The Polestar 5 Performance impressed Stuff reviewer Rob Clymo with its grip, acceleration and composure on varied UK roads, but the same test also left him with a firm ride and lower-back discomfort. Its driving appeal and comfort trade-off are both worth understanding before you decide whether this electric grand tourer suits you.
Why the Polestar 5 was rewarding to drive
On a route that included Kielder Forest and a mix of UK road surfaces, Clymo found the Performance increasingly enjoyable the longer he drove it. He praised its quick acceleration, strong brakes and planted handling, describing the car as feeling “welded to the road” when driven enthusiastically.
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Stuff reports that the test car weighed around 2,500 kg and had a 50/50 weight distribution. Clymo’s impression was that the car’s rigidity and balance helped it feel settled through varied terrain. Those are observations from one road test, not a guarantee of how every driver will experience the car.
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A firm ride over UK surfaces
The ride was the clearest compromise in Clymo’s account. He wrote, “Sure, the ride is quite hard, and at times felt borderline harsh.” The car handled the surfaces on the test route, but that did not make its suspension feel soft or forgiving. Drivers especially sensitive to sharp impacts may want to assess it on the roads they use most.
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Seats that affected the reviewer’s lower back
Clymo described the seats as figure-hugging, but said they took a toll on his lower back: “But, boy, they did take their toll on my lower back.” The test car had seat massage, heating and cooling. He welcomed the massage function, but the review does not say it eliminated the discomfort.
Can chassis settings make it more comfortable?
The Performance test car had MagneRide adaptive dampers and steering modes labelled Light, Standard and Firm. These give drivers ways to adjust the car’s responses to preference and terrain. However, Clymo’s account does not establish that a different setting removes the firm ride or makes the seats more comfortable.
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If comfort is a priority, treat the settings as something to evaluate rather than a promised fix. During a test drive, try the available modes on rougher roads and spend enough time in the seat to see how your back responds.
Performance or Dual Motor: what the review reports
Stuff’s 6 October 2026 review gives the following figures for the two versions. They are figures as reported by that review, not independently verified manufacturer specifications.
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| Version | Power | Maximum range | 0–60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual Motor | 737 bhp | Up to 421 miles | 3.8 seconds |
| Performance | 817 bhp | Up to 346 miles | 3.1 seconds |
On those reported figures, the Performance offers more power and quicker acceleration, while the Dual Motor has the longer stated maximum range. The review also records approximately 3 miles per kWh during Clymo’s Performance drive; that is a single test observation, not a standardized efficiency result.
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Stuff reports an 800 V electrical architecture, a 112 kWh battery and charging capability of up to 350 kW. The review lists 365 litres of boot space, rising to 1,128 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a 62-litre front trunk. It notes that the boot opening and side panels could make awkwardly shaped loads harder to manage.
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Clymo also noted thick front roof pillars that made entry somewhat awkward, and a touchscreen-centred interface with climate controls at the bottom of the screen. The charging port sits on the rear section of the front wing; he wondered whether its position might complicate lining up close to some commercial chargers. These are observations from his test, not findings from a broader usability study.
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How to judge whether the Polestar 5 suits you
- Prioritize handling and performance? The road test suggests the Performance can be highly engaging, with strong acceleration, braking and a planted feel.
- Need a supple ride or supportive seat? Take a test drive that includes rough surfaces, and pay particular attention to ride impacts and lower-back comfort.
- Choosing between versions? The figures reported by Stuff favour the Performance for power and acceleration, and the Dual Motor for maximum range.
- Comparing rival cars? Stuff names the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT and Lotus Emeya as contenders, but its article is not a controlled comparison. Assess comfort, seat support, range, charging, cargo space and price using equivalent information for the versions and market you are considering.
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