2025 Polestar 4 Ditches Vestiges for Streamlined Performance

Polestar is excited to unveil its first entry into the lucrative SUV market with the all-new Polestar 4. This electric crossover will allow the Swedish automaker to expand its lineup and attract new customers seeking a sustainable yet spacious family hauler.

Underpinning the Polestar 4 is Polestar’s proprietary bonded aluminum platform called SPA2. This advanced skateboard architecture provides a stiff foundation while keeping weight in check. Just as importantly, it allows for flexibility—with SPA2 being optimized for both combustion and electric drivetrains.

Speaking of electrification, the Polestar 4 prototypes were fitted with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that should send around 450 horsepower to all four wheels. This should give it spunky performance befitting an SUV from a performance brand like Polestar. The modular nature of SPA2 may even allow different powertrain configurations in the future.

For batteries, Polestar installed a sizable 105 kWh lithium-ion pack under the floor of the 4. This should afford it an estimated driving range of up to 300 miles per charge. Not too shabby for a performance-minded electric SUV! With support for ultra-fast DC charging at up to 250 kW, refills should only take about half an hour from 20-80% battery capacity.

Out back, Polestar equipped the 4 with a multi-link suspension for absorbing impacts in a civilized manner. And up front is a tried-and-true MacPherson strut setup. But what’s most impressive is how finely-tuned the dynamics are. Where some rivals prioritize sheer grip overall, Polestar focused on creating an enjoyable yet compliant ride.

Visually, the Polestar 4 turns heads with its cab-rearward design language. Short front and rear overhangs combined with sizable wheels pushed to the very edges create a rugged yet elegant appearance. In the back, full-width animated tail lamps framed by a thin strip of chrome lend it a premium look.

2025 Polestar 4 Sheds a Vestigial Limb

But perhaps most eye-catching are the”Thor’s Hammer” inspired multi-beam LED headlamps. Their distinctive trapezoidal running lights flank the Polestar roundel and signature for an unmistakable visage whether lit up during the day or night.

Although this prototype was wearing some disguise, Polestar claims the 4 needs little in the way of changes before production. Sure enough, its athletic proportions and crisp details suggest the final version will look near-identical when it reaches customers as a 2025 model.

Inside, Polestar crafted the 4’s interior as a modern, minimalist haven. Sustainable wool-blend upholstery wraps the ergonomically-contoured seats, which can accommodate up to five passengers in comfort. An expansive glass roof floods the cabin naturally.

However, the real highlight is Polestar’s unique infotainment setup. Running Google’s Android Automotive OS, the 4 features an expansive iPad-like touchscreen up to 15 inches across. This powers an intuitive interface for controlling the climate, sound, driver aids, and more.

Speaking of features, the 4 offers the latest connected services and advanced driver aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring help make longer trips less stressful. A crisp head-up display further enhances convenience by projecting key data onto the windshield within eyeshots.

Most importantly, Polestar has finely calibrated the 4’s powertrain programming and steering/suspension to deliver a relaxed yet engaging drive. It corners with poise and handles bumps smoothly while accelerating predictably from stops or when pressing onward amid curves.

Out on some winding roads, this prototype showed off its dynamic abilities. It was eager to change directions yet did so compliantly without drama. Body roll was negligible yet the overall impression remained comfortable rather than racy in its behavior.

From behind the wheel, the 4 felt solid and well-damped. Steering weight was on the light side but offered precise feedback. As for performance, kickdown yielded smooth surges of power ultimately resulting in swift yet civilized acceleration. Throughout, the near-silent cabin added to the luxurious feel.

Exemplifying Polestar’s focus on sustainability, drivers can also monitor their energy usage in real time. By dialing in one’s preferred regenerative braking level moreover, the 4 maximizes recuperation further stretching its electric range. Performance and efficiency were both major priorities during development.

While the prototypes tested came shod with large 23-inch wheels, Polestar aims to offer a more reasonable 20-inch setup as standard. But for those after additional dynamic capability, an optional Performance Pack brings stickier tires, bigger brakes, and retuned adaptive dampers into the mix.

In terms of powertrain responses, the 4 lets the driver select from four different drive modes. These range from a comfort-oriented Hybrid setting to an over-the-top Performance mode that unleashes the full potency of the dual-motor powertrain for maximum thrust.

According to Polestar, the 2025 4 will arrive at the market with an assortment of interior and exterior colors as well as package options. Look for it to start within the high-$60,000 range too when order books open later next year. With specs and driving impressions like these, it may be worth stretching the budget.

For families seeking a space-efficient yet sexy electric SUV, the dynamically gifted Polestar 4 looks to suitably fit the bill. Its SPA2 platform paves the way for innovations, while its sophisticated driving character paired with competitive technologies should appeal to a wide audience.

From where this author sits, the prospect of a performance-minded electric crossover from Polestar is utterly enticing. With any luck, waiting until 2024 for the production version will fly by – especially if more prototypes end up on nearby roads. This could create quite a stir in the luxury market.

The Polestar 4 marks a major milestone in the company’s ambitious plan to expand its lineup. As the brand’s first SUV, it aims to draw new customers seeking a sustainable family hauler with sporty credentials. Early impressions suggest it will succeed by blending utility with dynamic virtues usually reserved for lower-riding vehicles.

Underneath, Polestar’s patented SPA2 platform plays a fundamental role in the 4’s promising prowess. By bonding aluminum panels to a composite cradle, it achieves an ideal 50/50 weight distribution without bulk. This underpins the 4’s agility while keeping mass low and rigid for safety. It also allows flexibility that may see both combustion and electric drivetrains over time.

2025 Polestar 4 Sheds a Vestigial Limb

Speaking of green innovations, Polestar made sustainability a key focus. The high-capacity battery allows an estimated 300+ mile range on a single charge using mostly recycled materials in its construction. Fast-charging to 80% takes just 30 minutes. Efficiency was also a priority, as drivers can monitor usage and maximize recuperation through brake regen modes.

Another highlight is the 4’s advanced driver-assist technology aimed at enhancing comfort and safety on daily commutes or longer road trips. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring take the hassle out of traffic while a head-up display puts key information in the driver’s field of view. Over-the-air updates will refine these features further post-launch.

When it comes to looks, the 4 stands out with crisp Nordic design characteristics. Cab-rearward proportions paired with Polestar’s distinct “Thor’s Hammer” headlights and full-width taillights lend it road presence befitting an electric performance SUV. Near-production camouflage on prototypes suggests the final design requires minimal tweaks.

Inside, the 4 impresses just as much with its sophisticated yet minimalist-luxury ambiance. Sustainable wool upholstery wraps contoured seats providing all-day comfort for five. A spacious feel continues with an expansive glass roof and 15-inch touchscreen powered by Google’s intuitive Android Automotive platform.

Functionality was also a design priority, with several storage cubbies, wireless device charging, and available three-zone climate control for all occupants. Cargo capacity wasn’t disclosed but is expected to generously suit most families’ needs whether luggage or gear are being hauled.

The 4’s rear multi-link suspension soaks up bumps while its specially-tuned MacPherson struts up front lend finesse through turns. Feedback from piloting prototypes on the road and track convey that its poised yet docile nature is perfectly calibrated for day-to-day use rather than outright aggression.

Smooth and seamless, power is delivered by two electric motors providing up to a projected 450 horsepower. On tap, this results in effortless surges of acceleration whether merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic amid bends. Yet the 4 never feels unsettled – it maintains composure at all times.

Committing to curves, negligible body roll allows leaning into banks with trust and control. Conversely, straight-line stability proves exceptionally flat and refined thanks to meticulous tuning. Integrating ride comfort was a development priority regardless of the situation.

Capping off an engaging drive is positive and natural-feeling steering weighted for precision rather than heaviness. Turn-in proves sharp yet not darty or nervous in any way. Meanwhile, regenerative braking functions seamlessly akin to standard friction brakes for confident stops and platform feedback.

Backed by Polestar’s dedication to performance electrification and a commitment to quality, the 4 seems poised to exceed expectations and win over a discerning clientele seeking an eco-friendly luxury hauler with a driving spirit. With any luck, waiting less than two years for initial deliveries will pass in a flash.

While the Polestar 4 signals the brand’s early steps into SUV territory, its first-rate driving character, advanced technologies, and design prowess set a high benchmark. With refinements sure to come, it could win significant market share and help further Polestar’s global expansion amid growing demand for electric performance vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

After gallivanting across Southern California’s scenic backroads, one thing remains clear – the Polestar 4 prototype confidently showcases this startup automaker’s talent for blending sustainability with captivating dynamics. It may still be early days, but this advanced electric SUV heralds an alluring vision of adventures to come when customer deliveries commence in 2025.

With the 4, Polestar makes no secret of its ambitions to compete at the highest levels of the luxury automotive sphere. Its first foray into the lucrative SUV segment looks primed to succeed based on the prototype’s polished driving manners and technology-led cabin.

Beneath the surface, Polestar’s SPA2 platform allows scaling of powertrains for the future, from performance-focused electric to a possible plug-in hybrid. The bonded aluminum structure achieves a rigidity that enhances safety and feel, while also saving mass for increased range or stronger accelerative forces.

Speaking of performance, the 4’s standard dual-motor all-wheel drive setup churns out a projected 450 horsepower. With launch control, it likely sprints to 60 mph in the low 5-second range. Yet more impressive is its repeatable vivacity, seamlessly summoning surge after surge of thrust under acceleration.

Inside, the driver faces digitized instruments and an expansive tablet-like infotainment screen powered by Google’s intuitive automotive operating system. Sweeping across Icelandic vistas or lingering in cities, this tech temple enhances every journey through connectivity.

Of course, such capabilities only heighten enjoyment when matched to an entertaining steering character. With its alacritous responses yet composed ride blanketing bumps, the 4 proves a technologically advanced grand tourer for the electric age that few rivals can currently match.

With some camouflage still obscuring final bodywork details, the Polestar 4 prototype whets the appetite for what’s to come. Refinements will surely abound before 2024/2025 production. But even at this early stage, the foundations have been expertly laid for success.

Between its striking Nordic design selling the EV lifestyle, top-tier infotainment, effortless kick of dual motors, and real-world ability to traverse the continent in a charge, the Polestar 4 prototype establishes new benchmarks. This promises a breakout hit when order books open.

While development continues behind closed doors, days spent sampling the 4 prototypes only intensified longing for the future. This is an electric performance machine excelling in interacting fundamentals of dynamics, utility, and technology in a luxurious package still priced within reach of ambitious drivers.

With the 4, Polestar asserts itself as a serious luxury contender for the next generation. By prioritizing eco-conscious transportation that stimulates both soul and synapses, it will likely achieve commercial glory on par with its budding driving enjoyment – converting many petrolheads to the light side.

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