The Polestar 4 in 2025: A Rear-Windowless Revolution Redefining the Electric Performance SUV Segment
Having spent over a decade deeply immersed in the ever-accelera
ting evolution of the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed countless vehicles attempt to carve out their niche. But few arrive with the quiet confidence and disruptive intent of the Polestar 4. As we navigate the complex landscape of 2025, a year characterized by intensified competition and surging consumer expectations in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the Polestar 4 emerges as a truly compelling proposition. This isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a bold statement, a design and engineering manifesto from a brand determined to redefine what’s possible in the realm of premium electric mobility.
Launched in Europe earlier, the Polestar 4 has now officially landed on US and Canadian shores, poised to bridge the perceived gap between performance and practicality in a segment increasingly saturated with conventional designs. Positioned strategically between the sleek Polestar 2 sedan-crossover and the larger Polestar 3 SUV, this electric D-segment performance SUV (think Porsche Macan EV in size and intent) is a testament to Polestar’s commitment to innovation. Its most talked-about feature – the complete absence of a traditional rear window – is not merely a gimmick but a foundational element of its audacious design philosophy, setting it apart in a crowded market and signaling a new era of automotive innovation.
A Vision Without Compromise: The Radical Rear Design
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the lack of a window in the rear. The Polestar 4’s most distinguishing characteristic is its unbroken panoramic glass roof that sweeps all the way down, entirely omitting the rear glass panel. This isn’t a design flaw; it’s a deliberate, meticulously engineered choice that, from an expert’s vantage point, speaks volumes about Polestar’s confidence. In an industry often constrained by convention, this move is nothing short of revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle design.
When discussing this with Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, the rationale became clear: to balance interior roominess, aerodynamic efficiency, and rear visibility in a coupe-style roofline. Traditionally, you compromise on one of these. Polestar refused. The solution? A roof-mounted, high-definition camera feeding a live, comprehensive view directly to the rearview mirror. My initial skepticism, shared by many industry peers, quickly evaporated during my extended test drives. The camera feed is sharp, wide-angle, and impressively clear, offering a superior field of view compared to a conventional mirror often obstructed by rear passengers or headrests. This advanced camera system isn’t just a workaround; it’s an enhancement.
Concerns about real-world scenarios, such as the thick ice and snow that plague Midwestern winters, were robustly addressed by Polestar’s engineering team. The camera unit is strategically heated and designed to self-clean, minimizing potential obstructions. This attention to detail underscores that this isn’t a concept car flourish but a thoroughly integrated, practical feature ready for the rigors of everyday use in 2025. It’s a bold step, sure, but one that leverages modern technology to deliver a truly unique and surprisingly effective user experience. This commitment to an advanced driver-assist system is evident throughout the vehicle.
Beyond the visibility aspect, this design choice fundamentally influences the vehicle’s aerodynamics, contributing to its impressive range figures. The sleek, uninterrupted roofline significantly reduces drag, a critical factor for any EV aiming for market leadership. It also subtly enhances the vehicle’s minimalist aesthetic, creating a powerful, sculptural form that differentiates it from every other SUV on the road.
Performance Meets Poise: The Driving Dynamics
Beneath that striking exterior lies a powertrain designed for exhilarating performance, a hallmark of Polestar’s brand identity. The Polestar 4 arrives in both single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configurations, each offering a distinct yet equally compelling driving experience. Both versions are equipped with a potent 100-kilowatt-hour battery, capable of rapid DC fast charging at up to 200 kilowatts, ensuring that range anxiety becomes a relic of the past for most users. Furthermore, the inclusion of NACS ports as standard is a forward-thinking move, aligning perfectly with the evolving EV charging infrastructure in North America and providing seamless access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
The single-motor variant, boasting a liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor delivering 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, is a surprisingly capable and engaging drive. While its 6.9-second 0-62 mph time might not set records, the instantaneous torque delivery inherent to EVs makes it feel considerably quicker in urban and highway merging scenarios. What truly impresses is its enhanced range – an estimated 310 miles on a full charge – making it a highly attractive option for those prioritizing efficiency and a slightly more accessible entry point (starting around $57,800). From a driving dynamics perspective, the RWD setup offers a purity and balance that many enthusiasts appreciate, feeling nimble and responsive despite its size.
