Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand established in 1996 by Volvo Cars' partner Flash/Polestar Racing and acquired in 2015 by Volvo.  Geely describes the brand as "independent" from 2017 onwards and "co-owned" by it and Volvo Cars. It is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden with vehicle production taking place in China. The company develops electric performance cars and offers performance hardware upgrades and engine software optimisations for Volvo models through their Polestar Engineered division.

The Polestar name originates from the STCC Polestar racing team which spawned Polestar Performance AB, in turn acquired by Volvo Cars in July 2015. The racing team changed its name to Cyan Racing, while maintaining close ties to both Volvo and Geely, later focusing on Polestar sister brand Lynk & Co.

In June 2017, Volvo announced Polestar would begin producing high-end electric performance cars under its own name and badge. Polestar also functions as an innovation lab for Volvo Cars, developing designs and technologies of a more experimental nature.

c30 polestar performance concept prototype

polestar 1&2

The first Polestar car was introduced on October 17, 2017: Polestar 1, a luxurious 2+2 coupé inspired by Volvo's Concept Coupé introduced in 2013, which includes influences from the Volvo P1800. The Polestar 1 features an electric hybrid drivetrain, with a combined power output of 600 hp and 1,000 N⋅m of torque, vectored by two rear  110 hp motors. The car has a 46 hp⋅h battery and a range of 150 km in pure electric mode. The Polestar 1 will be built in a new purpose-built Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, from 2019 at a rate of up to 500 per year, and made available via subscription rather than sale.

In 2019, Polestar announced the Polestar 2, a mid-sized battery-electric vehicle (BEV). It was unveiled on February 27, 2019 in an online unveiling which was broadcast from the Polestar headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Directly after, it had its public debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It is produced at Geely's existing plant in Luqiao, China.

polestar 3

The Polestar 3 is a battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Swedish manufacturer Polestar, an affiliate of Geely Holding and Volvo Cars, since 2024. The Polestar 3 is the first vehicle to use the SPA2 platform, a vehicle platform which is dedicated to battery-electric vehicles.

The vehicle is the flagship for the brand, positioned above the 4 compact SUV, and is based on Volvo's similarly sized EX90 crossover.

Despite being similarly sized to the EX90 third-row vehicle, the 3 is exclusively a 5-seater. It comes exclusively in all-wheel drive.

The 3 has a choice of 2 models: the Dual Motor, and the Dual Motor Performance Pack. The base Dual Motor has a combined output of 483 hp, 840 N⋅m and a WLTP-rated range of 610 km. The Performance Pack model has a combined output of 510 hp, 910 N⋅m and a WLTP-rated range of 560 km.

Both models have two permanent-magnet synchronous motors, with one at each axle. Both models use a single-speed transmission, and a 111 kWh battery.

polestar 4

2023-now

The Polestar 4 is the brand’s latest addition to the electric automaker’s growing lineup, with the new SUV slotting between the Polestar 2 sedan and the larger 3 in terms of size and price. The compact crossover adopts a stylish design showcasing key features from the Polestar Precept concept car. 

The Polestar 4 will be available in both single- and dual-motor layouts. The long-range, dual-motor version produces 544 horsepower. The crossover can hit 100 km/h  in 3.8 seconds, making it the brand’s fastest production car ever. Even though the Polestar 1 had more power, the Polestar 4 will hit 100 quicker. The long-range, single-motor version, which powers the rear wheels, makes 272 hp.

The Polestar 4 debuts with a new drive optimization function that allows drivers to select between range and performance driving modes. Range prioritizes efficiency, with the crossover capable of disengaging the front electric motor to save energy via a disconnect clutch. 

Performance mode sharpens the 4’s responsiveness and engages both motors at full power at all times. The dual-motor version has a semi-active suspension, while Polestar offers the model lineup with a range of 20- to 22-inch wheel choices wrapped in either Pirelli or Michelin rubber. 

polestar 5

2025-now

Planned for launch in 2025, Polestar 5 is an F-segment electric performance 4-door GT built on the brand’s first bespoke EV architecture. Developed by the Polestar UK R&D team, the bonded aluminium platform will house an 800-Volt battery and some of the most powerful electric motors on the market – developed by Polestar R&D in Sweden. Polestar 5 is expected to produce up to 884 hp and 900 Nm. Core competitors include the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz EQS.

Polestar 5 is the production evolution of Polestar Precept, the manifesto concept car launched in 2020 to showcase the future ambitions of Polestar. The interior specifically featured innovative new materials like natural fibre composite deco panels made from flax fibre, and 3D-knitted upholstery made from recycled PET – both of which are already making their production debuts in Polestar 3 and Polestar 4.

A new production facility, which will specialise in the bonded aluminium platform, is being prepared in Chongqing, China, and will also produce Polestar 6.

polestar 6

2026-now

Polestar 6 is planned to be the production evolution of the Polestar electric roadster concept which was revealed in 2022. Featuring a shortened version of the bespoke bonded aluminium platform designed by Polestar’s UK R&D team for Polestar 5, the 2+2 electric performance roadster defines a new era of open-top electric motoring, with an 800-Volt battery architecture, and up to 884 hp and 900 Nm  from electric motors developed by Polestar R&D in Sweden.

It added to the brand’s design and sustainability ambitions showcased by Polestar Precept with innovative aluminium grading and a mono-material interior. Polestar 6 is due to launch in 2026 and the first 500 units will be special “LA Concept edition” versions – with unique design details that emulate the concept car.

Polestar 6 is due to be produced in Chongqing, China, alongside Polestar 5.