The Polestar 5 weighs nearly 1000 pounds more than a Porsche Taycan. You’ve probably already spotted the Polestar 5 and thought: “Wow, that’s really sleek.” It is arguably the most beautiful model in the lineup, and it produces an impressive 884 horsepower. Polestar itself presents the 5 as a direct competitor to Porsche, with its technical features positioning it as a rival to the Panamera and the Taycan. On paper, the competition seems tight, but one detail stands out: the substantial weight of the Polestar 5, hovering around 5600 pounds.
A Striking Weight Comparison
For comparison, the lightest Taycan (rear-wheel drive) weighs 4,630 pounds. Even the heaviest version, the Turbo Cross Turismo, remains well below at 5,196 pounds. This gap is explained by several factors. Besides the fact that the Polestar will only be offered with all-wheel drive (AWD), it also features a larger battery and embodies a Grand Touring philosophy, unlike the Porsche, which is more focused on pure sport.
The Decisive Role of the Battery
The Polestar 5 is equipped with a 112 kWh battery pack, giving it a claimed range of 351 miles (WLTP cycle). The Taycan, on the other hand, has a smaller 105 kWh battery. While the final weight of the Polestar’s battery hasn’t been officially confirmed, it is very likely that it exceeds that of the Porsche, whose battery alone weighs 1,389 pounds. The general rule is that each kWh of capacity adds between 13 and 17 pounds. A difference of 7 kWh could therefore represent a weight surplus of 91 to 119 pounds for the Polestar.
Construction Philosophy and Platforms
The overall construction also plays a role. The Polestar 5 is 200.3 inches long, compared to 195.4 for the Taycan. Its new platform, the Polestar Performance Architecture, is based on a welded and riveted aluminum structure, known for its strength-to-weight ratio. It’s possible that Polestar had to use more materials to achieve its rigidity targets. In contrast, the Taycan’s critically acclaimed J1.2 platform blends aluminum and steel at the B-pillars and roof for optimal robustness without excessive weight gain.
Grand Tourer vs. Pure Sports Car
Finally, the fundamental difference lies in their DNA: the Polestar 5 is a Grand Tourer, while the Taycan is a high-end sports car. Polestar has designed a car that competes more directly with the Porsche Panamera (which weighs up to 5,302 pounds in its Turbo E-Hybrid version). Like the Panamera, the Polestar 5 prioritizes interior space, acoustics, and comfort technologies. These elements, although impossible to quantify precisely, undoubtedly tip the scales.
Conclusion: Two Distinct Visions of Electric Performance
The verdict is therefore no surprise. If you’re looking for a high-performance machine with race-bred handling, the Porsche Taycan remains the benchmark. But if you desire a luxurious and spacious electric Grand Tourer, the Polestar 5 presents itself as a bold and stylish alternative to the Porsche tradition.