The Polestar 4 is a unique electric vehicle that breaks the mold with its lack of a rear window. While this may seem like an eccentricity, Polestar has a clear reason for this design choice. The absence of a rear window allows for a sleek coupe body style that improves aerodynamics and creates a spacious interior. Polestar’s head of design, Maximilian Missoni, explains that traditional coupes often result in significant view obstruction due to the interior being visible in the rear-view mirror. By eliminating the rear window, Polestar solves this issue and gains a few extra inches of interior space.
The Polestar 4 is based on the modular SEA architecture shared with other brands under the Geely empire, such as Volvo and Lotus. It offers two configurations: the base model, called Long Range Single Motor, features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels and a 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Long Range Dual Motor variant adds a second motor, providing through-the-road all-wheel-drive. Both models boast impressive performance and range, with up to 300 miles of range on rear-wheel drive and up to 270 miles with all-wheel drive. Charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 30 minutes with a 200-kilowatt charger.
Inside the Polestar 4, you’ll find a user-friendly infotainment system displayed on a portrait-oriented 14.5-inch touchscreen. The system is Android-based, offering clear, easy-to-read icons and split-screen functionality. A unique feature allows drivers to customize the split ratio, displaying different information on each side of the screen. Polestar emphasizes that their focus is on creating intuitive systems that minimize distractions for drivers.
The interior design follows a minimalist approach found in other Polestar models, with few physical buttons and extensive reliance on the touchscreen. While this may be unfamiliar to traditional drivers, it is becoming increasingly common in the industry. Polestar adds a touch of novelty by naming the ambient lighting modes after planets in the solar system, allowing occupants to explore the galaxy while on the road.
Performance is a highlight of the Polestar 4, especially in the dual-motor configuration. The instant torque delivered by the electric motor, combined with a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, result in impressive acceleration and handling. The optional Performance Pack adds specific chassis tuning, larger wheels, high-performance tires, Brembo brakes, and gold-colored seatbelts, enhancing the driving experience.
In terms of suspension, the Polestar 4 features a conventional steel setup in the rear-wheel-drive model and an adaptive system in the all-wheel-drive variant. The adaptive system offers three modes for different driving preferences. The touchscreen allows drivers to customize power delivery, steering feel, and one-pedal driving settings. These various settings provide a personalized driving experience tailored to individual preferences.
Despite its unique design elements and innovative features, the camera-based rear-view mirror may be a point of contention for some drivers. While Polestar’s implementation seems to have resolved previous issues with glare, some may find the position of the mirror too far back. However, this ultimately comes down to personal preference, as with any new technology.
It remains to be seen whether the lack of a rear window in the Polestar 4 will become a trend or an anomaly in the automotive industry. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive electric vehicles on the market. Polestar will initially produce the 4 in China and expand manufacturing to South Korea in 2025. With pricing starting at $56,300 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $64,300 for the all-wheel-drive version, the Polestar 4 offers a compelling blend of performance, design, and innovation in the evolving world of electric vehicles.
