Polestar doesn't succumb to trends, fads, or gimmicks but seeks to achieve a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal, he told WhichCar Australia at the unveiling of the Polestar 3 SUV prototype here last month. The car is expected to have its market launch in 2024.
Escobedo expressed his distaste for the trend of overly round car shapes, often chosen for their aerodynamic benefits. He believes in doing something different and avoiding the "aero-is-everything" design trap, a critique that could be indirectly aimed at brands like Tesla, BYD, and Mercedes' EQ range.
He underscored his point of visual balance by pointing out that the Polestar 3 features a unique nose wing without resorting to overly rounded edges for efficiency.
Escobedo, a car and plane enthusiast since childhood, joined the Geely-owned Polestar in 2017 and has played a big role in designing their vehicles.
Flashy lighting is another one of his grouses. He expressed concern about the excessive use of lights in both car interiors and exteriors, comparing them to mini-Vegas displays.
Polestar aims for a more refined approach, focusing on the driver's experience and minimising distracting lights and buttons, he said.
He criticised the trend of flamboyant exteriors and emphasised Polestar's dedication to Scandinavian design principles. He highlighted the importance of making Polestar cars recognisable by their design rather than relying on oversized emblems in line with the brand's aim to set a unique standard rather than following fleeting trends.
As the first vehicle solely developed by Polestar, the Polestar 3 embodies their vision of a luxury SUV. Escobedo said it's not just a people mover; it's designed with the driver in mind, offering both luxury and a rewarding driving experience.
Escobedo told the Australian press that future models of Polestar would do away with rear windows to lighten the cars and extend range. One example would be the Polestar 4 SUV Coupe, due to arrive later in 2024; it uses a rear-facing HD camera, providing a wider field of vision.
In Australia, Polestar is based here. A total of six retail stores, known as Polestar Spaces, are available for customers to physically engage with Polestar Specialists, arrange test drives and schedule handovers.
Escobedo (right) with Polestar design chief Max Missoni (left) and senior interior design manager Juan Pablo Bernal.
Polestar's future product line-up are (from right) Polestar 3, Polestar 4, Polestar Precept (Polestar 5) and Polestar electric roadster concept (Polestar 6).
