Just when you thought Polestar might run out of numbers, the Swedish electric performance brand has pulled another one out of the hat. Say a tentative hello to the Polestar 7, a new compact electric SUV that’s currently taking shape, albeit very, very slowly. You might want to get comfortable, because this stylish EV isn’t expected to hit the streets until 2028.
Same Same, But Different
So, what exactly is this future-mobile? The Polestar 7 is a fully electric compact crossover designed to slot in below the larger Polestar 3, which suggests it should come with a more wallet-friendly price tag. It’s widely seen as Polestar’s take on a Volvo XC60-sized vehicle, but expect it to trade some of Volvo’s sensible-shoes vibe for a pair of high-fashion sneakers.
Naturally, you can’t discuss Polestar without mentioning its very close, safety-obsessed relative, Volvo. The family ties are strong here. The Polestar 7 will be built on the new SPA3 platform, a piece of architecture it will share with its Volvo cousins. This means it gets to dip into the corporate goodie bag for things like next-generation battery technology and in-house developed electric motors.
But before you dismiss it as a simple rebadging exercise, Polestar is keen to stress that it will be making “specific adjustments to ensure the sporty handling and driving experience the brand is known for”. Anyone who has driven both the Polestar 3 and its technical twin, the Volvo EX90, can attest that this isn’t just marketing speak; the two cars feel remarkably different on the road. Polestar consistently tunes its vehicles for a more dynamic and engaging drive, distinguishing them from their comfort-oriented Volvo counterparts.A teaser image, which shows the car’s silhouette hiding coyly under a sheet, reveals a few design hints. We can spot what looks like a vertical grille, pronounced fenders, and the signature “Thor’s hammer” daytime running lights that have become a hallmark of modern Swedish car design.
A Tale of Two Brands (and One Factory)
This tale of Swedish synergy is set to play out in a brand-new, state-of-the-art plant in Košice, Slovakia. The $1.4 billion USD facility will be the manufacturing hub for both the Polestar 7 and a yet-to-be-announced Volvo model, showcasing a clear strategy of shared resources. The plant is a significant investment, aiming for an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles.
Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller notes that this partnership allows the brand to access “top-tier technology while keeping costs down”. It’s a pragmatic approach that leverages the scale of the larger Volvo group. According to Volvo Cars’ CEO Håkan Samuelsson, this collaboration benefits both brands, allowing them to deliver exceptional vehicles for distinct customer bases, citing the successful Polestar 2 (related to the XC40/C40) and Polestar 3 (EX90) as proof of the concept.
While the Polestar 7 isn’t due until 2028, its Volvo sibling will arrive first. Mass production of that related Volvo model is slated to begin in early 2027, giving us a preview of the underlying platform and technology well before the Polestar version is fully unveiled. As for when the sheet will be officially pulled off the Polestar 7, that remains a mystery for now. The wait begins.
