The Polestar 5 has arrived in the UK as the brand’s halo grand tourer: a head-turning, low-slung electric missile that blends supercar performance with genuine long-distance comfort.
Launched to media at an event starting from Alnwick Castle – yes, the Hogwarts stand-in – the car’s blend of speed, silence and sophistication felt appropriately magical for a setting synonymous with Harry Potter.
From the moment you press the accelerator, the Polestar 5 pins you back. In Performance spec, 0-60mph takes just 3.1 seconds; even the dual-motor version manages 3.8s.
The power delivery is linear and relentless, with no harshness or surge - just a smooth, building wave of thrust. There's no sense that the powertrain would run out of breath any time soon.
On the winding roads of Northumberland, the 5’s handling shone.
The bonded aluminium chassis is incredibly rigid, and paired with MagneRide dampers and Michelin tyres developed specifically for this car, it devours corners with precision and composure.
Steering is quick and communicative, braking via four-piston Brembo calipers is strong and progressive, and the low centre of gravity keeps body roll firmly in check.
With the car providing such direct torque in the corners, it's possible to set the vehicle close to the limit of grip and maintain that level throughout the corner as you gauge the direct feedback.
Together, the combination of breathtaking acceleration and corner-conquering poise reflect the passion of Joakim Rydholm, Head of Driving Dynamics, and the dedicated team who have brought the 5 to fruition.
During the launch event, Mr Rydholm told me how the vehicle was the proud result of a five-year journey that had involved meticulous chassis development and painstaking testing in a wide variety of conditions.
Refinement is outstanding. Road noise is minimal, aided by Ultra-Silent acoustic materials and flush glazing. The virtual rear window – a camera-based system replacing a traditional glass panel – works seamlessly, preserving the sleek roofline without compromising visibility.
Inside, the Polestar 5 feels lovingly crafted. The cabin is spacious for a low-slung GT, with a driver-focused cockpit anchored by a 14.5-inch portrait central display and a nine-inch driver’s screen with head-up display.
Materials are premium throughout: anodised aluminium, recyclable trims, and optional Bridge of Weir Nappa leather with massage and ventilation.
I was particularly impressed with the panoramic glass roof, which is the largest of any Polestar yet and floods the cabin with light.
Polestar has gone the extra mile for rear passengers. The 2+1 seating layout offers extended legroom, under-seat footwells, and a centre armrest with controls for climate, audio, and seat functions.
For the last 15 minutes of the test route – with my driving companion at the wheel – I took the chance to enjoy the comfort of the back seats and to use the massage function available at the press of a button. It’s a business-class experience – rare in a car with this kind of performance focus.
If you really need to find space for a fifth occupant, an occasional seat appears when you fold up the central armrest, but I wouldn't particularly want to use it for anything more than a 10-minute short journey.
Under the skin, the 5 is a showcase of Polestar’s engineering ambition. Its bonded aluminium platform – developed in-house – delivers extreme torsional rigidity with weight savings.
The body uses 13 per cent recycled aluminium, and components like PowerRibs cut weight by 30-40 per cent. Sustainability is baked in: recyclable trims, bio-attributed MicroTech, and AmpliTex by Bcomp in the seatbacks.
Two variants are available at launch:
• Dual Motor: 748 hp, 812 Nm, 112 kWh battery, up to 421 miles (WLTP), 0–60mph in 3.8s, £89,500
• Performance: 884 hp, 1,015 Nm, same battery but reduced range (346 miles), 0–60mph in 3.1s, £104,950
Both support 350 kW DC fast charging and come with 21-inch wheels as standard (22-inch optional). Towing capacity is 1,800 kg across the range.
In terms of looks, the 5 has a wow factor, with a sharp shoulder line, low roofline, low bonnet and Polestar's signature Dual Blade headlight design.
The Polestar 5 is expensive, but it’s never meant to be the volume seller. It’s the brand’s statement: a GT that proves electric cars can be thrilling, luxurious, and sustainable without compromise.
With over 60,000 Polestars already on UK roads and a growing charging network, the 5’s role is to draw buyers into the brand – with the hope that its magic trickles down to more accessible models on sale at Polestar's 16 UK Spaces.
If Hogwarts had a staff car, it might look – and drive – like this.
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