However, for those craving unadulterated power, the dual-motor Polestar 4 is where the true performance SUV character shines. With a staggering 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this AWD beast rockets from 0-62 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. These numbers place it firmly in the territory of high-performance electric vehicles, challenging traditional sports cars, let alone other SUVs. What’s remarkable is how Polestar has managed to translate this raw power into a refined, controlled experience. Despite its curb weight tipping the scales at over 5,000 pounds, the Polestar 4 exhibits exceptional EV driving dynamics. The active dampers effortlessly manage body roll, allowing the vehicle to dive into corners with surprising composure. The steering is precise, offering good feedback, and the four-piston Brembo brakes provide immense stopping power, inspiring confidence even under spirited driving conditions. This is a very well-engineered and remarkably quiet SUV that manages to feel lighter and more agile than its specifications suggest, fulfilling the engineering team’s goal to make it “feel lighter.”
Both models share a top speed of 124 mph, a sensible limit for a road-going SUV, especially one with a strong focus on efficiency and safety. This balance of power, range, and agility makes the Polestar 4 a standout in the premium SUV performance category.
An Intelligent Sanctuary: The Polestar 4’s Interior Experience
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a cabin that truly feels like a sanctuary, a delightful blend of cutting-edge technology, Scandinavian minimalism, and sustainable luxury. Polestar has always excelled at creating inviting interiors, and the 4 elevates this tradition. The optional Bridge of Weir leather seats, with their available heating and massage functions, are incredibly comfortable, providing excellent support for long journeys. For the environmentally conscious, the innovative Tailored Knit upholstery, crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste using 3D knitting technology, is not only visually appealing but also a testament to Polestar’s commitment to sustainable interior materials. This isn’t just eco-friendly; it feels genuinely premium, challenging preconceived notions about recycled content.
The interior’s focal point is the landscape-oriented, 15.4-inch touchscreen that runs Polestar’s Google built-in infotainment system. This system, a personal favorite, offers seamless integration of Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, providing intuitive navigation, voice control, and access to a vast array of apps. The new live lane guidance feature in Google Maps is particularly useful, enhancing navigation with optimized lane recommendations and clear visual cues for upcoming turns. While some functions, like vent control and even the glovebox door, are relegated to the screen – a trend I’ve observed across the industry with mixed feelings – the system’s responsiveness and logical layout make it generally easy to use. The 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel provides crisp, clear readouts of essential driving information, perfectly complementing the central display.
Rear-seat passengers are not forgotten. The generous legroom, a direct benefit of the rear-window-free design (allowing for a more reclined seating position), combined with available heated rear seats (part of the Plus pack) and a dedicated small screen for climate and infotainment control, ensures a premium experience for all occupants. While it doesn’t stream movies, it thoughtfully empowers rear passengers with control over their immediate environment.
Practicality is also a strong suit. The luggage area is wide and cavernous, offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats up, expandable further by folding them down. An under-floor storage compartment adds versatility, and a powered tailgate simplifies loading and unloading. Even a modest “frunk” provides extra space for charging cables or small bags.
When it comes to technology beyond infotainment, the Polestar 4 truly shines. It bristless with connected car technology and an array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). Equipped with 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, it offers a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a robust parking assist system. This commitment to passive and active safety features underscores Polestar’s Volvo heritage and its dedication to occupant protection. And for a touch of whimsy, the screensaver displaying a robot dog proclaiming “my owner will be back soon” adds a unique, memorable character to the vehicle.
The auditory experience is equally impressive, especially with the optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo, part of the premium pack. The sound quality is exceptional, filling the quiet cabin with rich, immersive audio. The absence of an AM radio, a growing trend in EVs, reflects the shift towards digital audio sources and streaming services. All these features coalesce to create an unparalleled premium cabin experience.
