The Polestar 4: A Daring Vision for the Luxury Electric SUV in 2025
After a decade immersed in the electrifying currents of the automotive industry, witnessing coun
tless concepts morph into production realities and the rapid evolution of EV technology, few vehicles genuinely surprise me. Yet, the Polestar 4, finally making its definitive landing on American shores in 2025, manages to carve out a unique space, not just with its stunning aesthetics but with a bold, almost audacious, reinterpretation of what a performance SUV can be. It’s a statement, a challenge to convention, and a very strong contender in the rapidly maturing premium EV segment.
When Polestar first unveiled the 4, the industry buzzed, largely centered on one specific, polarizing design choice: the complete omission of a traditional rear window. This isn’t a minor detail; it’s a foundational redesign that speaks volumes about Polestar’s commitment to pushing boundaries. As someone who’s seen trends come and go, I can tell you this isn’t a gimmick; it’s a meticulously engineered solution that unlocks both design freedom and technological advancement. For me, it encapsulates the forward-thinking ethos that defines luxury electric SUVs in 2025.
Redefining the Rear View: Innovation Beyond Convention
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the absence of glass in the rear. The Polestar 4 unapologetically jettisons the conventional rear window, extending its panoramic glass roof almost seamlessly to the tailgate. This isn’t merely for aesthetics; it’s a calculated move. Maximillian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design, eloquently explained the dilemma of balancing a coupe-style roofline with interior roominess and rear visibility. Traditionally, one had to compromise. Polestar refused.
Their solution is brilliant in its simplicity and execution: a high-definition, roof-mounted camera provides a live feed directly to the rearview mirror screen. Having experienced this firsthand, I can confirm it’s not just adequate; it’s superior in many scenarios. The field of view is broader, unencumbered by C-pillars or rear passengers’ heads. It offers pristine clarity, day or night, rain or shine. Concerns about snow and ice? Polestar’s engineering team assures robust defrosting capabilities and intelligent lens cleaning, crucial for our diverse American climate. This isn’t just a workaround; it’s an EV innovation that genuinely enhances safety and driver awareness, projecting a clear vision of advanced driver assistance systems in practice. It transforms what could have been a liability into a signature strength, distinguishing it from other premium EV segment vehicles.
This design decision isn’t isolated; it’s part of a larger, cohesive vision. The absence of the rear glass allows for exceptional rear headroom, an often-overlooked luxury in “coupe-SUVs.” It also subtly contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency, a critical factor for maximizing long-range electric SUV performance. This isn’t just about looking different; it’s about engineering differently.
Performance That Thrills: Dual-Motor Dominance and Single-Motor Savvy
Beneath that striking exterior lies a powertrain designed to excite. The Polestar 4 is offered in both single-motor (rear-wheel drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel drive) configurations, each tuned to deliver a distinct yet equally compelling driving experience.
The single-motor variant, boasting 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque from its 200-kilowatt permanent-magnet motor, is surprisingly agile. It clocks 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds, which, while not ludicrously fast, feels utterly composed and responsive for daily driving. What truly impresses is its enhanced range – an estimated 310 miles on a full charge. This configuration offers an excellent balance of efficiency and spirited performance, appealing to those who prioritize range and value without sacrificing the characteristic instant torque of an EV. From an electric vehicle technology 2025 perspective, this rear-drive setup is a testament to optimized power delivery and weight distribution.
However, for those craving unadulterated exhilaration, the dual-motor Polestar 4 is where it truly shines. With a staggering 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. These numbers place it squarely in the territory of some serious sports cars, not just high-performance electric vehicles. What’s remarkable is how seamlessly this power is delivered. There’s no drama, just a relentless, surging push that pins you back in your seat. Despite the significant power difference on paper, both models share a top speed of 124 mph, showcasing Polestar’s focus on usable, real-world performance.
Both versions are equipped with a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour battery, supporting rapid charging at up to 200 kilowatts. This means less time tethered to a charging station and more time on the road. The inclusion of NACS ports as standard is a forward-thinking move, ensuring broad compatibility with the rapidly expanding EV charging infrastructure across the US, alleviating range anxiety for even the most discerning buyer. For the 2025 market, this is a non-negotiable feature for any serious contender in the luxury EV space.
The Dynamics of Driving: An Expert’s Perspective
Having pushed numerous EVs through their paces, I can confidently say the Polestar 4 handles its substantial curb weight (around 5,192 pounds for the dual-motor) with remarkable grace. On the winding roads outside Austin, the active dampers worked wonders, allowing the vehicle to dive into corners with minimal body roll, belying its SUV stature. This isn’t a lumbering SUV; it feels taut, connected, and genuinely engaging.
The four-piston Brembo brakes provide immense stopping power and reassuring pedal feel, a crucial component for a vehicle capable of such rapid acceleration. Steering is precise, offering good feedback without being overly heavy. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds, a hallmark of premium EVs and a testament to excellent sound deadening and aerodynamic refinement. It truly feels like a cocoon of calm, allowing the powerful 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo (part of the premium pack) to deliver an immersive audio experience. This meticulous engineering ensures that the Polestar 4 stands out for its serene yet dynamic driving characteristics, reinforcing its identity as a top-tier Polestar 4 performance SUV.
