The company has now confirmed that “adaptations will be made” to the modular platform to ensure it offers “the driving experience and performance characteristics that Polestar is known for”.
Confirming the decision to use a Volvo platform and factory for his brand’s new entry model, Lohscheller today said: “Working with Volvo Cars to develop and manufacture Polestar 7 in Europe is a unique opportunity that will strengthen our position in our home market.
“Our strategy of utilising group architectures as the base for our future model line-up gives us access to the best, latest technologies, in a cost-efficient manner. With a design and sporty driving characteristics that are instantly recognisable, Polestar 7 will set new standards in the premium compact SUV segment.”
The 7 will also be distinguished by an evolved design language that, Lohscheller said, will be rolled out to all Polestar models to make them “more confident” and better show off their performance potential.
“Design is of the highest importance,” he added. “[The 7] needs to have a very compelling design, obviously in the Polestar style. Maybe a bit more confidence going forward, and the performance element is also super-important.”
Lohscheller also said a defining tenet of this new treatment – which is being defined by new head of design Philipp Römers – will be making the cars “less minimalistic”. But he stressed that the brand will not seek to completely overhaul its styling cues, so the 7 will be recognisable as a sibling of the 2, 3 and 4.
“I wouldn’t say different,” Lohscheller said of the new look. “Design is always evolving. It will develop, especially with a new head of design, but I would say we’ll keep the basics in terms of Scandinavian design, but I want to have a bit more confidence.”
Lohscheller stopped short of confirming whether this new design approach means the Polestar line-up will be available in a broader and brighter spread of colour options than those currently offered.