Overview
Polestar outlined a three-year product push centered on four electric vehicles, including a new wagon-style variant of the Polestar 4 set for U.S. deliveries in Q4 2026. Trade barriers and Chinese production complicate near-term American availability for the China-built Polestar 5 and the next-generation Polestar 2.
Model roadmap through 2028
- Polestar 5 (flagship): Four-door performance halo with up to 884 hp; production in China. Deliveries begin this summer in markets outside the U.S.; American timing to be announced later under a “staggered” launch approach.
- Polestar 4 (long-roof variant): Adds a traditional rear window and wagonlike silhouette while maintaining SUV-like ride height; aims to boost cargo space and daily usability. Full reveal in 2026; U.S. deliveries planned for Q4 2026.
- Next-generation Polestar 2: Targeting early 2027. Remains China-built; U.S. return under evaluation after the current model exited following the 2025 model year due to higher tariffs.
- Polestar 7 (compact SUV): Due in 2028; confirmed for the U.S. Details on positioning relative to Polestar 3 and 4 are still forthcoming.
U.S. availability and trade constraints
Tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles loom large. They prompted the Polestar 2’s U.S. departure after the 2025 model year and cast uncertainty over U.S. timing for the China-built Polestar 5 and next-gen 2. By contrast, the long-roof Polestar 4 has a firm American timeline for late 2026, targeting a niche that blends SUV versatility with wagon packaging efficiency.
Execution, retail, and positioning
After launch and software challenges for the Polestar 3 and delayed U.S. arrivals for the Polestar 4 (late 2025), the brand aims to rebuild momentum. It expects low double-digit volume growth this year and plans a 30 percent expansion of its retail network to support a broader lineup and restore shopper confidence.
What’s not coming soon
The Polestar 6 two-door performance EV, previewed by the O2 concept, has been postponed from an initial 2026 target to the end of the decade as the company prioritizes higher-volume SUVs and sedans.
Next milestones
- Summer 2026: Polestar 5 deliveries begin in non-U.S. markets; U.S. timing TBA.
- 2026: Full reveal of the wagon-style Polestar 4; U.S. deliveries slated for Q4 2026.
- Early 2027: Next-generation Polestar 2 launches; U.S. feasibility under review.
- 2028: Polestar 7 debuts; U.S. availability confirmed.
