Polestar fans, brace yourselves. The Polestar 6, a sleek and highly anticipated electric roadster, is being delayed. Despite the excitement it generated when unveiled in 2022, production has been pushed back to prioritize an SUV model, the Polestar 7, according to statements from company executives.
The Swedish automaker, backed by Geely, made a bold strategic decision. Instead of following the numerical sequence of their model launches, Polestar shifted its focus to what will drive sales growth—compact crossovers. While Polestar enjoyed a 5.3% increase in sales during Q4 of the previous fiscal year, the total annual retail sales dropped by 15%, standing at just 44,851 units.
Polestar Electric Roadster Concept in futuristic design
This pivot doesn’t come without challenges. According to Scott Maynard, Managing Director of Polestar Australia, “It makes more sense to bring Polestar 7 to market and reach a broader audience of customers first. The extraordinary Polestar 6 sports car can then follow.”
The Polestar 7, a compact, commuter-friendly SUV, aims to tap into the ever-growing crossover market—a category that continues to dominate the automotive landscape globally. Polestar executives argue that crossovers are critical profit-drivers compared to niche vehicles like two-door sports cars.
An additional reason for the Polestar 6 delay lies in its similarities with the Polestar 5 sedan, which is set to start production soon. Both vehicles share the same 800-volt EV platform and boast dual-motor powertrains delivering 884 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. Maynard explained, “We already have a fantastic halo sports car in Polestar 5. It will fill that niche really well, so it makes sense to delay the 6 launch to avoid redundancy in our lineup.”
Polestar 5 Prototype on display
Globally, Polestar shows no signs of slowing down. The company plans to expand its presence with additional retail stores across key markets. This direct-to-consumer model, combined with a projected 11 new locations in the U.S. this year, will bring the total count to 57. Polestar aims to drive 30-35% global volume growth by 2027, solidifying its foothold in the competitive EV market.
The delay of the Polestar 6 may sting for fans of performance cars, but enthusiasm remains high. Unlike other long-awaited EVs such as Tesla’s Roadster—which has faced staggering delays after its 2017 reveal—Polestar remains committed to delivering its droptop sports car. Enthusiasts may have to wait, but the Polestar 6 promises to be worth it when it finally arrives.
Polestar Convertible Design Concept Rendering
While SUVs may not spark the same excitement as roadsters, they’re undeniably practical and profitable. For Polestar, focusing on a model with broad appeal is pivotal to sustaining growth. After all, until the world changes its preferences, SUVs will dominate driveways while sports cars remain collectors’ dreams.
Polestar Specifications
Model |
Horsepower |
Torque (lb-ft) |
Platform |
Launch Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Polestar 5 |
884 hp |
663 lb-ft |
800-volt EV |
2023 Production |
Polestar 6 |
884 hp |
663 lb-ft |
800-volt EV |
Delayed beyond 2026 |
Polestar 7 (SUV) |
TBD |
TBD |
Family-Focused |
Prioritized |
Each step Polestar takes is part of an evolving narrative in the electric automotive industry. Fans can remain hopeful; their patience is likely to be rewarded when the Polestar 6 finally hits the road. The strategy might just ensure Polestar’s success while balancing customer demand across segments.