. Drivers who prefer a traditional mirror may find judging distances slightly less natural, particularly when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The large panoramic roof helps the interior feel light and spacious, while the overall design creates a more relaxed atmosphere than some traditional performance cars.

Compared with the Porsche Taycan, the Polestar feels less conventional and places greater emphasis on interior design. It's beautifully finished, although the extensive touchscreen controls and unusual rear visibility won't appeal to everyone.

With up to 871bhp available, the Polestar 5 is extraordinarily quick. Yet the most impressive part of its driving experience is how effectively it combines that performance with comfort and precise handling.

Even the standard Dual Motor version delivers remarkable acceleration. Press the accelerator firmly and the response is immediate, with the all-wheel-drive system providing excellent traction. Overtaking is effortless, and the car builds speed with very little noise or vibration.

The Performance version is faster still, reaching 60mph in just over three seconds. That's supercar acceleration in a vehicle large enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage.

But the Polestar 5 has more to offer than straight-line speed.

Its rigid aluminium structure helps the suspension control body movement, giving the car impressive stability through corners. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing the driver to place the car accurately on winding roads.

Despite weighing approximately 2.5 tonnes, the Polestar handles remarkably well. It changes direction confidently, maintains excellent grip and feels more agile than its substantial dimensions suggest.

The Performance version's MagneRide adaptive dampers are particularly impressive. They adjust continuously to changing road conditions, helping the suspension absorb bumps while keeping the body stable during faster cornering.

On smooth roads, the Polestar feels sharp and responsive. On uneven surfaces, the suspension deals with imperfections without making the ride unnecessarily firm.

The standard Dual Motor model is also comfortable and capable, although its conventional suspension isn't quite as effective at combining comfort with precise body control.

Motorway refinement is excellent. Wind noise is well contained, the seats remain comfortable over long distances and the suspension keeps the car stable at higher speeds.

Road noise can become more noticeable on coarse tarmac, particularly with the Performance model's larger wheels, but the overall level of refinement is impressive.

The brakes are powerful and provide good control, with regenerative braking working alongside the conventional braking system.

Compared with the Porsche Taycan, the Polestar feels slightly less sporting in certain situations, but it offers a similarly impressive combination of performance and comfort.

It's equally comfortable cruising on the motorway or tackling a winding country road, which is exactly what you'd want from a luxury grand tourer.

The Polestar 5 combines a substantial battery with advanced charging technology, providing the range and convenience required for long-distance driving.

Both versions use a 112kWh battery, with the Dual Motor offering a manufacturer-targeted WLTP range of up to 421 miles. That's particularly impressive for a large performance car producing more than 700bhp.

In favourable UK driving conditions, approximately 320–370 miles should be realistic for the Dual Motor, although cold weather, motorway speeds and enthusiastic acceleration will reduce the distance available.

The Performance version has a lower targeted range of 346 miles, reflecting its more powerful drivetrain, larger wheels and performance-focused setup.

Real-world expectations of approximately 260–310 miles are reasonable in mixed driving, with repeated hard acceleration increasing electricity consumption considerably.

Charging performance is one of the Polestar's greatest strengths. The car uses an 800-volt electrical system, supporting DC rapid charging at up to 350kW.

Under ideal conditions, the battery can recharge from 10–80% in approximately 22 minutes, which is an excellent result given its substantial capacity.

On a compatible ultra-rapid charger, a relatively short stop can restore a large amount of driving range. However, actual charging speeds will depend on battery temperature, the amount of charge remaining and the capability of the charger.

At home, the Polestar supports 11kW AC charging, with a complete recharge taking approximately 11 hours on a suitable supply.

Using a more typical UK 7.4kW wallbox, a full recharge from almost empty could take around 16–18 hours, including charging losses.

Most owners will only need to replenish the electricity used during ordinary daily journeys, making overnight charging manageable.

Electricity costs depend heavily on where the vehicle is charged. Cheap overnight home tariffs can make the Polestar considerably less expensive to power than a petrol performance car. Frequent use of expensive public rapid chargers will reduce those savings.

Maintenance costs should be lower in some areas than for a combustion-powered performance saloon, but large tyres, sophisticated suspension and powerful braking systems remain expensive components.

Insurance premiums are also likely to reflect the car's substantial value and exceptional acceleration, particularly in Performance specification.

The Polestar 5 offers an impressive combination of range and charging capability, but its weight and performance mean it won't be as efficient as smaller electric cars.

