Polestar 4: Redefining the Electric Performance SUV for 2025 and Beyond
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, often unpredictable currents of the auto
motive industry, witnessing firsthand the dramatic shift towards electrification. From early, compromised EVs to today’s sophisticated, high-performance machines, the evolution has been nothing short of revolutionary. In 2025, as the electric vehicle landscape matures, discerning buyers demand more than just range and speed; they seek innovation, sustainable luxury, and a driving experience that genuinely stands apart. Enter the Polestar 4 – an electric performance SUV that doesn’t just meet these expectations, it boldly redefines them, particularly with its audacious “no rear window” design.
Polestar, always a brand that pushes boundaries, has strategically positioned the Polestar 4 to bridge the gap between the compact Polestar 2 sedan-crossover and the larger Polestar 3 SUV. Having been available in Europe since early 2024, its eagerly anticipated arrival on North American roads in late 2025 isn’t just another EV launch; it’s a statement. This D-segment electric SUV, roughly comparable in size and ambition to the Porsche Macan EV, serves as a compelling testament to Polestar’s commitment to delivering unique design, advanced technology, and compelling performance without compromise.
An Audacious Design Philosophy: The Rear-Window Revolution
From my vantage point, the most captivating and initially controversial aspect of the Polestar 4 is undeniably the complete absence of a traditional rear window. This isn’t merely a design quirk; it’s a profound re-imagining of automotive form and function. By extending the panoramic glass roof seamlessly down the rear, Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, and his team have crafted an extraordinarily sleek, coupe-like silhouette that instantly stands out in an increasingly crowded segment. This bold stroke significantly enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency, a critical factor for optimizing range and performance in electric vehicles. The visual effect is undeniably striking – a minimalist, futuristic aesthetic that signals Polestar’s unwavering commitment to innovative design.
Initially, I, like many others, questioned the practical implications of such a radical design. “What about rear visibility?” was the immediate, instinctive query. Polestar’s elegant solution, however, quickly dispels these concerns. A high-definition, roof-mounted rear-facing camera feeds a crystal-clear, comprehensive live view to a digital rearview mirror inside the cabin. After extensive testing, I can confidently state that this system not only works but, in many situations, provides superior visibility compared to a conventional mirror, offering a wider field of view and eliminating typical obstructions like rear seat headrests or bulky cargo.
Addressing the real-world challenges, such as a thick layer of ice or snow that might accumulate on the camera lens during a harsh winter morning – a concern vocally raised by a colleague from the Midwest – Polestar representatives assure robust heating elements and advanced sensor technologies are integrated to maintain optimal camera functionality in all conditions. This foresight in engineering means the innovative design doesn’t sacrifice safety or practicality. Instead, it creates an uninterrupted, luxurious interior space, particularly benefiting rear occupants with enhanced headroom and a heightened sense of openness, transforming what might have been a design challenge into a significant user benefit. This seamless integration of innovative design with practical engineering is a hallmark of truly futuristic car design and positions the Polestar 4 as a frontrunner in innovative EV features for 2025.
Performance and Precision: Electrifying Dynamics on Demand
Beneath its avant-garde exterior, the Polestar 4 delivers a driving experience that expertly balances exhilarating performance with refined control – a crucial expectation for any premium EV in 2025. Available in both single-motor (rear-wheel drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel drive) configurations, the Polestar 4 offers options tailored to different driving priorities.
The single-motor variant, often overshadowed by its more powerful sibling, is surprisingly compelling. Equipped with a 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, it produces a robust 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. While its 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds might not set new records, the immediate electric SUV acceleration characteristic of EVs makes it feel considerably quicker in everyday driving situations. More importantly, this configuration prioritizes efficiency, offering an impressive estimated long-range electric vehicle capability of 310 miles on a full charge. For many, this blend of ample power, solid range, and a slightly lower entry price point makes the single-motor Polestar 4 a highly attractive and practical choice for urban commuting and longer journeys alike, solidifying its premium electric SUV value.
