Polestar: 7>2 but <4

Polestar's current portfolio: 2, 3, and 4 (image: Polestar)

With the new Polestar 5 flagship sedan set to launch this year--with almost 900hp, a new bonded aluminum architecture, and an 800V electrical system--the Volvo offshoot is now looking further into the future. After the launch of the Polestar 6 convertible next year, they will replace their entry-level Polestar 2 in 2027.

But remember, Polestar's products are named in the order in which they are launched. And because the replacement for the 2 will be more of an SUV and less of a compact sedan, it gets a new moniker: 7. They haven't released any sketches or technical information; it's assumed it will leverage the hardware underneath the new 5.

Oddly, Polestar's naming strategy means the 7 will (counterintuitively) have to slot underneath the compact 4 in Polestar's showroom. Fortunately, this move also leaves room for Polestar to develop a 2nd-generation of the coupe-like 4 off the 7's hardware. Polestar also noted the 7 will be built in Europe--possibly at a new Geely plant in Slovakia--which will help them avoid costly tariffs on Chinese-built EVs.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Despite a positive reception to their products (including a few design awards), Polestar has faced numerous issues, including the aforementioned tariffs and the slow-down in EV demand, which contributed to a 15% drop in global sales last year compared to 2023. By the time the 7 launches, Polestar is hoping for positive cash flow and sales growth of 30-35%, but two years is a long time to wait for a turnaround in this increasingly fluid business.

UPDATE: 21JAN25

Well, it appears Polestar has shifted things around a bit, per Autocar; the 7 will not, apparently, replace the 2, but be a new addition to the portfolio (but still slotted below the 4). The 2 will get its own replacement later this decade...