Polestar 5 Comfort: Road Test Finds Thrills and Hard Ride

Yes, road tests of the Polestar 5 consistently find that it delivers thrilling performance but with a firm, sometimes harsh ride, especially on rough surfaces. The car’s stiff suspension and low-profile tires prioritize handling and driver engagement over plush comfort, making it a grand tourer that demands attention rather than a softly sprung luxury cruiser.

Formula

The calculator above computes your average pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The formulas are:

• Pace = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km), expressed in minutes per kilometer.
• Speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60), expressed in kilometers per hour.

Where t is the finish time in minutes and d is the distance in kilometers. If you enter a time in hours and minutes, convert it to total minutes first (e.g., 1:30 = 90 minutes).

Worked Example

Using the default values: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km.
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h.

So your average pace is 5:00 per kilometer, and your average speed is 12.0 km/h.

Why the Polestar 5’s Ride Is Firm

The Polestar 5 is a high-performance electric grand tourer, and its suspension tuning reflects that mission. The car uses a multi-link setup with adaptive dampers that can switch between comfort and sport modes, but even in its softest setting, the calibration is noticeably stiffer than typical luxury sedans. This is partly due to the heavy battery pack – the car weighs over 2.2 tonnes – so the springs and dampers must control body motion aggressively to prevent wallowing. The result is a ride that feels taut and controlled on smooth highways, but on broken pavement or sharp expansion joints, you feel distinct impacts through the seat and steering wheel.

Another factor is the standard 21-inch wheels with low-profile tires (e.g., 255/35 R21 front, 295/30 R21 rear). The short sidewalls provide minimal flex to absorb road imperfections, transferring more vibration into the cabin. While this setup improves cornering grip and steering response, it directly trades away ride comfort. Some reviewers have noted that the ride becomes busier at low speeds in urban areas, where potholes and manhole covers are more frequent.

How the Suspension Works

The Polestar 5 uses a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, both with air springs and continuously controlled damping (CCD). The air springs allow the ride height to be adjusted – lower for highway stability, higher for rough roads – but the damping is tuned to keep the body flat during hard cornering. The system uses sensors that read wheel movement and body acceleration dozens of times per second, adjusting each damper individually. In “Comfort� mode, the dampers soften, but they still maintain a firm baseline to prevent excessive pitch and roll. In “Sport� mode, the dampers stiffen further, and the throttle and steering become more responsive, but the ride becomes noticeably harsher.

Drivers can also select a custom mode that adjusts the dampers independently of the powertrain, but even the softest damper setting does not match the isolation of competitors like the Mercedes EQS or BMW i7. That is a deliberate choice: Polestar positions the 5 as a driver’s car, not a chauffeured limousine.

How to Choose Your Configuration

If you are considering a Polestar 5 and comfort is a priority, you have a few options that can mitigate the hard ride:

• Opt for the smaller 20-inch wheels (if available in your market) – they have taller sidewalls that absorb more impact. The 21-inch wheels look sportier but ride worse.
• Use Comfort mode for daily driving, especially on rough roads. It does not eliminate harshness but reduces the sharpest impacts.
• Check if the optional “Tourâ€� suspension package is offered – some markets have a softer-tuned variant, though it is not always available at launch.
• Test drive on your usual routes – a short dealer loop may not reveal how the car behaves on the specific roads you travel daily.

Common Problems and Complaints

Owners and reviewers have reported a few recurring issues related to ride comfort:

• Harshness over sharp edges – potholes and speed bumps produce a firm, thumping impact that can be jarring.
• Road noise – the wide tires generate noticeable tire roar on coarse asphalt, especially at highway speeds.
• Limited suspension travel – on undulating roads, the car can feel jittery as the dampers constantly correct body movement.
• No true “comfortâ€� mode – even the softest setting is firmer than a typical luxury sedan.

Comparison with Rivals

To understand the Polestar 5’s ride, it helps to compare it with direct competitors:

• Porsche Taycan – similar firmness, but the Taycan’s air suspension offers a wider range between comfort and sport, so it can feel more pliant in its softest mode.
• Lucid Air – the Air is noticeably smoother, with a more isolated ride, though it is less engaging to drive.
• Tesla Model S – the latest Model S has adaptive dampers that are softer than the Polestar 5’s, but still not as cushioned as the Lucid.
• Mercedes EQS – the EQS is the benchmark for comfort, with a magic-carpet ride that the Polestar 5 cannot match.

If comfort is your top priority, the Polestar 5 is not the best choice in this segment.

Safety and Handling Benefits

The firm ride is not without its upsides. The stiff suspension keeps the car flat in corners, which improves stability and gives the driver more confidence at speed. The low ride height lowers the center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving grip. The brakes are also strong, with large discs and regenerative braking that provides consistent deceleration. In emergency maneuvers, the car feels planted and predictable, which is a safety advantage. However, the hard ride can make the car feel unsettled on bumpy roads, which might reduce driver comfort on long trips.

Costs and Practicality

Replacing tires on a Polestar 5 is expensive due to the large, low-profile sizes. A full set can cost over $1,500, and the tires wear faster because of the car’s weight and performance. The air suspension may require maintenance over time, though it is generally reliable. The car’s range is competitive, but the ride quality is a trade-off you accept for the performance. If you plan to use the car for daily commuting on rough roads, factor in the potential for more frequent wheel alignment and tire replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Polestar 5 comfortable for long road trips?

It depends on the road surface. On smooth highways, the car is stable and quiet enough for long distances, but on rough or cracked pavement, the constant impacts can become tiring. The seats are supportive and comfortable, but the ride may not be as relaxing as in a luxury sedan.

Can you adjust the suspension to make the ride softer?

Yes, you can select Comfort mode, which softens the dampers, but the change is moderate. The car still feels firm compared to rivals. There is no setting that makes the ride truly plush.

Does the Polestar 5 have air suspension?

Yes, it comes with air springs and adaptive dampers as standard. The air suspension allows ride height adjustment, but the damping is tuned for performance, not isolation.

How does the Polestar 5 ride compared to the Polestar 2?

The Polestar 5 is larger and heavier, and its suspension is more sophisticated, but it is still firm. The Polestar 2 is also sporty, but the 5 has a more controlled, less floaty feel at speed.

Is the hard ride a deal-breaker for most buyers?

For buyers who prioritize comfort, yes. But for those who value handling and driver engagement, the firm ride is an acceptable trade-off. It is a subjective choice, so a thorough test drive is essential.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2