Polestar has unveiled a striking design study and tech showcase that previews the aesthetic and technological direction the Swedish electric vehicle brand intends to pursue over the coming decade.
The Formula 2030 concept adopts a low, wide stance that evokes a sporty wagon rather than a conventional SUV crossover. The prototype also marks the first foray as Polestar's new head of design of Philipp Römers, former head of exterior design at Audi. His goal, he has said, is to forge a bold visual identity for Polestar while respecting the Scandinavian minimalism that defines the brand.
Design of the Polestar Formula 2030 Concept
Measuring 4,680 mm in length and 2,021 mm width, the concept has a 2,780-mm wheelbase. Most striking, however, are the ultra-low height of just 1,350 mm and the rear clamshell doors. The vehicle sits on 22-inch wheels and features a translucent visor-like windshield housing a deployable LiDAR module.
Painted in a light blue-tinted white shade called Nitrogen, the concept incorporates Swedish Gold accents on its Brembo brake calipers and internal cargo straps — a nod to partner Öhlins and Polestar’s heritage as Volvo's performance arm.
The oversized wheels and radical proportions are typical concept flourishes and are unlikely to make their way into the brand’s future production models. But it’s a different story for many other elements. The distinctive lighting elements, for example, are confirmed for production models. Up front, the Dual Blade lighting signature — set within aerodynamic wing structures — will debut on the next-generation Polestar 2 expected in 2027. At the rear, the single horizontal light bar will influence the forthcoming Polestar 7, a premium compact crossover set for release in 2028.
Polestar execs say that, despite being Geely-owned, the brand enjoys significant creative freedom to shape a distinct persona in the premium EV market, without relying on shared corporate design templates.
Interior of the Polestar Formula 2030 Concept
The interior of the Formula 2030 makes a distinct statement against industry trends. We note the absence of tinted glass; instead, the effect is of an open, expansive four-seat environment that is relatively minimalist. The space is also rife sustainable materials, including bio-based linen composites, recycled low-emission galvanized steel and single-material recyclable door panels.
Technology in the Polestar Formula 2030 Concept
Most notably, the concept pushes back against screen clutter. The central touchscreen measures 12.2 inches, which is almost in a premium vehicle these days, and it’s complemented by an instrument panel and steering wheel that adjust dynamically depending on the selected drive mode (Performance, Normal or Autonomous).
Directly below the central display sits a bank of customizable, plug-and-play physical controls. Using what Römers calls a “mechatronic” design, drivers can hot-swap and program modular switches, toggles and guitar-amp-inspired rotary knobs. The setup allows commonly used functions like climate and media to be operated intuitively without navigating digital submenus.
More a showcase than a future model
We won’t be seeing the Formula 2030 morph directly into a production model. Instead, Polestar is using the concept as a blueprint that will serve to guide the development of future models. And that will happen soon, starting with the aforementioned next Polestar 2 and all-new Polestar 7 coming within the next year or so.
