Polestar 7 is an Evoque-rivalling crossover being launched in 2028
Polestar will use Volvo’s next-gen EV platform and new European factory for its high-volume crossover
Polestar will begin production of its upcoming compact crossover, the 7, in 2028 at sibling firm Volvo‘s new Slovakia factory.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for Volvo’s third European plant – currently under construction in Kosice – to build the electric Range Rover Evoque rival, which is set to be Polestar‘s highest-volume model yet.
It will be the brand’s first European-built car. The Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 are made in parent company Geely’s facilities in China, as will be the upcoming Polestar 5 sports saloon, while the larger Polestar 3 SUV is built alongside its Volvo EX90 twin in the US.
Polestar has confirmed the 7 – officially previewed below – will use a ‘technology base’ from Volvo, which will mean it benefits “from group component sharing, cell-to-body technology with next-generation battery density and performance, as well as the next generation of in-house-developed e-motors”.
That “technology base” will be shared with two upcoming Volvo models, including the upcoming third-generation Volvo EX60, which will be the first car to use the company’s new SPA3 platform – designed from the ground up for electric vehicles, rather than being adapted from an ICE architecture.
However, Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller has previously told Autocar that, irrespective of any shared components, the 7 will “behave totally like a Polestar”, with the company’s R&D teams working “to make sure that Polestar DNA, in terms of chassis tuning, behaviour, look and feel, comes in”.
Citing the stark differences between the Polestar 3 and the closely related Volvo EX90 as an example of how two cars that share a platform can still be obviously differentiated models, Lohscheller said: “If you take the Polestar 3 and the EX90, I would argue it’s executed very well. The Volvo is comfort and safety, nice and easy for the commute; the Polestar is a performance car – you feel it in how it drives. The suspension is different; the chassis tuning is different.”
The company has now confirmed that “adaptations will be made” to the modular platform to ensure it offers “the driving experience and performance characteristics that Polestar is known for”.
Confirming the decision to use a Volvo platform and factory for his brand’s new entry model, Lohscheller today said: “Working with Volvo Cars to develop and manufacture Polestar 7 in Europe is a unique opportunity that will strengthen our position in our home market.
“Our strategy of utilising group architectures as the base for our future model line-up gives us access to the best, latest technologies, in a cost-efficient manner. With a design and sporty driving characteristics that are instantly recognisable, Polestar 7 will set new standards in the premium compact SUV segment.”
The 7 will also be distinguished by an evolved design language that, Lohscheller said, will be rolled out to all Polestar models to make them “more confident” and better show off their performance potential.
“Design is of the highest importance,” he added. “[The 7] needs to have a very compelling design, obviously in the Polestar style. Maybe a bit more confidence going forward, and the performance element is also super-important.”
Lohscheller also said a defining tenet of this new treatment – which is being defined by new head of design Philipp Römers – will be making the cars “less minimalistic”. But he stressed that the brand will not seek to completely overhaul its styling cues, so the 7 will be recognisable as a sibling of the 2, 3 and 4.
“I wouldn’t say different,” Lohscheller said of the new look. “Design is always evolving. It will develop, especially with a new head of design, but I would say we’ll keep the basics in terms of Scandinavian design, but I want to have a bit more confidence.”
Lohscheller stopped short of confirming whether this new design approach means the Polestar line-up will be available in a broader and brighter spread of colour options than those currently offered.
Source: Autocar
