With his sharp eye for minimalist design, Polestar Expert Exterior Designer Maxime Célérier knows how to create a unique and refined design that is not only aesthetically appealing but also exudes power. The Polestar Concept BST, a concept car inspired by motorsport, already has us dreaming of the Polestar 6, the electric roadster set to hit the streets in 2026.
Text: Anja Van Der Borght
How Did the BST Story Begin?
MC: “The story behind BST is quite amusing. It all started with our former CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, who, together with our chassis specialist, modified his own Polestar 2 to make it sportier and more agile. They enhanced its performance by integrating elements from the Polestar 1, such as better brakes, larger and wider wheels, and a broader track. That experimental car often sat outside our headquarters in Sweden and caught the attention of many passersby. Since it didn’t have an official name, they dubbed it ‘the beast of Thomas.’ Later, Thomas challenged our design team to develop a real, high-performance version of the Polestar 2. The name ‘beast’ stuck, but it was shortened to ‘BST,’ keeping only the consonants to maintain the sound while giving it a more technical feel. Since then, we have released two special BST editions of the Polestar 2: the BST 230 and the BST 270, both in limited production. This new concept, the roadster, was the perfect opportunity to experiment once again with the BST concept and push performance to the limit. It is purely a style experiment, a concept car not intended for production, but rather to explore ideal proportions based on our new PPA platform (Polestar Performance Architecture), the same platform that will also be used for the Polestar 5, the electric four-door GT set to launch in the second half of 2025.”
What Can We Expect in the Future for Electric Cars and Convertibles?
MC: “I can only speak for Polestar. The convertible market is relatively niche, so our strategy was first to demonstrate how we can develop different models while staying true to our brand values. Our first model, the Polestar 1, was a plug-in hybrid coupe that established the foundations and values of the brand. The Polestar 2 played a key role as a volume model, and for a long time, it was our only mass-production vehicle. But with the introduction of the Polestar 3 and now the Polestar 4, we are showcasing the brand’s growth and evolution. The Polestar 3 and the sleek Polestar 4 allow us to diversify our lineup. Now, it is important for us to emphasize Polestar’s exclusive side, highlight its premium positioning, and present a fresh vision of luxury. Sustainability and material choices play a significant role in that. Taking the BST roadster concept as an example, an electric car allows me as a designer to achieve incredible proportions. I can combine a long enough wheelbase with short overhangs, ensuring that all four wheels are perfectly positioned on the road. Thanks to the electric platform, we can place the wheels exactly where we want, resulting in an elegant, well-proportioned body. Electric driving offers additional advantages: without an engine block in the front, we can focus more on the wheel arches, giving them a beautiful shape. Additionally, we can lower the hood, which enhances both the aerodynamics and the overall character of the car.”
There’s No Combustion Engine, But Doesn’t the Battery Still Take Up a Lot of Space?
MC: “That’s correct. The battery is positioned between the wheels in the floor. The electric motors are placed on the front and rear axles, but the overall packaging is more compact. This allows us to optimize space and give the car a sleeker and more dynamic appearance. With electric cars, I face fewer constraints, giving me more freedom to create beautiful proportions.”
Why the Bold Rear Spoiler, Which We Don’t Usually Associate With Polestar?
MC: “At Polestar, we follow three core design principles: purity, progressiveness, and performance. For every model, we strive to achieve the perfect balance between these pillars. However, with the BST concept, we wanted to focus strongly on performance—pushing Polestar’s limits in extreme performance. And what better way to do that than with a sporty roadster? The spoiler is bold and dramatic, but we wanted it to seamlessly integrate into the design. That’s why the body line rises and connects perfectly with the spoiler. When viewed from a distance, it aligns exactly with the rest of the design, making it a natural part of the overall shape. We worked closely with our aerodynamics experts in England to optimize airflow. The air must flow perfectly under the wing to ensure maximum efficiency. The support structure for the wing ensures that the airflow remains completely clean underneath, combining performance with a streamlined and functional design.”
What Can You Reveal About the Polestar 6, the Electric Roadster Launching in 2026?
MC: “In the automotive industry, there’s always a race to achieve the fastest 0 to 100 km/h time, but that’s not our philosophy. At Polestar, it’s all about the perfect driving experience—an agile car that carves through corners effortlessly, with balanced power distribution and pure driving pleasure. The Polestar 6 is designed as a cruiser, an electric convertible that offers a silent, smooth ride. But beneath that elegant exterior lies a hidden beast, ready to unleash its full potential in race mode whenever you desire. The performance version will deliver 650 kW, equivalent to 880 horsepower. I can also reveal that the proportions of the BST concept and the key lines of its silhouette will carry over to the Polestar 6, which will be built on an existing platform.”
What Do You Consider the Most Successful Element of the BST Concept Car, and What Was the Biggest Challenge?
MC: “I love the rear of the car. It’s a bit unconventional, but when I walk around this car, I always start from the back. Compared to the roadster concept we presented two years ago, we have significantly emphasized the rear in this BST version to highlight how the car sits on the road. We pulled the lines inward while pushing the wheels outward, creating a powerful shoulder line and wheel arches. I find that shape beautiful, even sensual—I love running my hand over it.”
What Was the Most Challenging Aspect?
MC: “The biggest challenge was integrating the aerodynamic elements we added. We didn’t want them to feel like mere additions but rather as an integral part of the overall design. The challenge was deciding what to add and how to seamlessly incorporate it, but also what to leave out—which elements were unnecessary? It was always about finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.”
Is There Anything at Polestar You Already Consider Iconic?
MC: “There are actually many things! One aspect I deeply appreciate is our lighting signature, the so-called ‘dual blade.’ When viewed from the front, the headlight design is perfectly symmetrical. I love that symmetry because it creates a clean and simple look that is instantly recognizable. But we have also made the symmetry functional—the headlights not only serve as traditional lighting but also have an aerodynamic function. This aligns with our philosophy of giving each element multiple functions, ensuring the design remains as pure and minimalist as possible.”
Would Someone Be Able to Tell You Are a Designer Just by Looking at Your Home?
MC: “Absolutely. I have a strong passion for Scandinavian design, with a focus on craftsmanship, detail, and materials. Think of brands like Bolia, Hay, Muuto, Norr11, Ferm Living, and Chhatwal & Jonsson. At home, I have several pieces of furniture and decorative elements that I deeply appreciate for their simplicity.”
What Car Do You Drive?
MC: “On a daily basis, I drive a Polestar 2. It’s an incredible feeling to drive a car that I contributed to designing. But when I go on vacation to the south of France, I drive a 1965 Citroën 2CV AZAM in ‘Gris Rosé’—a warm light grey color that still feels modern, even after sixty years. The seats are in ‘rouge diamanté’ red. For me, it’s the ultimate vacation car—slow, full of charming creaks and squeaks, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. A true joy to drive with the roof open during summer getaways!”
