Polestar Unveils China-Built Electric Sedan to Battle Porsche
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Polestar Automotive Holding UK debuted a luxury sedan as the Swedish electric vehicle maker seeks to challenge rivals like Porsche AG with its Taycan.
Launched at the Munich auto show Sept. 8, the Polestar 5 is a grand tourer that will start at 119,900 euros ($140,580). While the vehicle will be produced in China, its aluminum platform was engineered by Polestar’s own team in the U.K., unlike the current lineup that was developed closely with sister brands Volvo Car AB and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
The model has been compared to the Porsche Taycan, but a Polestar spokesperson said the German sports car maker’s Panamera was a more natural competitor based on price and performance. The Taycan, an electric model, starts at 102,600 euros in Germany, while the Panamera that’s available in gasoline and hybrid variants is priced from 116,400 euors.
The launch comes just days after Polestar — controlled by Chinese billionaire Li Shufu — disclosed a $739 million write-down related to its Polestar 3 sport utility vehicle. CEO Michael Lohscheller, under mounting pressure to deliver a turnaround, is betting the Polestar 5 and two future models will jump-start sales.
Since taking over last year, Lohscheller has pushed Polestar toward a more traditional dealership model, scaled back operations in China and sharpened focus on sales in Europe and North America. Like many peers, the company suspended its 2025 financial guidance earlier this year, citing uncertainty around tariffs and regulations.
The Polestar 5 has a charge range of 565 kilometers (351 miles), while the higher-performance version — that starts at 142,900 euros — will reach 670 km. Both versions can hit 100 kmh (62 mph) in under 4 seconds. Deliveries will start in the first half of next year.
The company is planning more models with the Polestar 6 roadster and a more affordable Polestar 7 compact SUV. The Polestar 7 will be assembled at Volvo’s new plant in Košice, Slovakia.
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