05:53 20-02-2026

Polestar switches to classic door handles in new models

Polestar has announced a return to traditional door handles. According to CEO Michael Loscheller, the brand's new models will feature conventional exterior handles instead of flush-mounted or pop-out mechanisms.

The brand has previously used various solutions: the Polestar 2 comes with classic handles, the Polestar 3 and Polestar 5 have flush handles that tilt out electronically, and the Polestar 4 features fully electronic pop-out handles.

Criticism of such designs has been mounting for years. For instance, the German automobile club ADAC warned that flush handles could complicate access to the cabin in an accident. In China, such solutions will be banned starting in 2027.

For buyers, this is important since it signals a shift toward proven technology. According to the company, electronically extending handles on future models will give way to more familiar options. This change applies to new vehicles from 2026 and subsequent Polestar generations. Overall, the move looks like a design adjustment that prioritizes safety and adapts to key market regulations.