I got the chance to ride shotgun in the 2026 Polestar 5 prototype at the Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK, and let me tell you, my heart’s still racing. This isn’t just another EV—it’s a 872-horsepower electric grand tourer that’s gunning for the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo S. As a gearhead who’s been chasing the EV revolution since it was all hype and no bite, I can say Polestar’s cooking up something special. Born from the 2020 Precept concept, the Polestar 5 prototype is a sleek, eco-conscious rocket that’s as gorgeous as it is fast. Here’s what went down on that track and why this car’s a game-changer.
Polestar 5 Design: A Sleek, Head-Turning Sedan
The Polestar 5 prototype is a looker that stops you dead in your tracks. It’s a low-slung, 5-meter-long sedan with a 0.24 drag coefficient that cuts through the air like a knife. Those “hockey stick” LED running lights give it a menacing squint, and the massive panoramic glass roof—spanning over 2 meters—floods the cabin with light. Instead of a rear window, Polestar opted for a solid metal panel, boosting structural strength and giving rear passengers extra headroom. It’s a bold move that screams confidence, unlike the boxy SUVs flooding the market.
Built on the Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA), the chassis uses bonded aluminum with 13% recycled content, making it stiff as a racecar and greener than most. Available in colors like Storm dark grey or Magnesium silver, it’s got the poise of a Porsche Panamera but with a Scandinavian edge that’s pure Polestar.
Polestar 5 Interior: Luxury with a Green Heart
Sliding into the Polestar 5 prototype felt like stepping into a minimalist Nordic penthouse. The 4+1 seating setup prioritizes four passengers, with Recaro-designed front seats that hug you tight yet keep things comfy. Standard Charcoal MicroTech upholstery is sleek, but the optional Bridge of Weir Nappa leather (chrome-free, from animal welfare-certified Scottish cows) in Charcoal or Zinc adds ventilation and massage. Rear seats recline with individual climate controls, and a fold-up armrest makes room for a fifth passenger when needed.
Sustainability is everywhere: flax-based BComp seatbacks are 40% lighter than plastic, Econyl carpets come from recycled fishing nets, and NFPP door panels show off natural textures. A 9-inch driver display moves with the steering column, a 9.5-inch head-up display keeps your focus on the road, and a 14.5-inch Android Automotive touchscreen runs Google-powered tech that’s smooth as butter. Audio options include a 10-speaker setup or a 1,680-watt Bowers & Wilkins system with 21 speakers. It’s a cabin that rivals the Lucid Air’s luxury and Tesla’s tech, but with an eco-conscious soul.
Polestar 5 Performance: 872 HP of Electric Fury
On Millbrook’s one-mile straight, the Polestar 5 Performance prototype felt like a missile. With launch control engaged, its dual motors—delivering 872 hp (650 kW) and 749 lb-ft (1,015 Nm)—catapulted us forward, hitting 60 mph in about 3 seconds, based on Polestar’s 3.2-second 0-100 km/h claim. The base Dual Motor trim offers 738 hp (550 kW) and 599 lb-ft, still blistering at 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h. Both are all-wheel drive, with a rear motor disconnect for efficiency, making it a front-driver when cruising.
The MagneRide adaptive dampers on the Performance trim soaked up Millbrook’s 2.3-mile handling track like it was a country road, keeping body roll in check without feeling harsh. The electric power steering was razor-sharp, even at 140 mph on the oval, and the drive-by-wire Brembo brakes (four-piston calipers, 400mm rotors) felt firm yet forgiving. Custom Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires (255/35R-22 front, 295/30R-22 rear) balanced grip and efficiency, though at 5,600 pounds, this isn’t a track monster—it’s a grand tourer built for real-world thrills.
Polestar 5 Bonded Aluminum Platform: Strength and Sustainability
The Polestar 5’s PPA is a masterpiece—bonded aluminum that’s stiffer than a supercar’s chassis, with 83% sourced from renewable-energy smelters. The 106-kWh (usable) NMC lithium-ion battery doubles as a structural element, keeping weight down (relatively speaking). Double-wishbone front suspension and lightweight two-piece brakes save 12 kg, while the 800V architecture supports 350 kW DC fast charging—10-80% in 22 minutes. Range? Expect 300-330 miles EPA, based on WLTP figures of 670 km (Dual Motor) or 565 km (Performance).
This platform’s a blend of racecar rigidity and eco-smarts, setting the stage for a sedan that handles like a dream.
Polestar 5 Safety and Tech: Future-Ready
Polestar’s safety suite is top-notch, with 11 external cameras, a driver-monitoring camera, mid-range radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors feeding Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving up to 150 km/h. Eight airbags and interior radars ensure precision in a crash. Active Road Noise Cancellation keeps the cabin hushed, and laser-line ambient lighting adds a cool vibe.
The 14.5-inch Android Automotive OS is intuitive, with OTA updates to keep it fresh. It’s tech that matches the Tesla Model S’s brainpower but feels more polished and user-friendly.
Polestar 5 Price and Availability
Official pricing is TBD, but expect the 2026 Polestar 5 to start around $100,000 for the Dual Motor and $120,000 for the Performance trim, per Car and Driver estimates. Built in Chengdu, China, tariffs could bump U.S. prices, but Polestar’s global savvy should keep it competitive with the Tesla Model S ($81,490-$104,990), Porsche Taycan ($99,400-$230,000), and Lucid Air ($69,900-$249,000). It’s set to hit markets in late 2026.
Why the 2026 Polestar 5 Prototype Is a Big Deal
The 2026 Polestar 5 prototype isn’t just a car—it’s Polestar’s bid to crash the luxury EV party. With 872 hp, a chassis that’s tough as nails, and sustainable materials that don’t skimp on style, it’s ready to take on the big dogs. The Millbrook test showed it’s got the chops to deliver, blending supercar speed with grand tourer comfort. Polestar’s turning their Precept vision into reality, and it’s electric perfection.
What’s got you amped—the Polestar 5’s power or its eco-chic design? Hit the comments and let’s talk. Check Polestar’s site for updates as this beast nears its 2026 launch.
Source- caranddriver.com
