How Does the Polestar 5 Stack Up Against Luxury EV Rivals Like the Porsche Taycan?
When Polestar finally pulled the wraps off the Polestar 5 at the Munich Motor Show, it wasn’t just another electric car launch—it was a statement. Here’s a four-door grand tourer that doesn’t just chase the Porsche Taycan; it aims to redefine what a performance EV can be. With up to 872 horsepower and 749 lb-ft of torque in its Performance variant, the Polestar 5 is gunning for the top of the luxury EV food chain.
But numbers only tell part of the story. The Polestar 5’s design is a direct evolution of the Precept concept, and it’s clear the brand wanted to keep that futuristic edge. Think dual blade Pixel LED headlights, a swooping roofline that ends in a Kamm-style tail, and—get this—no rear window. Instead, you get a digital rearview mirror. It’s bold, maybe even a little polarizing, but it’s the kind of risk that gets people talking.
On paper, the Polestar 5’s 0-62 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds (or 3.2 in the Performance model) puts it right in the mix with the Taycan and other high-end EVs. And with a WLTP range of up to 416 miles, it’s not just about speed—it’s about going the distance, literally.
What’s the Interior Experience Like? Is It Really That Minimalist and High-Tech?
Step inside the Polestar 5 and you’re met with a cabin that feels more Scandinavian lounge than traditional car interior. Minimalism is the name of the game, but it’s not cold or sterile. The 14.5-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen—running a Polestar-specific version of Android Automotive with full Google integration—anchors the dash. There’s also a 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.5-inch head-up display, so you’re never short on information.
The seats, developed with Recaro, offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and can be wrapped in either MicroTech or Bridge of Weir Nappa leather. Rear passengers aren’t left out, either: the Polestar 5 is designed primarily as a four-seater, with a “foot garage” behind the front seats for extra legroom and a rear center armrest that controls the four-zone climate system. Even the rear seats recline and offer their own heating, ventilation, and massage.
Sustainability is woven throughout the interior. Instead of carbon fiber, you’ll find flax-based trim, and the carpeting is made from Econyl—a regenerated nylon. The panoramic glass roof stretches over six feet, flooding the cabin with natural light. For audiophiles, a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is available, but even the standard 10-speaker setup is nothing to sneeze at.
How Does the Polestar 5 Deliver Such Impressive Performance?
The heart of the Polestar 5 is its bespoke hot-cured bonded aluminum platform, dubbed the Polestar Performance Architecture. This isn’t an off-the-shelf EV chassis—it’s purpose-built for high performance and handling. The dual-motor all-wheel drive system draws power from a 112 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering 738 hp and 599 lb-ft of torque in the standard model. The Performance variant cranks things up to 872 hp and 749 lb-ft.
Adaptive dampers in the Performance model adjust to road conditions within three milliseconds. That’s not just fast—it’s nearly instantaneous, and it means the car can go from plush to razor-sharp at the drop of a hat. Brembo brakes, 20- to 22-inch wheels, and a suite of driver assistance features (including 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and radar) round out the package.
Charging is another strong suit. With 350 kW DC fast charging, you can go from 10% to 80% battery in just 22 minutes. That’s coffee break territory, not overnight wait. For home charging, the 19 kW AC capacity is more than most households will ever need.
Is the Polestar 5 Practical for Everyday Use?
Performance is great, but what about the daily grind? The Polestar 5 doesn’t disappoint. There’s 12.9 cubic feet of trunk space, plus a 2.2 cubic foot frunk for smaller items. The lack of a rear window might take some getting used to, but the digital mirror does a solid job of compensating.
Rear seat comfort is a standout, especially for a car with such a sporty silhouette. The “foot garage” is a clever touch, and the overall sense of space is impressive for a grand tourer. The panoramic roof and minimalist design make the cabin feel airy, even with four adults on board.
What About Pricing and Availability—Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s talk numbers. In the UK, the Polestar 5 starts at £89,500, with the Performance model at £104,900. German buyers are looking at €119,900 and €142,900, respectively. That puts the Polestar 5 squarely in the premium segment, but it’s right in line with rivals like the Taycan and Audi e-tron GT.
The initial launch covers 24 markets, though North America will have to wait a bit longer for official pricing and availability. Given the level of tech, performance, and design on offer, the price tag feels justified—especially when you factor in the sustainability angle and the sheer uniqueness of the package.
How Does the Polestar 5 Fit Into the Evolving EV Landscape?
The Polestar 5 isn’t just another electric car—it’s a signal that the EV market is maturing. Brands are no longer content to play catch-up with Tesla or Porsche; they’re carving out their own identities. Polestar, with its roots in Scandinavian design and Volvo’s safety DNA, is betting that buyers want more than just range and acceleration—they want something that feels special.
Recent data from the International Energy Agency shows that global EV sales are expected to top 17 million units in 2024, up from 14 million in 2023. As competition heats up, differentiation will be key. The Polestar 5’s blend of performance, luxury, and sustainability is a compelling recipe.
The big takeaway? The Polestar 5 isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether that’s rethinking what you expect from a luxury EV or just appreciating the details that set a car apart, the Polestar 5 proves that innovation is all about moving the needle, one bold step at a time.