Polestar has given us a preview of its future with the Formula 2030 concept, a seriously sexy hatchback that previews the design direction of the Swedish brand’s next-generation EVs. But despite being a concept, the Formula 2030 looks like it could easily translate into a real, roadgoing performance car, including those sick rear coach doors.
Low, Wide, And Practical
The Formula 2030 isn’t intended for production, but elements of its design will start showing up on future Polestar vehicles as soon as next year. The first will be the new Polestar 2, due in 2027 and expected to retain the fastback sedan shape of the current generation. Another new addition we’ve had confirmation of is the Polestar 7 compact SUV, slated to arrive in 2028.
The Formula 2030 doesn’t shake up the Swedish brand’s design, even though its development was overseen by a new design chief, Philipp Römers, formerly of Audi, who took the reins of Polestar’s style department in 2024. According to Römers, Polestar is less than a decade old as a standalone brand, so it wouldn’t make sense to revolutionize its look just yet. Instead, he shaped the concept to build on its existing tenets of striking design, performance, and sustainability.
We agree. Polestar’s current design language, which the brand introduced at the start of the decade with the Precept concept, is hardly in need of a major overhaul. It already gives the cars a distinct look, and the Formula 2030 builds on that with a few more curves, split taillights instead of the overused single light bar, and a jet fighter-like greenhouse that gives off Koenigsegg and Saab vibes. There must be something in the water over in Sweden.
The Formula 2030 is relatively small, too, measuring 184 inches long, or about halfway between a BMW M2 and M4. The rest of its dimensions are more in line with those of a supercar, however, at 80 inches wide and just 53 inches tall. That’s even lower than the sleek Polestar 5 sedan. Key proportions include a long hood, short overhangs, and wide, powerful haunches, all of which hint at serious performance, though admittedly we don’t have any details on the powertrain.
Are Those Real, Physical Buttons Inside?
The interior sticks to the minimalist theme of current Polestars, but thankfully, the Formula 2030 brings back physical buttons (hallelujah!). And these aren’t ordinary buttons, either. Polestar has designed them to replicate the tactile feel of controls found on high-end audio equipment. It’s all about the touch, and Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller is well aware that customers want more physical controls. Expect to see them feature more prominently in the brand’s newest production cars.
Screens still play a big role, of course, but Polestar has come up with an interesting way of making them adapt to the driving experience. The 20-inch curved digital instrument display sits directly on the steering column, while a 12.2-inch touchscreen for the infotainment is integrated into the center console. Both change their positioning depending on the selected driving mode. In Performance mode, the central screen sits flush with the console while the steering wheel and instrument display move closer to the driver. Switch to Autonomous mode, and the central screen rises upright to serve as a media hub.
The rest of the cabin gets plenty of interesting touches, too. Four individual seats use inflatable bolsters and cushions that adapt to each occupant, while their low mounting positions reinforce the sporty driving position. Coach-style rear doors open without a central pillar to make getting in and out easier, and the cabin uses sustainable materials throughout, including seat backs made from flax-based composites. Polestar’s signature gold accents provide a splash of color, while the rear clamshell opens to reveal the cargo hold complete with a clear floor to show off some of the body structure and Öhlins dampers.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters
The Formula 2030 hits all the right notes, from its striking exterior to an interior that finally gives physical controls some love. It all bodes well for Polestar’s future lineup. Unfortunately, America looks set to miss out, at least for now. Polestar’s ties to China and the connected-car technology it uses put the brand on the wrong side of US national security rules. Hopefully that situation changes, because American roads could use a lot more EVs that look this good.
