Polestar almost ready to release the BST

EV specialist Polestar has made a full throttle commitment to launching its BST performance division, with the first production model set to debut by the end of the year.

BST, or Beast, has been dabbled with by Polestar over the years, but is now set to become a full-time part of the line-up in the same spirit as Mercedes-AMG or BMW M.

It will start off with a BST version of a model from the existing Polestar line-up that will be introduced to the world in late 2026 or early 2027, however which one that will be is unclear.

In the past, Polestar introduced two limited-edition BST versions of the Polestar 2, the 230 and 270, and a 2024 concept based on the Polestar 6 sports car, which itself remains unconfirmed for production.

Previous Polestar management also dropped strong hints the 3 large SUV and mid-sized 4 crossover would get the BST treatment.

There’s also the incoming Polestar 5 luxury flagship sedan which goes on-sale in Australia mid-year, to consider as a potent but expensive basis for a BST makeover.

While BST limited editions have not previously come to Australia, Polestar Australia CEO Scott Maynard, who has previously expressed his enthusiasm for BST is convinced the sub-brand will work here.

“Australia’s a market that loves high-performance product,” he said. “To be able to offer up a bit more of a BST line-up to some of the vehicles we have got or are going to get … would be tremendous.”

Pressed for more details, he added: “I think we should expect some BST enhancements to more of the range.

“It’s recognised as something that would be worthwhile and it would sit well with brand image.

“So I think we can look forward to some more BST enhancements to some of our products.”

But Maynard would not be drawn on which model was likely to be the launch platform for BST.

“We’ll see a model that will wear that badge and it will be substantially different.

“Too early to say [which model] at the moment, but there’s plenty of work going on, on just where that brand would fit nicely and what models it would couple with.”

New Polestar design boss Philipp Römers hinted at BST’s return during media interviews at the Munich motor show last year.

In fact, Römers even dug into the styling theme of a BST, explaining it would not use big wings and outlandish adornments to make a performance statement.

“We should remain, of course, progressive and have some features which are outstanding, but the execution and the looks of the car should be highly attractive and well done and should not scare you!”

The arrival of BST will form a critical plank in the EV brand’s attempts to maintain momentum during the long wait between the launch of the Polestar 5 and the arrival of the Polestar 7 compact SUV in early 2028.

Other significant updates of the standard 2, 3 and 4 models are also expected in this timeframe.

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