Polestar 4: Redefining EV Design with Innovations and Performance
MADRID, Spain – Over the years, automakers have experimented with various design elements to attract buyers, one peculiar trend being the number of windows a vehicle offers. From Volkswagen’s iconic 23-window bus to Citroen XM’s quirky 13th window, these variations have served multiple purposes, from aesthetic appeal to functional enhancements. But with their latest model, Polestar seems to challenge this idea entirely, suggesting that the industry might have reached its zenith with just four windows.
Polestar’s new flagship, the Polestar 4, makes a dramatic departure from traditional designs by omitting a rear window altogether. This innovative choice is not just an aesthetic statement; it’s a calculated decision for optimizing aerodynamic performance and expanding interior space. The T-shaped headlights, grille-less front end, and sleek rear light bar make it visually unique yet distinctly Polestar. This fourth model, positioned below the Polestar 3 in both size and price, almost defies categorization. It’s part SUV, part tall sedan, and part hatchback—an authentic crossover in every sense.
Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilien Missoni, explains the decision to ditch the rear window: "We wanted a coupe-style body for better aerodynamics and a spacious interior." Removing the rear window allowed engineers to shift the D-pillar back, giving more room inside. Additionally, it eliminates distractions often seen in coupe designs, like the appearance of headrests and passengers in the rearview mirror.
Underneath this unique design lies the modular SEA architecture, shared with other brands within the Geely empire, including models like the Volvo EX30 and the Lotus Elettre. The Polestar 4 will launch with two drivetrains: the base Long Range Single Motor and the high-performance Long Range Dual Motor. The single-motor version features rear-wheel drive, generating 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, supported by a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery. The dual-motor variant, offering all-wheel drive, amps up to 544 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque while using the same battery pack. Both variants boast competitive driving ranges—up to 300 miles for the rear-wheel drive and 270 miles for the all-wheel drive. Fast charging capabilities allow the battery to go from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes with a 200-kW charger.
The Polestar 4 contains about 85% of the same infotainment technology as the Polestar 3 but displayed on a vertically-oriented, 14.5-inch touchscreen. This Android-based system allows for a customizable split-screen experience, ensuring less distraction while providing essential information at a glance. "We’re making a car, not a phone. We have to consider the impact of distractions," says Ruben Rodriguez, Head of UX Design.
Inside, the Polestar 4 embraces minimalism, featuring minimal physical buttons. Most controls are embedded in the touchscreen or on the steering wheel, a shift that may surprise traditionalists but is increasingly common in the industry. Additionally, ambient lighting modes inspired by planets add a touch of novelty to the driving experience.
Performance-wise, the Polestar 4 shines, especially in its dual-motor iteration. Equipped with the Performance Pack, which includes special chassis tuning, 22-inch Pirelli tires, Brembo brakes, and gold seatbelts, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds despite its 5,200-pound weight. The low center of gravity and 50/50 weight distribution contribute to impressive handling, although it doesn’t match the Polestar 3’s torque-vectoring prowess.
Unlike the Polestar 3, the 4 opts for a traditional steel suspension, adjustable in the all-wheel-drive models. Drivers can choose between three driving modes—Standard, Nimble, and Firm—adjusting the suspension, power delivery, steering feel, and one-pedal driving to create personalized driving experiences. This flexibility allows the Polestar 4 to adapt to various driving conditions while maintaining a comfortable, spacious interior, as Missoni noted.
The rearview experience in the Polestar 4 utilizes a 2.5-megapixel camera projecting onto an 8.9-inch digital mirror. Although our experience with similar systems has been mixed, this setup seemed mostly efficient, albeit slightly awkward in positioning. As with any new technology, it may not suit everyone’s preference, and the lack of an option for a traditional rear window may deter some buyers.
Polestar’s daring design and technical choices make the 4 a standout in the EV market. Its manufacture will begin at Hangzhou Bay, China, with a second production line opening in Busan, South Korea, by 2025. The rear-wheel-drive model starts at $56,300, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version comes in at $64,300, both including a $1,400 delivery charge.
In an industry eager for innovation, the Polestar 4’s unconventional design and robust performance may set new trends, making it one of the most distinctive electric vehicles available today.
