The Polestar 5 weighs nearly half a ton more than a Porsche Taycan. This significant difference, approximately 5600 pounds (2540 kg) for the Polestar versus 4630 pounds (2100 kg) for the lightest Taycan, is explained by several fundamental technical and philosophical choices between these two electric competitors.
A Larger Battery and All-Wheel Drive
The first reason for this mass difference lies in the battery. The Polestar 5 is equipped with a 112 kWh battery pack, larger than the Taycan’s 105 kWh. According to the rule of thumb, each additional kWh adds between 6 and 8 kg. This 7 kWh difference could therefore represent a weight surplus of 42 to 56 kg for the Swedish sedan. Furthermore, the Polestar 5 will be offered exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD), a mechanically heavier configuration than rear-wheel drive.
Divergent Philosophy and Construction
The Grand Tourer versus the Sports Car
The two manufacturers did not design their vehicles with the same vision. Polestar clearly positions the “5” as a luxury Grand Tourer, prioritizing space, acoustic comfort, and convenience technologies. The Porsche Taycan, on the other hand, retains the soul of a more radical sports car, even if it means sacrificing a bit of comfort for lightness and agility.
Different Platforms and Materials
The Polestar 5’s Performance Architecture platform uses an intensive structure of welded and riveted aluminum. To achieve its rigidity goals, it is likely that the manufacturer had to use a greater quantity of material. The Taycan’s J1.2 platform uses an intelligent mix of aluminum and steel (notably on the B-pillars and roof) to gain strength without excessively weighing down the whole.
Conclusion: Two Visions of the Electric Car
Ultimately, this weight difference is not a surprise. It perfectly illustrates two distinct philosophies: on one side, the Porsche Taycan, a sports car designed for pure performance; on the other, the Polestar 5, a comfortable and spacious electric GT. The choice between the two will therefore depend entirely on the driver’s priorities: agility or comfort.