Polestar 4: how this coupe electric SUV teaches you to look different

At Polestar in Gothenburg, Sweden, they wanted to create a four-seater SUV with a low profile and a sporty, coupe-like appearance. But to realize that stylistic tour de force, the designers met with important practical opposition. There had to be an adequate amount of legroom in the back seat.

But what if they put the cross between the two pillars of the rear window – above the heads of the passengers but important for the strength of the body – further back? Then a well-sloped roofline and the required amount of bedrooms were possible. Deleted! But the designers immediately created a new problem. Namely: by moving the beam, all rear view was now blocked.

But this problem can also be solved, although in an unusual way. The Polestar 4 has no rear window at all. Yes, you read that right! Yet the Polestar 4 driver doesn’t have to worry about seeing anything behind. Because the camera is mounted on the roof. Real-time images are displayed in high resolution on a screen that replaces the traditional interior mirror.

An important advantage: now you see more than in the interior mirror, the image of which is blocked by the headrests or the heads of the passengers in the back seat. In addition, the camera image covers a larger angle, because the rear window pillars or the height of the rear window have no influence. This is the case with the standard interior mirror (and rear window). Because the camera is under the ‘housing’, it doesn’t get wet and the lens doesn’t get dirty (easily).

When you sit in the back seat of the Polestar 4, you don’t notice that the rear window is missing. Because the panoramic glass roof extends over your head, a lot of light comes in. When you look behind you, you see a high, slightly rounded head. This glows attractively in the dark, as does the dashboard and door panels. A hatch behind the back of your seat (adjustable) provides access to the trunk. The rear seat can be folded into two uneven sections for additional cargo space. The Polestar 4 also has a wider ‘frunk’.

Polestar uses good materials, often processed for the interior and you will not lack luxury and comfort, front and back. All kinds of driving functions, safety systems and multimedia are controlled through the display in the center of the dashboard. Not surprisingly, the whole thing is very reminiscent of Volvo’s electric models. Both brands are part of China’s Geely group, and both use the same technology.

A long-range battery with a capacity of 100 kWh is included under the Polestar 4. The car is offered in two engine/power types. There is a version with one electric motor that transmits 272 hp and 343 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. The second version is Dual Motor, the front wheels are driven by a second electric motor. This variant has a power of 544 hp and a maximum torque of 686 Nm. Fast charging is possible in both versions with a maximum power of 200 kW, a 22 kW charger on board is standard.

The first copies of the Polestar 4 are expected to be released in the Netherlands at the end of the third quarter of 2024. The Polestar 4 Long Range Single Motor is available from 64,800 euros, the Dual Motor with two engines is listed at 72,800 euros. Private rental rates start from 936 euros per month.