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Talk to any designer, and they’ll tell you the same thing; true innovation is one of the most challenging parts of the job. That’s particularly true of the automotive industry, where some of the fundamental principles of car design have remained untouched for decades. But playing it safe only gets you so far.

Polestar product line up on stage in Abu Dhabi.
We have gone from a blank sheet of paper, to a cohesive and progressive line-up that spans price brackets and vehicle sectors in just a few short years.
Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar

The era of EVs has allowed for some “out of the box thinking” in the world of car design. Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar, says “The shift to electric vehicles, and the architecture they employ – we no longer have to package bulky engines, fuel tanks and complicated drivetrain components ­– allows us greater freedom to explore the proportions and form of our cars. And here at Polestar, without the legacy and history to be adhered to that you see from some other established brands, we have greater freedom than most to really do things differently.”And so our decision to launch five performance EVs by 2026 was borne out of this desire to break free from these established conventions. By rolling out four new products in the next three years, we can create and innovate on our own terms. Technology, first introduced in our concept cars, already features in these recently launched production vehicles. When viewed side-by-side, our model line-up is a bold yet fluid homage to design evolution. And displayed together for the first time in Abu Dhabi last month, our ambition for the future of electric mobility was front and center for the world to see. Missoni continues “We are now launching a new car every year, establishing our brand identity at the same time. We have gone from a blank sheet of paper, to a cohesive and progressive line-up that spans price brackets and vehicle sectors in just a few short years. This is a unique opportunity, but not without a real sense of responsibility to create something iconic, intelligent and pure.”But it's about more than just establishing a unique visual identity. Form has no value without function. We take many of our design cues from the Scandinavian philosophy of minimalism. And as such, we simplified the way driver and passenger interact with a car - enhancing experiences by removing unnecessary barriers between user and vehicle. No more start buttons. No rear windows. And, of course, no more exhaust pipes. We've introduced the "SmartZone". Reengineered air purification systems. And redesigned the SUV concept. “Alongside this pure minimalism we want our designs to be iconic, with bold exterior and sophisticated interior design, taking big steps in sustainability in the materials we use while offering a unique digital experience that the current tech-savvy consumers demand,” reveals Missoni.And on a stage in Abu Dhabi in late May, that vision shined the brightest.Don't believe us? See for yourself.  

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Polestar 3 in Abu Dhabi.

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With machine learning exhibitions, anti-smartphone throwbacks, and a giant brutalist orange lavatory, Milan Design Week is always one of the most sought-after tickets on the cultural calendar. Designs first seen on these well-trodden streets inevitably filter down into your homes, wardrobes, and, yes, even cars. As any good creative will tell you, if you want to see what’s coming next in the world of design, you must first start in Milan. We join Nargess Banks for this year’s must-see attractions at Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone.