Polestar 4 Redefines Luxury Electric SUVs for the American Road in 2025
Having spent over a decade navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, I
’ve witnessed countless launches—some revolutionary, others merely iterative. But as we settle into the latter half of 2025, it’s clear that the Polestar 4 isn’t just another entrant; it’s a bold statement, a compelling blend of avant-garde design, electrifying performance, and sustainable luxury that genuinely reconfigures what a premium electric SUV can be for the discerning American consumer. From its initial whispers to its full-throated arrival on US soil, this vehicle has consistently generated buzz, primarily for one audacious design choice: the complete absence of a traditional rear window. Yet, as I’ve come to discover through extensive road testing and deep dives into its engineering, this is but a single facet of a much richer, more profound narrative that Polestar is writing in the annals of automotive innovation 2025.
The Polestar 4 officially joined the North American lineup earlier this year, slotting itself strategically between the agile Polestar 2 sedan and the formidable Polestar 3 SUV. This positioning isn’t just about physical dimensions; it’s about carving out a unique niche within the fiercely competitive luxury electric SUV segment. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just aim to compete with the likes of the Porsche Macan EV or the BMW iX; it seeks to offer a distinctly Polestar experience—minimalist Scandinavian design infused with exhilarating high performance EV capabilities. My initial skepticism, particularly regarding the rear visibility, quickly dissolved into appreciation for an engineering team daring enough to challenge convention and deliver a surprisingly elegant, practical solution.
Visionary Design: The Rear Window Reimagined
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room first: the missing rear window. In my experience, automakers rarely deviate so dramatically from established norms without a compelling reason or significant backlash. Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, articulated it perfectly: balancing interior space, aerodynamic efficiency, and rear visibility in a coupe-SUV silhouette is a tripartite challenge where one element invariably compromises another. Their radical solution was to eliminate the physical glass pane entirely, allowing the panoramic glass roof to extend unbroken to the rear, thus liberating design constraints for a more aerodynamic profile and enhanced rear passenger comfort.
The immediate concern for many, myself included, centered on practicality and safety. How do you parallel park? What about seasonal grime or ice accumulation? Polestar’s answer is brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness: a high-definition, roof-mounted rear camera feeds a crystal-clear, wide-angle live stream directly to the interior rearview mirror screen. After countless miles, through varying conditions—including some less-than-pristine weather that mimicked winter challenges—I can confidently state that this system doesn’t just compensate for the missing window; it arguably surpasses traditional rearview mirrors in terms of clarity, field of vision, and even low-light performance. It’s a testament to cutting-edge automotive technology applied thoughtfully, turning a potential weakness into a genuine strength. The panoramic glass roof itself, which extends seamlessly, isn’t merely a design flourish; it drenches the cabin in natural light, contributing to an airy, expansive feel that belies the car’s exterior proportions, especially benefiting rear occupants who no longer contend with a sloping roofline dictating their head clearance. This innovative approach to vehicle architecture, combined with meticulous aerodynamic sculpting, is a significant part of the Polestar 4’s allure and a key differentiator in the crowded electric vehicle market trends of 2025.
Dynamic Performance: Power Meets Precision
Underneath its sleek, aerodynamic skin, the Polestar 4 delivers a driving experience that’s both potent and profoundly refined. Polestar offers two distinct powertrain configurations, each tailored to different priorities but both delivering the instantaneous torque synonymous with electric vehicle technology.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant, boasting 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque from a liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, proved surprisingly engaging. While its 0-60 mph sprint of 6.9 seconds might not set records, the immediate surge of power and crisp acceleration feels more than adequate for daily driving and spirited highway maneuvers. More impressively, this configuration nudges the estimated range to a commendable 310 miles on a full charge—a crucial metric for many US buyers.
For those craving unadulterated exhilaration, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is a beast. With a staggering 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, it launches from 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds. Numbers like these are typically reserved for supercars, yet the Polestar 4 delivers this performance with an understated grace. What’s remarkable is not just the raw power, but the seamless, almost telepathic way it’s delivered. Both versions, despite their performance disparities on paper, share a composed and confidence-inspiring top speed of 124 mph, perfectly suited for real-world driving.
Powering these impressive drivetrains is a robust 100 kWh battery pack, designed for both longevity and rapid replenishment. The inclusion of NACS charging ports from the outset is a strategic masterstroke for the North American market in 2025, ensuring broad compatibility with the rapidly expanding Tesla Supercharger network and other NACS-equipped stations. With peak fast-charging rates of up to 200 kilowatts, drivers can expect to replenish a significant portion of their range in under 30 minutes, minimizing range anxiety and maximizing convenience. This focus on seamless charging integration speaks volumes about Polestar’s commitment to a friction-free premium EV experience.
The driving dynamics of the Polestar 4 truly stand out. Despite its substantial curb weight—hovering around 5,200 pounds for the dual-motor version—the car feels remarkably agile and composed. This is largely attributable to a meticulously tuned chassis, low center of gravity inherent to EVs, and the availability of active dampers. These adaptive shock absorbers continuously adjust to road conditions and driving style, delivering a ride that is both comfortably supple on long stretches and firm and responsive when carving through corners. The four-piston Brembo brakes, a hallmark of performance, provide immense stopping power and reassuring feedback, further enhancing the sense of control. This isn’t just a fast EV; it’s a precisely engineered one, boasting the kind of quiet, sophisticated ride quality expected from a true luxury vehicle.
