The Polestar 5: A High-Performance Electric Grand Tourer Takes on Ice

Car enthusiasts gathered in the chilly mountains of Austria for the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See had a remarkable experience. This race, known for showcasing high-speed vehicles on an entirely icy track, served as the perfect venue for Polestar to unveil its latest model, the Polestar 5. The new flagship from the Swedish manufacturer demonstrated that electric vehicles can perform admirably in cold conditions, rivaling traditional gas-powered cars.

The Polestar 5 is a spacious luxury four-door vehicle classified as a Grand Tourer (GT). Measuring over 5 m in length, it surpasses some large SUVs, yet it boasts a low height of just 1.42 m. To achieve a balance of strength and lightweight design, engineers employed a unique aluminum framework and utilized a super-strong adhesive instead of traditional welding. This construction method enhances the car's rigidity, proving advantageous for racing on slippery ice.

During the race, Polestar presented two variants of the car. One featured striking yellow and black livery inspired by the racing video game Gran Turismo. The game’s creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, was present to experience the car firsthand. He even took a spin on the icy track, remarking that vehicles like the Polestar 5 offer a smooth driving experience unmatched by traditional gas cars, suggesting this heralds a new era in driving enjoyment.

The Performance variant of the Polestar 5, equipped with dual electric motors, delivers an impressive output of 650 kW, or approximately 884 horsepower. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Professional racing driver Ted Björk navigated the icy circuit with the car, confidently maneuvering it through turns and praising its stability and responsiveness.

Charging capabilities are another standout feature of the Polestar 5. Utilizing an advanced 800V charging system, it can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 22 minutes when connected to a high-speed charger. Once fully charged, the standard Dual Motor variant boasts a range of up to 678 km (WLTP), while the more powerful Performance model can achieve around 558 km.

One of the Polestar 5's most innovative characteristics is the absence of a rear window. Instead, it employs a high-definition camera and display to provide drivers with a rearview. This design choice enabled a streamlined, sloping roofline, a signature trait developed since the introduction of the Polestar 4. The vehicle also includes a compact front trunk with 62 l of storage for charging cables or small bags.

While the Polestar 5 excels in racing, it also embodies luxury. It accommodates five passengers and has a main trunk capacity of 365 l, which is slightly limited. However, folding down the rear seats expands the space to 1,128 l. In a commitment to sustainability, the interior features recycled materials such as old fishing nets and flax.

Purchasing a Polestar 5 requires a significant investment. In Europe, prices start from around €120,000 depending on the market. Upon its release in the United States, the base model is expected to cost approximately €90,000, with the top-performance variant reaching up to €137,000.

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