At Auto Zurich, we got to spend time getting to know the Polestar 4, which will reach U.S. buyers in a short while. It is one of the most radical electric SUVs on the market, featuring a stunning design that guarantees to turn heads wherever it goes, along with a premium interior and strong performance.
Design
The Polestar 4 doesn’t start from a blank sheet of paper, borrowing visual cues from the bigger Polestar 3. That said, everything in the car, including the platform, is different. In my opinion, the 4’s shorter, wider, and lower dimensions, coupe-style roofline, and slimmer taillight bar make it look more attractive than the 3.
In addition to the striking proportions, the 4, unlike the 3 or any other Polestar model, or maybe even any other SUV, doesn’t have a rear windshield. Vehicle designers often have such crazy ideas, but in most cases, they end at the conceptual stage.
The view through the rear glass of SUV coupes is so compromised that drivers mostly just see the interior of their own vehicle. The Polestar 4 uses a bank of HD cameras instead. Just from an aesthetic point of view, I think the 4 with a fully covered tail section looks so different. Logically, if you were to ask me, it was a good decision to eliminate the back glass.
Interior
Moving to the interior, customers can choose from Bridge of Weir leather (available with the Nappa upgrade), Tailored Knit, or bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery made from recycled PET.
Infotainment is handled by a 15.4-inch center display, complemented by a 10.2-inch driver display and an optional 14.7-inch head-up display. Audio options range from a standard 8-speaker setup to a 16-speaker, 1,400-watt Harman Kardon system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Google apps are included.
The front seats are 8-way power-adjustable for the driver and 6-way for the passenger, upgrading to 12-way adjustment and massage with the Nappa pack. Heated front seats are standard, while heated rear seats, electric reclining seatbacks, and a power steering column are added with the Plus pack. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, offering up to 54.2 cu.ft of cargo space.
Experience in the Polestar 4
Ingress in the Polestar 4 is smooth, with flush door handles that deploy as you approach. The frameless doors open wide, revealing a cabin that feels futuristic and clean. Once seated, I immediately noticed how minimalistic and screen-focused the interior is. Two bright displays serve as the instrument cluster and central touchscreen.
Finding a comfortable position was easy, and the seat design impressed me with strong shoulder and back support. The under-thigh extensions are a welcome touch, especially for long drives. Headroom is good for my six-foot frame, even with the full glass roof. The yellow seatbelts and ambient lighting add a sporty, premium feel.
The only drawback is that nearly every function, seat ventilation, massage, temperature, is controlled through the lower section of the screen, rather than physical buttons. I would prefer a dedicated HVAC panel for convenience.
Cabin practicality is well thought out. There’s a wireless charger tucked into the dashboard, multiple storage pockets, and a minimalistic rotary dial on the center console for volume and drive control. The standout feature is the digital rearview mirror, which replaces the traditional window and provides a clear, wide view.
In the rear, entry is easy, and the seat itself is comfortable with excellent back support and generous knee room. The floor is slightly raised, so my knees sit up a bit, but headroom is still sufficient. The rear seat reclines electrically, and the fold-out armrest includes hidden cupholders. AC vents on the pillars ensure even airflow, and the star-pattern ambient lighting adds a distinctive touch.
Specifications
The Polestar 4 is offered in two variants. The Long Range Single motor version uses a 200 kW (272 hp) rear-mounted motor producing 253 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and offering an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles. The Long Range Dual motor variant delivers 400 kW (544 hp) and 506 lb-ft with AWD, cutting the 0-60 mph time to 3.7 seconds, with 280 miles of range.
Both versions feature a 100 kWh, 400-volt lithium-ion battery supporting DC fast charging up to 200 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes. AC charging is rated at 11 kW, taking about 11 hours for a full charge.
The Dual motor version can tow up to 3,500 lbs, while the Single motor variant is rated at 2,000 lbs. Chassis options include a standard dynamic setup or a Polestar Engineered version with adaptive ZF dampers and Brembo brakes in the Performance pack.
Price
The Polestar 4 begins at USD 56,400 for the single-motor long-range version, and at USD 62,900 for the long-range dual motor. It competes with the Audi Q4 e-tron, Lexus RZ, and the Tesla Model Y Performance. Deliveries of the vehicle is expected to begin in the U.S. widely in the coming weeks.
TopElectricSUV says
The Polestar 4 is an electric SUV coupe with unmatched sportiness and style, a high-quality and high-tech interior, and plenty of space and comfort, which is rare for its body style.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
