Polestar’s Precept Concept wowed with its sleek, low-slung grand tourer silhouette and level of digital tech when it was revealed back in February 2020.

The pandemic can’t have helped, but despite committing this car to production in 2022, it’s taken a further three years to get to this production version – has it been worth the wait?

The main reason for the ‘5’s’ long gestation is the fact it’s built on Polestar’s own ‘Performance Architecture,’ rather than one shared with Volvo. Highlights include the bonded aluminium architecture, which is designed to deliver better rigidity and refinement. Plus, the placement of the 112kWh battery pack results in a perfect 50:50 weight balance, which, we were told, equals the best handling possible.

Performance and drive

There are two versions of the Polestar 5 available, with the longest-range version being the Dual Motor version we spent the most time in. It is capable of 421 miles of range, yet still boasts 737hp and 812Nm of torque, with 0-62mph acceleration taking just 3.9 seconds.

Then there’s the Performance version, which uses the same 112kWh battery, but power is increased to a heady 871hp, with 1,016Nm of torque, resulting in 0-62mph acceleration of an almost unbelievable 3.2 seconds. Yet, despite all this power, the ‘Performance’ still has a claimed 346-mile range.

The Polestar’s 800-volt architecture means the Dual Motor can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 22 minutes.

Choose the Dual Motor version of the Polestar 5 and it’s fitted with passive dampers, which we generally have no complaints about – although, like the Polestar 3, there’s a slightly harder edge to the ride.

The ‘Performance’ is fitted with the biggest 21in alloys, in an attractive design. Plus, it benefits from bespoke chassis tuning and clever MagneRide adaptive dampers. Despite the biggest rims, this ‘5’, in our opinion, struck the best balance between comfort and an engaging drive – but only just, as the Dual Motor’s passive set-up is only just behind.

Other Polestar driving highlights are the steering, which is positive and full of feel; the keen handling, with plenty of grip from the specially developed Michelin tyres; and the high levels of refinement considering the performance. The ‘5’ is eerily quiet at speed, with virtually no wind or road noise.

Design and interior

Outside, the grand-tourer design seems to remain faithful to the Concept, with the dual-blade headlights at the front, the sharp cut-out and big wheels at the side. Plus, there’s the long glass roof, as the rear screen is deleted – as with the Polestar 4. And there’s the Kamm-tail rear, where the roof slopes down towards the back of the ‘5’, then ends abruptly with a near-vertical design, with the large rear light bar pushed to the edge.

It looks like a Polestar, but strikes its own attractive styling path when compared to rivals. In our opinion, it looks most interesting from the back.

Inside, the mixture of high-end finishes, such as the leather from ‘Bridge of Weir,’ along with the modern design, makes the Polestar 5 feel attractive and special inside. There is plenty of legroom front and back, and the driving position is excellent.

A highlight at the front is the seats, which were co-developed by Recaro and are impressively supportive, but with plenty of adjustment.

The large glass roof gives the interior a feeling of lightness; however, the tallest may find their heads brushing the roof at the back.

The only rear compromise to the Polestar 5’s design is the relatively small 365 litre boot, although this can be expanded by folding the individual rear seats, increasing capacity to 1,128 litres.

It is just a shame that, like the other Polestar models, the multi-function steering wheel isn’t backlit - so features aren’t easily found. And as before, drivers will be too reliant on the infotainment screen to make changes to this car, as so many features are hidden in menus. However, this is the same as many other modern electric cars.

A costly choice, but whichever ‘5’ is chosen, this Polestar is an impressively involving, high-performance EV GT car. Trust us, you’ll find your limits in this halo Polestar before this car. It really is quite an achievement.

Positive: Styling inside and out, quality and premium feel, performance, comfort and refinement.

Negative: Expensive, tallest passengers might struggle with rear headroom, drivers will be too reliant on the infotainment screen.

Standard equipment: LED headlights, panoramic glass roof, Recaro front heated sports seats, heated comfort rear seats, four-zone electronic climate control, digital rear view mirror, touch-sensitive multi-function steering wheel, 9in driver display, 14.5in infotainment screen, 1,680-watt 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Polestar 5 Dual Motor 112kWh