Polestar New Zealand has unveiled the Polestar 4 SUV and Polestar 5, marking a significant moment for the brand as it expands its electric vehicle offering and prepares for its next stage of growth.
Today, we were invited by Polestar to check out their new product lineup and a broader discussion of the brand’s positioning in the premium electric vehicle market and its development in New Zealand. The event also marked official leadership handover, which in itself makes it for a timely moment for a refresher on Polestar’s future direction.
From lockdown beginnings to a nationwide presence
The brand’s Kiwi journey began in August 2021, with its initial launch taking place during the country’s COVID-19 restrictions. The first media briefing was held from a makeshift setup in the basement of a local dealership, with support from the Swedish team joining remotely.
Despite the challenging start, the brand quickly established itself. An early public activation in Newmarket generated 246 test drives and 42 sales in a single month, followed by the opening of its original retail space. Polestar has since expanded through a franchise model, with seven locations across the country.
The local business has also navigated significant market challenges, but the brand believes its position in the premium EV segment remains strong, supported by customer loyalty and the enduring appeal of its vehicles. The latest launch represents a shift in focus towards a broader and more capable product range, with the Polestar 4 SUV expected to become a key volume driver in New Zealand.
Polestar 4 SUV: expanding the appeal
The new Polestar 4 SUV builds on the design and driving character of the Polestar 4 coupé while introducing a more conventional SUV profile and greater practicality. The return of a traditional rear window, increased luggage capacity and roof rails broaden its appeal to buyers seeking an electric vehicle suited to everyday life and outdoor activities. A new camping mode and vehicle-to-load capability further reinforce that positioning.
With a starting price of $109,900 for the single-motor version and $119,900 for the dual-motor model, the Polestar 4 SUV is positioned to compete in the premium electric SUV segment while offering customers a choice between the coupé and SUV body styles. In addition to that, Polestar has also refined the vehicle’s chassis and driving dynamics, with the latest model benefiting from further development over the existing Polestar 4. And we got to drive it – I’ll share driving impressions shortly, so stay tuned.
Polestar 5: the performance flagship
At the other end of the range sits the Polestar 5, the brand’s new performance focused flagship. Developed on a dedicated platform, the four-door GT combines striking design with a focus on performance, comfort and sustainability. Its spacious rear seating, distinctive styling and high performance powertrain reflect Polestar’s ambition to compete with established premium performance brands.
With outputs reaching 650kW, the Polestar 5 represents the most powerful expression of the brand’s engineering to date. Its development also draws on expertise from the UK, including engineers with experience in powerful vehicle development. The Polestar 5 is priced from $239,900, with the Performance variant starting at $269,900, and should present stark competition to other established players on that market.
Design, performance and sustainability
Across the new models, Polestar continues to emphasise a combination of Scandinavian design, driver focused engineering and material transparency. During our presentation, the company highlighted its use of recycled and low impact materials, including recycled carbon fibre alternatives and synthetic materials to reduce reliance on fossil resources. Polestar also publishes lifecycle emissions information for its vehicles through its annual sustainability reporting, a first in the industry. That approach forms part of the brand’s broader stance: premium electric mobility that places design and driving experience alongside measurable sustainability commitments.
For Polestar New Zealand, the arrival of the Polestar 4 SUV and Polestar 5 marks many things. It is the launching of very important products, a transition from establishing the brand in a challenging market to building a more comprehensive premium electric vehicle offering and all of that supported by a growing local presence and a renewed focus on retaining the customers they have already conquered, while also breaking new ground.