An Interior Sanctuary: Tech, Comfort, and Sustainable Luxury
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a cabin that truly embodies Polestar’s minimalist, driver-centric philosophy. The interior design is clean, uncluttered, and exudes a sense of serene sophistication. Polestar’s commitment to sustainable automotive solutions is evident in the material choices. While sumptuous Bridge of Weir leather seats—offering heating and massage functions—are available for those who prefer traditional luxury, the innovative Tailored Knit upholstery is a standout. Crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste using 3D knitting technology, it’s not only visually appealing and comfortable but also a tangible demonstration of eco-conscious design.
The thoughtful amenities extend to the rear passengers, a crucial consideration for any family or executive SUV. The reclining rear seats, a direct benefit of the rear-window-free design, coupled with available heating, ensure journeys are comfortable. A small, intuitive screen mounted in the rear provides climate and basic infotainment controls, empowering passengers to personalize their environment. This attention to detail elevates the eco-friendly luxury aspect of the Polestar 4.
At the heart of the digital experience is a landscape-oriented 15.4-inch touchscreen dominating the center stack. Powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, it offers seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The system is generally intuitive and responsive, though my expert eye notes a common modern trend: some functions, like vent control and even the glovebox release, are relegated to the screen. While visually appealing, physical controls often offer a more tactile and immediate user experience, a minor critique in an otherwise stellar interface. However, the system truly shines with features like live lane guidance, which provides enhanced visual cues for optimal lane positioning and upcoming turns, greatly reducing driving stress, particularly in complex urban environments. A whimsical touch, a robot dog screensaver proclaiming “my owner will be back soon,” adds a unique personality to the vehicle, reinforcing its connected car technology appeal.
Driver information is presented clearly on a 10.2-inch instrument panel, providing essential data without overwhelming the driver. And for audiophiles, the available 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon premium stereo, part of the premium pack, transforms the cabin into a concert hall, enveloping occupants in rich, immersive sound.
Safety and driver assistance are paramount, and the Polestar 4 is packed with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). With a comprehensive array of 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the vehicle offers a robust suite of semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing safety and reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, the Polestar 4’s ADAS package is among the most comprehensive and well-integrated I’ve encountered, providing genuine peace of mind.
Market Position and the Road Ahead for Polestar
In the fiercely competitive American luxury EV market of 2025, pricing is always a critical factor. The Polestar 4 enters the fray starting around $56,400 for the single-motor RWD variant, with the AWD version beginning closer to $64,300. Fully loaded, a dual-motor model can approach $72,000. These figures place it firmly in the premium segment, vying for attention against established players and other disruptors. While some might argue the pricing is “stiff,” my years of evaluating EVs tell me this reflects the advanced technology, premium materials, and sophisticated engineering packed into the vehicle. Polestar isn’t aiming for the mass market; it’s targeting discerning buyers who value design, performance, and a conscious approach to luxury.
The manufacturing strategy for the Polestar 4 is also noteworthy. While initial production is centered in Hangzhou Bay, China, Polestar’s decision to commence production in Busan, South Korea, this year is a savvy move, directly addressing evolving international trade dynamics and tariffs. This flexibility in manufacturing locations underscores Polestar’s global ambition and adaptability in the face of geopolitical shifts, ensuring better market access and potentially influencing future pricing and availability.
Looking beyond the Polestar 4, the brand’s vision for the future of zero emission vehicles (ZEV) is equally compelling. The eagerly anticipated Polestar 5, a four-door electric GT sedan derived from the stunning Precept concept, is slated for a late 2025 launch in Europe, promising even higher levels of performance and luxury. The enigmatic Polestar 6, an open two-seat electric sports car, excites the enthusiast in me, though its release date remains fluid. Further out, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV planned for 2028 and destined for European production at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, will likely aim to be a more accessible, though still premium, offering below the Polestar 3. This systematic expansion of the lineup, all rooted in a steadfast commitment to being a battery electric-only brand—eschewing plug-in hybrids entirely—shows a clear, unwavering strategic direction.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward
The Polestar 4, as it firmly establishes itself on US roads in 2025, is more than just a new electric SUV; it’s a testament to courageous design, meticulous engineering, and a holistic approach to sustainable luxury. It challenges preconceptions, innovates where others iterate, and delivers a driving and ownership experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably refined. From its unique rear-window-free design to its potent powertrains, intuitive Google-powered infotainment, and a cabin crafted with both comfort and conscience, the Polestar 4 genuinely redefines what a premium electric vehicle can be. It’s a vehicle that feels lighter than its substantial weight suggests, offers a compelling 300-mile range in its most efficient form, and encapsulates a futuristic vision that has been successfully brought to life.
Having put the Polestar 4 through its paces, I can confidently say that this is a vehicle that truly comes into its own from behind the wheel. Its blend of performance, cutting-edge technology, and distinctive style makes it a powerful contender in the burgeoning luxury EV space. If you’re seeking a vehicle that pushes boundaries, champions sustainability without compromising on luxury or performance, and offers a driving experience that’s both engaging and serenely composed, the Polestar 4 demands your attention.
Experience the future of electric driving firsthand. We invite you to explore the Polestar 4 further and schedule a personal demonstration to truly appreciate its unique blend of innovation and exhilaration.
