Volvo’s performance-focused sister brand, Polestar, has pulled the wraps off a new electric concept car dubbed the Formula 2030. It signifies a fresh design direction that will be seen on upcoming Polestar models and is touted as a ‘physical manifestation’ of the brand’s Formula 2030 business strategy.
Polestar Formula 2030 concept exterior design
The Formula 2030 concept features sporty and low-slung shooting-brake proportions, measuring 4,680mm long, 2,021mm wide and 1,350mm tall, with a 2,780 mm wheelbase. Up front, the Formula 2030 concept gets Polestar’s signature ‘Dual Blade’ split headlamps, connected by a discreet opening that guides air across the bonnet. Lower down, there’s a trapezoidal air dam with a pair of integrated winglets and an integrated splitter.
Move over to the side, and the Formula 2030 concept’s long bonnet, cab-rearward stance, short overhangs, 22-inch four-spoke wheels and Swedish Gold-coloured Brembo brake calipers immediately stand out. The bulging rear haunches, which Polestar refers to as ‘coke bottle hips’, further signal sportiness, while the exterior is finished in an all-new ‘Nitrogen’ colour. Another neat touch on the Formula 2030 concept is Rolls-Royce-esque opposed-opening doors.
At the back, the Formula 2030 concept is characterised by slim wraparound LED tail-lamps (‘Single Blade lights’ in Polestar speak), which are also bridged by an aero opening. The rear windscreen flows right down from the panoramic glass roof and ducks underneath the sizable roof spoiler, making for a cool pass-through effect. Lastly, the rear bumper bears a wide U-shaped air exit and a subtle integrated diffuser.
Polestar Formula 2030 concept interior
Inside, the Formula 2030 concept sports a minimalistic and driver-focused dashboard layout. One of the key highlights is a high-set centre tunnel that extends all the way to the middle of the rear seats, and houses a 12.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google Gemini integration, and a set of tactile physical controls – a welcome sight. Ahead of the driver sits a yoke-style three-spoke steering wheel and a 20-inch curved driver’s display, which Polestar calls the HyperDIM.
The Formula 2030 concept can seat up to four passengers only, and each seat is equipped with air-inflatable bolsters and cushions that automatically shape themselves for the occupant to provide optimal support. As for the interior colour scheme, Polestar has primarily used a mixture of white and black, accentuated by Swedish Gold finishes for the seatbelts, the bottom spoke of the steering wheel, a knob on the centre tunnel, and the luggage straps in the boot.
Polestar Formula 2030 concept powertrain
Polestar is tight-lipped on what powers the Formula 2030 concept, but it did reveal details on three drive modes, namely Autonomous, Normal, and Performance – selected via the drive mode selector on the centre tunnel. In Autonomous mode, as the name suggests, the Formula 2030 concept takes control of the driving, moving the driver’s seat and steering wheel away from each other.
Normal and Performance modes, on the other hand, give the driver control. In Performance mode, the HyperDIM and steering wheel are pulled closer to the driver’s chest for an even more enthusiastic driving experience, according to Polestar.
The Polestar Formula 2030 concept is not destined for production, but its design elements will start appearing on the brand’s new models from 2027 onward.