Polestar 4: A 2025 Deep Dive into the Visionary Electric SUV Redefining Luxury Mobility
The automotive world of 2025 is a vibrant, fiercely competitive arena, parti
cularly within the burgeoning electric vehicle segment. As an industry veteran who has witnessed the dramatic evolution of EVs over the past decade, I can confidently say that the market has never been more dynamic, nor the consumer more discerning. In this landscape, Polestar, the performance-oriented electric vehicle brand from Sweden, consistently carves its own niche, pushing boundaries with designs and engineering philosophies that challenge convention. Their latest offering to hit North American shores, the Polestar 4, is not just another luxury electric SUV; it’s a meticulously engineered statement piece, arriving with an audacious design language, formidable performance, and a clear vision for sustainable luxury.
Having tracked Polestar’s journey from its inception, the Polestar 4 represents a pivotal moment for the brand. Slotting neatly between the Polestar 2 sedan-crossover and the larger Polestar 3 SUV in terms of size and segment, it aims to capture the essence of both, offering a potent blend of performance coupe agility and SUV practicality. My recent experience with the Polestar 4 during its North American ride-and-drive event in Austin, Texas, confirmed what many of us in the industry have speculated: this vehicle is designed to provoke, to perform, and to redefine expectations within the premium EV space.
Unpacking the Audacious Design: The Rear Window Reimagined
Perhaps no single design element of the Polestar 4 has generated more discussion than the deliberate absence of a traditional rear window. This isn’t just a stylistic quirk; it’s a bold engineering and design philosophy that speaks volumes about Polestar’s commitment to innovation. As Polestar Head of Design Maximilian Missoni elucidated, the objective was to achieve a sleek, coupe-like roofline without compromising interior headroom or aerodynamic efficiency. In conventional design, one of these elements invariably yields. Polestar’s solution? The panoramic glass roof extends all the way to the rear, creating an expansive, airy cabin, while a roof-mounted, high-definition camera provides a comprehensive, unobstructed view to the driver via a digital rearview mirror.
From an expert’s perspective, this isn’t merely a gimmick; it’s a practical and forward-thinking solution. The digital feed is crisp, wide-angled, and free from the physical obstructions that can plague traditional mirrors – headrests, C-pillars, or even rear passengers. Concerns about adverse weather conditions, such as the thick ice that a Midwestern journalist rightly pointed out, are addressed by robust heating elements and advanced sensor technology, ensuring functionality even in extreme climates. This innovative approach hints at the future of automotive design, where digital interfaces will increasingly augment or replace traditional physical components, enhancing both safety and driver information. It’s a testament to Polestar’s engineering team that they embraced this concept, proving it to be both technically feasible and perfectly legal. For discerning drivers looking for next-generation EV design, this feature alone sets the Polestar 4 apart.
Performance That Commands: Power, Agility, and the Electric Edge
Beyond its distinctive exterior, the Polestar 4 truly shines when the rubber meets the road. In an era where “electric performance” often means raw, untamed acceleration, Polestar has always prioritized a more refined, balanced driving experience. The 4 is no exception. Available in both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, it offers a spectrum of power tailored to different driving preferences.
The single-motor variant, often overlooked in the race for headline-grabbing horsepower, proved remarkably impressive. With 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque delivered by a 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, it provides more than adequate thrust for daily driving and spirited excursions. Its 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds is respectable, but it’s the instant, linear torque delivery characteristic of EVs that truly makes it feel more agile than the numbers suggest. Crucially, the single-motor setup offers a superior estimated range of 310 miles, appealing to those who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing engagement.
However, for those craving exhilarating performance, the dual-motor AWD version is the undeniable powerhouse. Boasting a staggering 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, it propels the Polestar 4 from 0-62 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds. While the numerical gap between the two variants is significant, the actual sensation of acceleration in both is deeply satisfying, a built-in virtue of high-performance electric vehicles. Both share a 124 mph top speed, ensuring a composed demeanor at higher velocities.
What truly elevates the Polestar 4’s driving dynamics is its chassis tuning. Despite its curb weight of 5,192 pounds, the vehicle feels remarkably light and nimble. This is largely attributable to its low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted 100 kWh battery, and the sophisticated suspension system featuring active dampers. In the Texas Hill Country, the Polestar 4 confidently attacked corners, exhibiting excellent body control and precise steering feedback. The four-piston Brembo brakes, standard on higher trims, provided robust, consistent stopping power, a critical component of any premium EV performance vehicle. The overall impression is one of a very well-engineered, quiet, and dynamically capable SUV that deftly balances comfort with sporty intent. For enthusiasts seeking a luxurious electric SUV 2025 model that genuinely excites, the Polestar 4 delivers.
The Sanctuary Within: Interior Innovation and Digital Integration
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a cabin that exemplifies Polestar’s commitment to minimalist Scandinavian design fused with cutting-edge automotive interior technology and sustainable luxury vehicles. The environment is immediately welcoming, underscored by an emphasis on premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics. Options like the Bridge of Weir leather seats, available with heating and massage functions, offer supreme comfort, while the innovative Tailored Knit upholstery, crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste using 3D knitting techniques, showcases Polestar’s dedication to environmental responsibility without compromising on aesthetics or tactile quality.
The interior layout is dominated by a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented central touchscreen, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. This intuitive system provides seamless integration of Google Maps with new live lane guidance – a feature that optimizes routes by advising on lane selection and offering enhanced visual cues for turns, even displaying city crosswalks and road signs. While this digital-first approach handles the majority of vehicle functions, including climate control and infotainment, it also notably centralizes controls for elements like air vents and even the glovebox door – a design choice that might require some adaptation for drivers accustomed to physical buttons. However, it’s a clear signal of the industry’s shift towards digital cockpit technology.
