Beyond the Road: Oliver and Jos van den Berg
For many "car people," ownership is about more than just the vehicle. It's a never-ending journey that encapsulates passion, performance, and, in some cases, a deep connection with a brand. For one father-son duo in Germany, their experience with Polestar has been an exploration of just that. We spoke to Oliver and Jos van den Berg to discover what it's like being part of the Polestar family.
You don't just buy a car, you buy an experience
Some people don't believe in love at first sight. But not the Van Den Bergs. They remember exactly where they were the first time they saw a Polestar. "It started with the first picture of the Polestar 1. My son comes around the corner and says, 'Dad, look. What's that?'" says Oliver when remembering that fateful day back in 2017. The car's elegance and innovative design immediately captivated the family—as did the rare and unique status the car exuded. While other premium car brands lean heavily into their luxury heritage, Polestar offers a different kind of status altogether. "Polestar is not a brand like Porsche or BMW," Oliver notes. "It's not a sign that says 'you've got money'. Polestar is a little more understated."Not one for flaunting wealth, Oliver was attracted to beautifully crafted cars that weren't widely known. In contrast to more conventional luxury automakers, Polestar maintains an air of exclusivity, offering cars that feel both cutting-edge and refreshingly unpretentious. "You don't just buy a car, you buy an experience," Oliver's son, Jos, explains, emphasising that Polestar's appeal lies in its ability to combine minimalism, elegance, and performance. "It's the full journey."
We're not just customers—we're part of a family
Even though both immediately fell in love with Polestar's unique design language, it's not just looks that impress—it's the blend of power, design, and innovative technology that makes the brand stand out. "Every time you drive a Polestar, it feels like you're on a race track," explains Jos.
The car's response, precision, and handling provide a somewhat visceral connection to the road, making even everyday drives exhilarating. Jos' sentiments are echoed by his father. "The Polestar 3 is a comfortable car with performance. It's perfect for long road trips, yet you can still take it on a track and feel confident. It gives you the best of both worlds."
The ability to seamlessly blend comfort with high performance is a hallmark of the Polestar experience, which offers a versatile and exciting driving experience regardless of the occasion. But despite the thrill of the drive, the most striking element of this family's journey with Polestar is found elsewhere.
"We're not just customers; we're part of a family," says Oliver, reflecting on the relationships formed through their ownership of Polestars (the family owns a Polestar 1, two Polestar 2 BSTs, and a Polestar 3). It's this sense of community that has elevated their experience with the brand, turning what could have been simple car purchases into something much more meaningful.
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This shared bond is nowhere more evident than during Polestar track events, where Polestar owners connect with company employees over two days of driving, training, and entertainment. "This weekend is very special," Oliver reflected after attending a recent event in Bilster Berg, Germany. "You meet people who have become like family. We've known them for years, and it's always a reunion—a driving party."For this father-son duo, their journey with Polestar is far from over. Having first-hand experience of the brand's evolution from the Polestar 1 to the fully electric Polestar 2, and now the Polestar 3, Polestar has become more than just a car manufacturer for this family; it has become an integral part of their lives. "It's about loving the brand, the electric cars, and the whole experience," finishes Oliver. "It's like a family. We make it together."
