Polestar future model launch timing firms
BY MATT BROGAN | 20th May 2024
POLESTAR has outlined approximate Australian launch timings for its range of future vehicles, which will be identified by number chronologically from 3 through 6 over the next three years.
The Polestar 3 large SUV (from $132,900 + ORC) is due imminently, following the five-seat SUV model’s official launch in Spain this month, with the Polestar 4 coupe-SUV (from $81,500 + ORC) expected in August.
It will be followed by the sleek Polestar 5 four-door GT in early 2025 and sporty Polestar 6 coupe-convertible in late 2025 or early 2026.
Speaking with Australian media at the international launch of the Polestar 3 and 4, Polestar head of product communications Brent Ellis said the brand is continuing to build on its success since launching seven years ago, the incoming SUV range set to broaden appeal in more popular market segments.
“This year is a really important year for us and is one that effectively starts and opens the next chapter in our company’s history with the addition of Polestar 3 and Polestar 4,” he said.
“Those (vehicles) are going into margin and volume progression segments; they are of course cars that people want in very popular segments, and they also bring in some manufacturing diversification, first of all with the Polestar 3 going into production in the US and also with the Polestar 4 down the line as well into South Korea.”
While the expansion of production for Polestar models will indeed assist the brand in strengthening its reach into other markets – with production targets of 290,000 units annually suggested by mid-decade – it is currently unclear from where future models for the Australian market will be sourced.
Mr Ellis was unable to provide detail on the availability of right-hand drive vehicles from either the United States or South Korea, hinting that locally sourced Polestar models would continue to be imported from China.
“This means we now become a three-car company with Polestar 2 in the C-D segment, Polestar 3 in the E segment, and Polestar 4 in the D segment,” he continued.
“If you look at Polestar 2, 3 and 4, you look at higher volumes. These cars are built on group platforms and are produced in factories leveraging our founding parent companies, their infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing abilities, and R&D operations.”
The momentum – and returns – the Polestar 3 and 4 will offer the manufacturer should pave the way for more unique models in the years ahead.
Already-announced Polestar 5 and 6 models will see the Sino-Swedish brand spread its wings to offer vehicles built upon its own platforms, and with higher performance and more cutting-edge technology.
“(The Polestar 5 and 6) are more bespoke cars,” outlined Mr Ellis.
“They are (built) on our own platform, they will be built in our own factory, and they will have a more mid-volume in terms of their lifecycle production numbers – that gives you an idea of how our portfolio starts to grow and where the cars fit in with each other.”
The Polestar 5 will arrive as a challenger to the likes of the Audi RS E-Tron GT and related Porsche Taycan, promising a 650kW/900Nm punch and 800-volt battery architecture – with 370kW DC fast charging – aimed at setting a new benchmarks for all-electric performance.
In development since 2022, the Polestar 5 is confirmed for the Australian market and is expected to be priced from around $160,000 plus on-road costs in single-motor form, and around $240,000 + ORC in dual-motor configuration.
It will be followed almost immediately by the limited-build Polestar 6, a 2+2-seater with sporty proportions that will arrive as a competitor to the all-electric next-generation Porsche Cayman and Boxster, due in mid-2025, and upcoming electric sportscars from Lotus, another sister brand under the umbrella of Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely.
Developed in-house, the Polestar 6 will feature the high-performance, 800-volt electric architecture already confirmed for the Polestar 5. This includes output of up to 650kW and 900Nm from a dual-motor powertrain, a targeted 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.
Along with the striking blue exterior, the first batch of Polestar 6s will feature a light leather interior and 21-inch wheels inspired by the original Polestar O2 concept that was influenced by aerospace design, both aesthetically and aerodynamically.
Visit GoAuto again soon for our international launch review of the Polestar 3 and 4 range from Spain.