Beyond raw power, the Polestar 4 is packed with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, utilizing 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These aren’t just passive safety nets; they actively contribute to a smoother, safer driving experience, from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to advanced parking aids. It’s an intelligent co-pilot, not an intrusive nanny.
An Interior Sanctuary: Technology, Comfort, and Sustainability
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes modern Scandinavian luxury – minimalist, functional, and exceptionally well-crafted. The centerpiece is the stunning 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. This isn’t just a screen; it’s the nerve center of the vehicle, offering seamless integration with Google Maps, including the innovative live lane guidance feature (which I’m particularly keen to test once fully implemented). This feature provides real-time optimal lane suggestions and enhanced visual cues for turns, making navigation effortless, especially in complex urban environments. The intuitive interface and access to Google Assistant make controlling infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings a breeze.
However, as an expert, I must offer a tempered view on the extent of screen-based controls. While the large display is gorgeous, moving functions like climate vents and, surprisingly, the glovebox release to the touchscreen can sometimes detract from immediate accessibility. Physical buttons often offer a tactile, no-look interaction that screens can’t replicate. It’s a trade-off, certainly, reflecting the next-gen EV interior trend, but one that power users will need to adapt to.
Comfort is paramount. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats are sumptuously soft, offering heating and massage functions – perfect for long journeys. For those who prioritize sustainability without compromising on luxury, the innovative Tailored Knit upholstery, crafted from 3D-knitted PET plastic waste, is a revelation. It feels premium, looks modern, and underscores Polestar’s commitment to being a leader in sustainable luxury cars.
Rear passengers are not an afterthought. The reclining rear seats, a direct benefit of the rear window-free design (allowing for more generous seatback angles), provide exceptional comfort. They also feature heating and a dedicated small screen for climate and infotainment control, ensuring everyone enjoys the ride. Headroom in the rear is surprisingly generous, though legroom is adequate rather than expansive for taller adults.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten. The power tailgate opens to a wide, cavernous luggage area with useful under-floor storage, offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats up. And yes, there’s a frunk – a surprisingly spacious one for a few essentials or charging cables. These are the details that matter for a family-friendly yet performance-oriented Polestar 4 luxury EV.
Market Positioning and the 2025 Landscape: A Strategic Play
With a starting price hovering around $56,400 for the single-motor and reaching upwards of $71,600 for a well-equipped dual-motor variant, the Polestar 4 positions itself firmly in the premium D-segment performance SUV category. It’s priced competitively against rivals like the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and Mercedes EQE SUV. While “stiff pricing” has been a consistent critique of Polestar in the US market, it’s crucial to understand the value proposition: you’re paying for cutting-edge technology, unique design, exceptional performance, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This isn’t a budget EV; it’s a meticulously crafted Polestar 4 premium EV designed to challenge established luxury players.
The 2025 market is fiercely competitive, but Polestar has a clear strategy. Its manufacturing diversification, with production starting in Busan, South Korea, in addition to Hangzhou Bay, China, is a smart move. This addresses tariff-related concerns and potentially stabilizes supply chain dynamics, crucial for maintaining competitive Polestar 4 price USA structures and wider availability.
Polestar’s continued commitment to being an EV-only brand is also noteworthy. While other manufacturers dabble in plug-in hybrids, Polestar’s singular focus allows for uncompromised dedication to electric powertrain development and infrastructure. This steadfast vision resonates strongly with a growing segment of environmentally conscious luxury buyers.
The Polestar Horizon: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Mobility
The Polestar 4 is not an endpoint but a significant milestone in Polestar’s ambitious product roadmap. The brand has already teased the upcoming Polestar 5, a sleek four-door electric GT sedan derived from the stunning Precept concept, slated for a European launch later this year. Following that, the Polestar 6 promises to be a thrilling two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” a truly exciting prospect for enthusiasts.
Further out, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is due in 2028. Positioned to be smaller and potentially more accessible than the Polestar 3, it signals an expansion into different market segments while maintaining the brand’s core values. The strategic decision to build the Polestar 7 in a Volvo plant in Slovakia underscores the brand’s global manufacturing adaptability and tariff mitigation strategies. These future models reinforce Polestar’s identity as a dynamic, forward-thinking player defining the future of electric mobility.
The Verdict: A Bold Step Forward
The Polestar 4 is more than just another electric SUV; it’s a statement of intent. It challenges preconceived notions of design, luxury, and performance in the electric vehicle space. Its daring omission of a rear window is not a flaw but a feature, unlocking a unique user experience and design elegance. Its performance is genuinely thrilling, its interior a sanctuary of advanced technology and sustainable luxury, and its market positioning sharp and strategic.
Having spent a decade watching this industry evolve, I can discern true innovation from mere novelty. The Polestar 4 embodies the former. It represents a mature, confident step for the brand and a compelling option for discerning American consumers seeking a distinctive, high-performance, and technologically advanced luxury electric SUV in 2025. It’s a car that truly comes alive from the driver’s seat, where its unique blend of power, poise, and futuristic vision becomes undeniably clear.
Experience the Future of Driving: We invite you to step into the Polestar 4 and witness firsthand how performance, innovation, and sustainable luxury converge. Schedule your exclusive test drive today and redefine your expectations of what an electric SUV can be.