Behind the steering wheel, a crisp 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel presents essential driving information, including battery state-of-charge and available range, with exceptional clarity. Rear-seat passengers benefit from reclining heated seats (part of the Plus pack), a direct result of the rear-window-free styling creating more design flexibility. They also get a small dedicated screen for climate and infotainment control, although it’s not for movie playback. Headroom in the rear is surprisingly ample, though legroom is slightly less generous than in larger SUVs. Practicality is further enhanced by a wide, cavernous luggage area with under-floor storage, easily accessed via a powered tailgate, offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with seats up, plus a convenient frunk.
The cabin environment is further elevated by the immersive sound of the 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo, part of the premium pack, transforming journeys into concert-like experiences. Despite the recent trend of omitting AM radio, the system’s robust performance ensures a rich audio experience. Safety and driver assistance are paramount, with the Polestar 4 bristling with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), featuring no less than 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, providing comprehensive situational awareness and bolstering driver confidence. A quirky addition is a digital screensaver featuring a robot dog, playfully proclaiming “my owner will be back soon” – a delightful touch of brand personality.
Range, Charging, and the Road Ahead: Powering the Journey in 2025
In the 2025 electric vehicle market, range and charging capabilities are non-negotiable pillars of consumer confidence. The Polestar 4 is well-equipped to meet these expectations. Both single and dual-motor variants are powered by a robust 100-kilowatt-hour battery, providing competitive range figures: an impressive 310 miles for the single-motor RWD and a still-generous 280 miles for the dual-motor AWD. These figures comfortably address the daily commutes and longer road trips for the vast majority of drivers, significantly mitigating range anxiety in 2025.
When it comes to recharging, the Polestar 4 supports fast charging at up to 200 kilowatts. This capability allows for rapid replenishment, significantly reducing downtime during longer journeys. Crucially for the North American market, the Polestar 4 comes standard with NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports. This forward-thinking decision ensures seamless compatibility with the expanding Tesla Supercharger network, widely regarded as the most reliable and extensive charging infrastructure in the region. This strategic move is a major advantage for Polestar, simplifying the ownership experience and positioning the 4 strongly against competitors that may still rely on adapter solutions for NACS access. Polestar’s unwavering commitment to being a battery-electric-only brand reinforces its dedication to the future of electric mobility and a zero-emission luxury cars future.
Market Positioning and the Price of Innovation
The Polestar 4 arrives with pricing that firmly places it in the premium segment, starting at approximately $56,400 for the single-motor RWD and rising to $64,300 for the AWD version, with a fully equipped dual-motor test car reaching $71,600. In the highly competitive EV market trends 2025, this pricing pits it against formidable rivals such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and the forthcoming Porsche Macan EV.
From an expert’s perspective, Polestar’s strategy is clear: position the 4 as a design-forward, performance-luxury electric SUV that offers a distinct alternative to more mainstream offerings. The value proposition lies not just in its specifications, but in its unique blend of Scandinavian minimalism, advanced technology, sustainable materials, and engaging driving dynamics. While the price might seem “hefty” on paper, it reflects the advanced engineering and premium features packed into the vehicle. Polestar has always excelled at creating a driving experience that often transcends raw numbers, and the Polestar 4 is no different. My strong conviction is that for potential buyers, the test drive will be the ultimate differentiator and key to the sale. The vehicle simply feels exceptional from behind the wheel, justifying its position in the luxury electric SUV 2025 segment.
The Broader Vision: Polestar’s Expanding Ecosystem and Global Strategy
The Polestar 4 is not an isolated product; it is a critical piece in the brand’s ambitious expansion strategy. It bridges the gap between the compact Polestar 2 and the larger Polestar 3, completing a coherent initial lineup. But Polestar’s vision extends far beyond these three. We’ve already seen glimpses of the Polestar 5, a sleek four-door electric GT sedan based on the stunning Precept concept, slated for a European launch later this year. The Polestar 6, a two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” promises exhilarating performance, though its release date remains fluid. Looking further ahead, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV due in 2028, will slot below the Polestar 3 in terms of size and price, without replacing the highly successful Polestar 2. This continuous pipeline of innovative electric vehicle innovation demonstrates a clear long-term strategy for Polestar to establish itself as a dominant player in the global EV market.
Manufacturing strategy also reflects the dynamic geopolitical landscape of 2025. While the Polestar 4 is currently built at a plant in Hangzhou Bay, China, production is also commencing this year in Busan, South Korea. This strategic move is directly influenced by automotive tariffs and trade agreements, as South Korea’s tariff currently stands at a more favorable 15% for US imports, though tariff structures are ever-changing. The forthcoming Polestar 7 is slated for production in a Volvo plant in Slovakia, Europe, highlighting a diversified manufacturing footprint aimed at optimizing supply chains and navigating international trade policies. Polestar’s global sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025, while unspecified, underscores the growing acceptance and demand for its premium electric vehicles across 28 markets.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward
The Polestar 4 is more than just a new model; it’s a testament to bold design, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainable performance within the competitive EV landscape. It challenges preconceived notions of what a luxury SUV can be, particularly with its controversial yet highly effective rear-window-free design. From its powerful dual-motor configuration to its meticulously crafted interior and robust charging capabilities with NACS integration, the Polestar 4 is engineered to impress and engage the discerning driver. It represents a significant step forward for Polestar as a brand, showcasing its unique identity and clear vision for the future of electric mobility.
For those ready to experience the next evolution of luxury electric driving, the Polestar 4 beckons. We invite you to explore its groundbreaking features, feel its dynamic performance, and witness firsthand how Polestar is redefining what’s possible. Schedule a test drive at your nearest Polestar Space today and discover why the future of electric driving is already here.