For those craving unbridled power and dynamic prowess, the dual-motor Polestar 4 is a force to be reckoned with. Generating a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this high-performance EV rockets from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. The instantaneous electric vehicle dynamics are nothing short of thrilling; the car launches with an almost unsettling urgency, pinning you back into the exquisitely crafted seats. Despite the significant difference in on-paper acceleration, both variants exhibit a characteristic EV alacrity and an abundance of torque that makes city driving effortless and highway overtaking a breeze. Both configurations share a top speed of 124 mph, maintaining a consistent level of composure at speed.
Powering both versions is a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour battery, supporting EV charging solutions at up to 200 kilowatts. This means rapid charging capabilities are inherent, allowing for quick top-ups on the go – an increasingly vital feature as EV market trends 2025 emphasize convenience. A significant development for the North American market, and a welcome one for consumers, is the inclusion of NACS charging ports as standard. This foresight ensures seamless compatibility with the rapidly expanding Tesla Supercharger network, alongside other NACS-equipped chargers, significantly easing range anxiety and making long-distance travel considerably more viable for Polestar owners. The widespread adoption of NACS connectors is a game-changer for electric vehicle infrastructure, and Polestar’s proactive integration positions it strongly within the evolving EV brand strategy.
Beyond raw power, the Polestar 4 demonstrates truly exceptional electric vehicle dynamics. On the winding roads of the Texas hill country, the dual-motor variant, despite its substantial curb weight of 5,192 pounds, exhibited remarkable agility. The finely tuned active dampers and a low center of gravity enable the car to dive into corners with surprising confidence, belying its curb weight with a sense of lightness and responsiveness. The four-piston Brembo brakes, a hallmark of performance vehicles, provide reassuringly powerful and consistent stopping power, completing a truly premium EV driving experience. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, even under spirited driving, a testament to Polestar’s meticulous engineering and sound insulation efforts, reinforcing the vehicle’s sustainable mobility solutions without sacrificing the driving pleasure.
A Sanctuary of Scandinavian Minimalism and Cutting-Edge Technology
Stepping inside the Polestar 4 reveals an interior that is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, infused with luxury electric SUV interior comforts and advanced Polestar 4 technology. The cabin is designed to be a delightful, refined space, focusing on driver and passenger well-being while integrating cutting-edge features seamlessly.
Comfort is paramount. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats are not just aesthetically pleasing but offer impressive support, enhanced by both heating and an invigorating massage function – features expected in any premium electric SUV worth its salt. For the environmentally conscious, Polestar offers an equally appealing and genuinely innovative Tailored Knit upholstery. This material, crafted from recycled PET plastic waste using a sophisticated 3D-knitting process, is not only visually distinctive but also soft to the touch and a testament to Polestar’s commitment to sustainable automotive materials. It’s a perfect example of how luxury and sustainability can beautifully coalesce.
Rear passenger comfort has clearly been a priority. Benefitting directly from the rear-window-free styling, which allows for a more raked roofline without compromising interior volume, the rear seats recline and feature heating (part of the optional Plus pack). A dedicated small screen for rear occupants provides intuitive control over climate settings and limited infotainment functions – though, as a functional expert, I note it’s designed for control, not movie playback, maintaining focus on driving. EV interior design often prioritizes front cabin space, but Polestar has ensured a thoughtful and comfortable experience for all. Luggage capacity is generous, with 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, easily accessible via a powered tailgate, complemented by convenient under-floor storage and a useful frunk at the front.
At the heart of the digital experience is a crisp 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen dominating the center stack. This system, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, feels intuitive and familiar. The integration of Google Maps with a pioneering Google built-in infotainment feature called live lane guidance is a standout. This system, which I experienced on a separate test vehicle, provides enhanced visual cues for upcoming turns, suggests the optimal lane for your route, and even displays crucial urban details like crosswalks and road signs. It truly elevates navigation to a new level, making city driving less stressful. While some may prefer physical buttons for certain functions – such as vent control or, surprisingly, the glovebox – the overall system is highly responsive, and voice commands via Google Assistant largely mitigate the need to dive through menus, aligning with modern connected car services.
The driver’s focus is maintained by a clear 10.2-inch instrument panel, displaying essential information without distraction. Polestar even injects a touch of personality with an amusing screensaver featuring a robot dog, proclaiming “my owner will be back soon” – a small, charming detail that reflects the brand’s contemporary appeal. The auditory experience is equally impressive, thanks to the optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo, part of the premium pack, which fills the cabin with rich, immersive sound. In line with evolving premium sound system EV trends, the absence of AM radio is a small concession for a truly modern audio experience.