The Polestar 5 is a substantial luxury car, measuring 5,087mm long, approximately 2,015mm wide with the mirrors folded and 1,425mm tall in Dual Motor form. The Performance version is slightly lower at 1,419mm.

Its 3,054mm wheelbase creates excellent passenger space, particularly in the rear, although the low roofline and sleek body shape bring some practical compromises.

Up front, there's generous legroom and shoulder room, with comfortable seats offering extensive adjustment. The driving position is relatively low, giving the car a sporting feel, while the broad centre console provides useful storage.

Rear accommodation is surprisingly generous. Two adults can travel comfortably, with excellent legroom and sufficient headroom for most passengers.

The long wheelbase means taller passengers can stretch out without feeling cramped, while the large panoramic roof helps make the interior feel bright and spacious.

Getting into the rear requires slightly more care than in an SUV because of the low roofline. Taller passengers may need to duck when entering, although there's plenty of room once seated.

The boot is less impressive. At 365 litres, it's relatively small for a car measuring more than five metres long. It's sufficient for shopping, weekend luggage or a couple of larger suitcases, but families carrying substantial amounts of luggage may find it restrictive.

The boot's shallow shape also limits the height of items that can be carried, particularly when compared with a conventional hatchback or estate.

Folding the rear seats increases luggage capacity to approximately 1,128 litres, providing additional flexibility for longer items.

There's also a 62-litre front storage compartment, which is useful for charging cables and smaller bags.

The lack of a conventional rear window is another practical consideration. The digital rear-view mirror provides a useful view behind the vehicle, but drivers will need time to become familiar with it.

Parking cameras help considerably, especially given the car's length and width. Nevertheless, narrow residential streets and smaller car parks can be challenging.

Child seats can be fitted in the rear, although the low roofline makes access less convenient than in a taller family SUV.

The Polestar 5 is best suited to drivers who regularly travel with one or two passengers and value comfort, performance and design over maximum luggage capacity.

As a luxury grand tourer, it offers excellent passenger accommodation. As a practical family car, its relatively small boot is the main disappointment.

The Polestar 5 has been developed with a strong focus on safety, using an advanced aluminium structure designed to provide excellent rigidity and protection during an accident.

The high-voltage battery is incorporated within the vehicle's structure, with substantial protection around critical components. Sophisticated monitoring systems also manage battery temperature and electrical performance.

Driver-assistance technology includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring. These systems help the driver maintain a safe distance from traffic and reduce the risk of collisions.

The car's extensive camera technology is particularly important because of the absence of a conventional rear window. Rearward visibility depends heavily on the digital mirror and camera systems, making their reliability and clarity essential.

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, while sophisticated stability controls help manage the enormous power output.

Braking performance is strong, with regenerative braking working alongside powerful conventional brakes to provide controlled stopping power.

The rigid body structure and carefully developed suspension also contribute to predictable handling, particularly when changing direction quickly.

Long-term reliability is difficult to assess because the Polestar 5 only entered the market in 2026. There isn't yet enough ownership data to establish how its motors, battery, electronics and suspension will perform after many years.

The advanced aluminium construction may also require specialist repairs following accident damage, potentially increasing insurance and repair costs.

The Performance version's sophisticated adaptive suspension could be expensive to repair or replace outside warranty, while the extensive digital technology introduces additional electronic components.

Software updates will be important throughout ownership, helping maintain infotainment functionality, correct faults and improve certain vehicle systems.

The battery incorporates advanced cooling technology designed to protect performance and efficiency, although long-term capacity retention will depend on mileage, charging patterns and operating conditions.

Buyers should check warranty coverage carefully, particularly regarding battery degradation and high-voltage components.

Initial build quality is impressive, with excellent interior materials and a substantial sense of engineering quality. However, it remains too early to make firm claims about long-term reliability.

The Polestar 5 is one of the most interesting electric performance cars to arrive in recent years. It combines beautiful design, extraordinary acceleration and sophisticated handling with the comfort expected from a luxury grand tourer.

Its greatest strength is the way it delivers such enormous performance without sacrificing everyday comfort. The steering is precise, the suspension is well controlled and the interior feels genuinely premium.

The small boot is disappointing for a car of this size, while the lack of a traditional rear window and extensive touchscreen controls won't suit everyone.

However, those compromises are unlikely to trouble buyers attracted by the Polestar's distinctive styling and exceptional performance.

The Performance version is particularly appealing, with its advanced suspension providing an excellent combination of handling and comfort.

For buyers considering a Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT, the Polestar 5 offers a compelling alternative with a distinctive design and a genuinely enjoyable driving experience.