Electric car enthusiasts in Australia have something exciting to look forward to. Polestar has officially confirmed that their highly anticipated Polestar 5 electric grand tourer will make its way Down Under, bringing supercar-level performance in a sleek four-door package.
What Makes the Polestar 5 Special
The upcoming Polestar 5 isn’t just another electric vehicle – it’s being positioned as a direct competitor to the Porsche Taycan, one of the most respected performance EVs on the market. This positioning tells us everything we need to know about Polestar’s ambitions for this model.
Scott Maynard, Polestar Cars Australia’s managing director, recently shared that order books will open in the final quarter of 2025. While deliveries might start trickling in during the back end of 2026, the company wants to ensure production schedules are locked in before making firm delivery promises.
Revolutionary Architecture and Performance
What sets the Polestar 5 apart is its foundation – a completely new, bespoke electric vehicle architecture developed by Polestar’s UK research and development team. This isn’t a converted petrol car or a shared platform; it’s purpose-built for electric performance.
The technical specifications are genuinely impressive. The most powerful version will deliver up to 650 kilowatts and 900 Newton-metres of torque. To put that in perspective, it matches the power output of a Porsche Taycan Turbo S, though the torque figure sits closer to the standard Taycan Turbo.
Advanced Technology Features
The engineering team hasn’t just focused on raw power. The Polestar 5 features 800-volt battery technology, which means significantly faster charging times compared to conventional 400-volt systems. This technology is becoming the gold standard for premium electric vehicles, and its inclusion shows Polestar’s commitment to staying competitive.
The construction uses bonded aluminum architecture, which provides excellent strength-to-weight ratios while maintaining the structural integrity needed for high-performance driving.
Key Specifications Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Up to 650kW |
| Torque | 900Nm |
| Battery Technology | 800-volt system |
| Construction | Bonded aluminum |
| Production Location | Chongqing, China |
| Order Books Open | Q4 2025 |
Design Philosophy and Sustainability
The Polestar 5’s design draws inspiration from the striking 2020 Polestar Precept concept car. That concept showcased innovative sustainable materials, including natural fiber decorative panels and 3D-knitted upholstery made from recycled PET bottles.
Given that similar sustainable materials have already appeared in the production versions of the Polestar 3 and 4, buyers can expect the Polestar 5 to continue this environmentally conscious approach. This isn’t just about looking good – it’s about creating luxury vehicles that align with the values of environmentally aware consumers.
Production and Global Strategy
Polestar will manufacture the 5 in a new dedicated facility in Chongqing, China. This facility specializes in the brand’s new in-house architecture and will also handle production of the upcoming Polestar 6 electric sports car.
The timing represents a slight delay from original plans – the Polestar 5 was initially scheduled for 2024 production. However, this extra development time should result in a more refined final product.
Market Position and Competition
The Australian electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive, and the Polestar 5 enters a space where performance and luxury intersect. While the Porsche Taycan currently dominates this segment, the Polestar 5 offers a compelling alternative with potentially more accessible pricing.
Polestar’s current Australian lineup includes the 2, 3, and 4 models, with the latter two having just launched locally. Adding the 5 and eventual 6 will give the brand five models by 2026, creating a comprehensive range that rivals established luxury brands.
Current Market Performance
Through October 2024, Polestar registered 1,460 new vehicles in Australia, representing a 21.63% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. The Polestar 2 leads sales with 1,379 units, while the newly released Polestar 3 and 4 have recorded 56 and 25 units respectively.
These numbers suggest that 2025 will be crucial for the brand, as it will be the first full year with all three current models available throughout the entire sales period.
The Polestar 5 represents more than just another model addition – it’s a statement of intent from a brand that’s rapidly establishing itself in the premium electric vehicle space. With its combination of performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, it could appeal to buyers who want something different from the established German luxury offerings.
For Australian buyers interested in high-performance electric vehicles, the Polestar 5 promises to deliver an exciting alternative when it arrives in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I order a Polestar 5 in Australia?
Order books open in Q4 2025, with potential deliveries starting in late 2026.
How powerful is the Polestar 5?
The top variant produces 650kW and 900Nm, matching Porsche Taycan Turbo S power levels.
Where will the Polestar 5 be manufactured?
production takes place at a new facility in Chongqing, China, dedicated to Polestar’s latest architecture.