The Business of Brilliance: Pricing, Production, and Market Strategy for 2025
In the highly competitive landscape of 2025’s premium EV market, pricing is a critical differentiator. The Polestar 4 enters the US market with a starting price of $56,400 for the single-motor RWD variant, climbing to $64,300 for the dual-motor AWD version, and reaching upwards of $71,600 for a fully equipped model. This places it squarely against formidable rivals like the Tesla Model Y Performance, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and the aforementioned Porsche Macan EV.
From an expert perspective, Polestar’s pricing strategy reflects its positioning as a design-forward, performance-oriented luxury electric SUV. While not inexpensive, the vehicle’s unique design, sophisticated technology, exceptional driving dynamics, and commitment to sustainability offer a strong value proposition. Potential buyers should also consider the evolving landscape of electric vehicle tax credits and incentives in the US for 2025, which can significantly impact the effective purchase price.
Polestar’s global production strategy is also noteworthy. While initially manufactured in Hangzhou Bay, China, production of the Polestar 4 has expanded to Busan, South Korea, this year. This decision, as Polestar product identity team lead Christian Samson explained, is largely tariff-related. The current 15% tariff for South Korean imports is significantly more favorable than the 25% imposed on vehicles from China, showcasing Polestar’s agility in navigating global EV production and trade complexities. This strategic diversification of manufacturing locations highlights Polestar’s commitment to market access and supply chain resilience, crucial elements for success in the sustainable automotive business.
Polestar remains steadfast in its commitment to being a battery electric-only brand. In a market where some manufacturers still dabble in plug-in hybrids or explore hydrogen, Polestar’s singular focus on pure EVs reinforces its vision for the future of mobility. This clear, unwavering brand identity resonates with a growing segment of consumers who are fully embracing the electric revolution. The company reported robust “sales growth in the first three quarters” of 2025 across its 28 global markets, indicating strong market acceptance and a promising trajectory for the Polestar 4.
The Road Ahead: Polestar’s Expanding Universe
The Polestar 4 is not an isolated endeavor but a crucial piece in a rapidly expanding portfolio. Looking ahead, Polestar has an ambitious automotive roadmap designed to cement its position across various premium segments. The sleek Polestar 5, an electric GT sedan modeled after the stunning Precept concept car, is slated for a European launch late this year, promising to be a direct competitor to high-performance luxury sedans. The Polestar 6, a captivating two-seat open electric sports car, embodies the brand’s passion for exhilarating driving in the age of electrification. While its release date remains fluid, it’s clear Polestar intends to challenge established performance brands.
Further down the line, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is anticipated around 2028. Positioned to be smaller and more affordable than the Polestar 3, but not replacing the 2, it will target a different segment of the luxury EV brand strategy. Interestingly, the Polestar 7 is planned for production at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, signaling further diversification of manufacturing away from Asia. These future models demonstrate Polestar’s dedication to continuous innovation and its long-term vision to offer a comprehensive range of distinctive, high-performance electric vehicles.
Conclusion: A Compelling Proposition for the Electric Age
The Polestar 4, arriving in 2025, represents a significant leap forward in the premium electric SUV segment. Its audacious rear-windowless design, far from being a mere talking point, is an expertly engineered solution that enhances aerodynamics, interior comfort, and visibility. Coupled with formidable performance, advanced technology, a luxurious and sustainable interior, and a strategic market approach, the Polestar 4 presents a truly compelling package.
For those seeking more than just transportation, for individuals who demand performance without compromise, innovation without gimmickry, and luxury with a conscience, the Polestar 4 is undeniably a vehicle that deserves serious consideration. My decade of experience confirms that the true measure of a vehicle is not just its spec sheet, but how it makes you feel, and how it pushes the boundaries of what’s expected. The Polestar 4 does all this and more. It embodies a confident step into the future of electric driving, offering a fresh, exhilarating, and highly refined experience that sets a new benchmark for best electric SUVs 2025.
Discover the future of driving for yourself. Schedule a test drive of the Polestar 4 today and experience the revolution firsthand.
