Polestar’s strategy to continuously upgrade its cars with new software-driven features as they become available has once again been internationally recognised.
This time, by the independent AUTOBEST European jury, composed of motoring journalists from 32 European countries, which has awarded Polestar “SMARTBEST 2026” for its integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance in the US and Sweden directly into the driver display of Polestar 4.
Statement of the jury: “The SMARTBEST 2026 Award goes to Polestar for the integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance directly into the driver display, debuting on the Polestar 4. The AUTOBEST jury recognised this innovation as a significant step forward in intelligent onboard navigation and driver assistance technology.”
Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO, who was present at the award ceremony in Vienna on March 19, says: “We are delighted by the AUTOBEST SMARTBEST 2026 award. A well-deserved recognition of the work from our dedicated R&D specialists and a testament to our successful and long-standing partnership with Google. Important factors behind Polestar’s leading edge in-car technology, benefitting all our customers.”
Polestar is the first automotive OEM to integrate Google Maps’ live lane guidance, an innovation for cars with Google built-in that helps drivers stay on course in the right lane with ease, while navigating complex highways.
Combined with Google Maps’ industry-leading navigation capabilities and AI, live lane guidance delivers visual and audio reminders that help drivers change lanes in time.
Drivers experience the feature in a new interface that highlights all possible lanes for the chosen route, including which lane the car is in.