Polestar's Next Big Move: More Physical Buttons, More Actual Colors

"As part of the brand's ambitious plan to add four new EVs to its portfolio by the end of 2028, the company wants to ditch some of the software buttons found in today's models in favor of proper hardware buttons. Interiors will also get a dash of color for some extra personality, said Philipp Romers, the automaker's head of design, during an online webcast today."

"There's also the question of safety, though, as Europe's main car safety body, Euro NCAP, has tightened its criteria for offering the top five-star crash safety rating. To get a shot at the highly coveted five-star rating in 2026, new cars sold in the European Union have to have physical buttons for basic functions. Currently, Polestar models have most of their buttons on the central infotainment touchscreen, with additional hardware buttons on the steering wheel and a rotary dial for the volume control."

"Currently, the Polestar 4 and Polestar 3 configurators show grey, white, black and more black as the only options for the interior colors. That's on par with the typical German brands, but it can be a bit boring for Polestar's customers, who are much younger than competitors' buyers. According to Michael Lohscheller, the Swedish automaker's CEO, Polestar's average buyer is about 45 years oldabout 10 years younger than the competition."

Polestar plans to add four new EV models to its portfolio by the end of 2028. Upcoming models will replace many software touchscreen controls with proper hardware buttons and introduce more colorful interiors to add personality. Infotainment will continue to run Google's Android Automotive operating system and receive expanded personalization options. Current Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 configurators offer mainly grey, white and black interiors. Euro NCAP will require physical buttons for basic functions to qualify for a five-star rating in the EU from 2026. Polestar models currently use a central touchscreen, steering-wheel buttons and a rotary volume dial. The Polestar 5 and Polestar 4 will go on sale this year.

Read at insideevs.com