Polestar 5 review

Polestar claims 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds for the Dual Motor and 3.2 seconds for the Performance, but launching off the line both feel capable of much quicker. There’s a proper EV punch in the gut as both variants pile on speed, pinning you back into that lovely Recaro chair.

On the move power is delivered smoothly but with huge force. Overtakes are dealt with in a matter of moments, the only sound a very small amount of motor whine.

The brake pedal is well-judged with decent feel, and you get two levels of regen plus a coasting mode, but there’s no full one-pedal setting and you can only make adjustments through the central screen.

Bit of a shame to not have paddles behind the wheel for a little more engagement, but then again, the 5 feels more about effortless, relentless pace than driver involvement.

How’s the ride?

Well, it’s worth noting here that the entry-level Dual Motor gets a completely passive suspension setup with BWI dampers and hydraulic rebound stops. The ride is perhaps a little on the firm side compared to big limos, but this is a properly quick GT so should have some sportiness to its character, and it still smooths out most bumps in the road.

What’s different about the Performance, then?

Spend the extra cash on the Performance and you don’t just get a heap more power. There’s also fancy semi-active MagneRide dampers that tie the 5 down over rough surfaces, with Standard, Nimble and Firm settings to choose from. The ride in this variant is wonderfully judged, particularly in its softest setting, and there’s just enough information through the seat to let you know what’s happening underneath.

Through bends the 5 is allowed just a little bit of natural roll, with supremely accurate steering that’s relatively light just off centre, but weights up nicely as you add more lock. Isn’t it wonderful to not be dealing with rear-wheel steering systems or fighting the centre of gravity of a hulking great SUV?

The 5’s sorted chassis allows it to feel keen through corners and there’s plenty of grip. Plus, with almost 900bhp on tap you’d need a circuit to really find its limits.

On the road, tyre and wind noise are well suppressed. This is an extremely easy car to do big distances in.

Ah yes, so how is the range?

Our first experience of a production ready 5 was on the roads of Morocco in 40-degree heat, but even with some dynamic driving and the air conditioning working overtime the Dual Motor car managed a mightily impressive 3.9 mi/kWh. That would mean a real-world range of over 400 miles. In similar conditions, the Performance recorded 2.8 mi/kWh.