There was plenty of action at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and for Swedish brand Polestar, the event marked the 'dynamic debut' of two of its models.
By dynamic debut, Polestar means that while the two new cars, the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5, have been revealed as static exhibits, both we're being driven up the 1.86km hillclimb course. Though it should be pointed out that the Polestar 5 is an early engineering prototype under a camouflage wrap.
Polestar's First Glance
Both models were on display for festival-goers to get up close to as part of the First Glance Paddock, a showcase of brand-new models and concept cars from a range of manufacturers. And as it just so happened, the two models were parked opposite Polestar's stand at the Festival.
Thanks to Polestar's numbering system, which indicates the order in which models are launched - as opposed to their size or body style - the Polestar 3 is a sporty electric crossover that shares running gear with the forthcoming Volvo EX90 large SUV, while the Polestar 5 is a high-performance saloon in a similar vein to the Porsche Taycan.
The Polestar 3 in Goodwood features a 517hp electric powertrain, while the car's predicted range of more than 600km wasn't troubled by a schedule of two runs per day on the hill. Slightly more rapid is the Polestar 5, courtesy of its 884hp output. That makes it one of the more powerful machines of any shape or size on the hill. Performance figures haven't been quoted for the 5 just yet, but with twin motors giving it four-wheel drive, it delivered rapid acceleration off the start line and was more than capable of spinning up all four wheels, too.
As well as these two new models appearing in prototype form, Polestar had its entire range on display, including the Polestar 2 BST edition 230. "We love showing our latest prototypes to the public at Goodwood," stated Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. "With production now starting in the first quarter of 2024, it's time for Polestar 3 to take its first-ever run up the famous hill. The SUV for the electric age looks fantastic and will be an exceptional car to own. The latest Polestar 5 verification prototype is here, too. Developed in the UK, Goodwood is like home turf for our electric four-door GT."
Show stoppers
The company was at Goodwood in strength, with its show stand displaying another Polestar 3, plus the recently updated Polestar 2 with its new rear-wheel-drive layout in Single Motor guise, along with the Polestar electric roadster concept. The latter will enter production as the Polestar 6, and is scheduled to arrive in 2026.
The Polestar 5, meanwhile, is expected to be fully unveiled in 2024.