Safety and driver assistance are comprehensive, as expected from a brand with Volvo lineage. The Polestar 4 bristles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features, leveraging 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This sophisticated array supports everything from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to blind-spot monitoring and advanced parking aids, contributing to a high level of passive and active safety, positioning it strongly for automotive safety technology standards in 2025.
Market Position and Value Proposition: Navigating the 2025 EV Landscape
In the highly competitive EV market trends 2025, particularly within the luxury and performance SUV segments, the Polestar 4 carves out a distinct niche. Its pricing strategy reflects its premium positioning: starting at approximately $57,800 for the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version, and $64,300 for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant. A fully optioned dual-motor model, like the one I tested, can reach around $71,600. When contextualized against competitors such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, the Polestar 4 offers a compelling blend of unique design, advanced technology, and engaging performance for its price point.
Polestar’s direct-to-consumer sales model further differentiates its EV brand strategy. The brand emphasizes the importance of the “driver’s seat experience,” understanding that the innovative design and refined driving dynamics are what ultimately close the deal. While some initial feedback on Polestar’s overall Polestar 4 design philosophy has noted a need for sharper styling to stand out more dramatically in a crowded segment, the 4’s rear-window-less aesthetic undeniably gives it an immediate, memorable presence.
From a global manufacturing perspective, the Polestar 4 is initially built at a state-of-the-art plant in Hangzhou Bay, China. However, a significant strategic move for 2025 sees production also commencing at a plant in Busan, South Korea. This decision is largely automotive tariffs-related, capitalizing on a recent trade agreement that significantly lowers the tariff for vehicles from South Korea to the US market (currently 15%, though always subject to change). This diversification of manufacturing helps Polestar navigate global EV manufacturing complexities and potentially stabilize pricing and availability for North American consumers.
Looking ahead, Polestar’s product roadmap is ambitious, showcasing a clear EV brand strategy beyond the 4. The speedy Polestar 5, a four-door electric GT sedan based on the stunning Precept concept, is slated for a European launch late this year (2025). The Polestar 6, a two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” is also in the pipeline, promising exhilarating electric vehicle technology. Further out, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is due in 2028, designed to be smaller and potentially more accessible than the Polestar 3, and notably, it will be built in Europe (specifically, a Volvo plant in Slovakia), signaling further strategic diversification to manage automotive tariffs and supply chains.
Polestar’s unwavering commitment to being a battery electric-only brand remains a core tenet, reinforcing its vision for sustainable mobility solutions. While some manufacturers explore plug-in hybrids, Polestar has firmly chosen the path of pure electrification, a choice that resonates with a growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers. The brand’s reported “sales growth in the first three quarters” of 2025, even without specific figures, indicates a positive market reception as it expands its footprint across 28 global markets.
The Road Ahead: An Invitation to Experience Innovation
Having closely observed the automotive industry for over a decade, I can confidently assert that the Polestar 4 is not just another electric SUV; it’s a meticulously engineered statement piece. It represents a bold step forward in automotive design, a harmonious blend of exhilarating Polestar 4 performance and practical utility, all wrapped in a package brimming with sophisticated Polestar 4 technology and luxurious sustainability. Its unique “no rear window” design, far from being a gimmick, is a testament to Polestar’s courage to innovate, ultimately enhancing both aesthetics and user experience.
In 2025, as the electric revolution fully takes hold, vehicles like the Polestar 4 are proving that sustainability doesn’t necessitate compromise. Instead, it can be a catalyst for groundbreaking design, thrilling performance, and unparalleled comfort. This vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the journey, the experience, and the statement it makes about the future of electric driving.
Don’t just read about the future of electric driving – immerse yourself in it. We invite you to experience the Polestar 4 firsthand. Visit your nearest Polestar Space today, explore its innovative features, and embark on a test drive that will redefine your expectations of a luxury electric SUV. Discover how the Polestar 4 truly performs, where Scandinavian design meets electrifying power, and how it’s setting new standards for 2025 and beyond.
