Polestar 4: Redefining the Luxury Electric Performance SUV Experience for the US Market in 2025
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating currents of the e
lectric vehicle industry, witnessing its evolution from niche curiosity to mainstream powerhouse. We’ve seen promises, prototypes, and genuine breakthroughs. Now, as we stand firmly in 2025, the automotive landscape is more dynamic and competitive than ever, especially in the premium EV segment. It’s into this vibrant arena that the Polestar 4 makes its decisive entry into the US and Canadian markets, a vehicle that doesn’t just compete but boldly redefines what a luxury electric performance SUV can be.
From its striking, coupe-inspired silhouette to its uncompromising approach to technology and sustainable design, the Polestar 4 immediately signals its intent to carve out a unique space. Positioned shrewdly between the Polestar 2 sedan and the larger Polestar 3 SUV, this D-segment performance SUV is built to challenge established players like the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQE SUV. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel and poring over its specifications, it’s clear Polestar has meticulously crafted a machine that blends blistering performance with cutting-edge practicality, wrapped in a package that will undoubtedly turn heads and spark conversations.
A Visionary Design Language: The Rear Window Reimagined
Perhaps no single design element of the Polestar 4 ignites more discussion—and admiration—than the deliberate absence of a traditional rear window. This isn’t a mere aesthetic quirk; it’s a profound engineering and design statement. For an expert accustomed to the constraints designers typically face when balancing aerodynamics, rear visibility, and cabin spaciousness in coupe-style SUVs, this solution is nothing short of brilliant.
Head of Design Maximilian Missoni and his team faced the perennial challenge: how to achieve a sleek, aerodynamically efficient, fastback roofline without compromising rear headroom or driver visibility. Their audacious answer was to completely remove the rear glass and instead integrate a high-definition, roof-mounted camera system that feeds an uninterrupted, expansive view directly to the interior rearview mirror. This isn’t a crude digital feed; it’s a highly sophisticated system designed for clarity and reliability, even in challenging conditions.
From a driver’s perspective, the transition is remarkably seamless. The digital rearview mirror offers a wider field of vision than traditional glass, eliminating blind spots created by rear pillars or passengers. Concerns about adverse weather conditions—a common topic among those of us who endure harsh winters—have been robustly addressed. Polestar’s engineering ensures that the camera lens is heated and designed to repel moisture and debris, maintaining a clear view even through a snowstorm or heavy rain. This isn’t just “good enough”; it’s a superior solution in many contexts, offering a consistent, optimal view regardless of cargo load or external conditions. It frees up designers to prioritize interior volume and aerodynamic efficiency, delivering a cabin that feels remarkably open thanks to the extended panoramic glass roof, which stretches far back, creating an airy, light-filled environment. This innovative approach to rear visibility is a potent example of how Polestar is not just adapting to the future but actively shaping it, pushing boundaries in a way that truly enhances the user experience.
Electrifying Performance: Power and Poise in Equal Measure
Underneath its avant-garde skin, the Polestar 4 delivers on the promise of electrifying performance, a non-negotiable for any vehicle vying for supremacy in the premium segment. Available in both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, it offers a spectrum of power designed to satisfy diverse driving preferences.
The single-motor variant, often overlooked in the race for raw numbers, presents a compelling argument for sophisticated efficiency. Its 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor delivers 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, it provides more than ample alacrity for daily driving and highway overtaking. What truly impresses is the immediacy of electric torque delivery, making it feel quicker than the figures suggest. Crucially, opting for the single motor also translates into a lighter curb weight and an extended range—a significant consideration for those prioritizing efficiency and reducing “electric vehicle range anxiety solutions” in their daily commute.
For the performance purists and those seeking maximum exhilaration, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is a force to be reckoned with. With a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this variant lunges from 0 to 62 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds. This isn’t just quick; it’s supercar territory, effortlessly pinning occupants into their seats with an exhilarating surge. Both powertrains are electronically limited to a top speed of 124 mph, ensuring controlled, high-speed stability.
What truly elevates the Polestar 4’s driving experience, regardless of the motor configuration, is its chassis tuning. Despite its curb weight, the vehicle exhibits remarkable agility and composure. Active dampers work in concert with a finely balanced suspension setup to deliver a ride that is both supple over rough surfaces and firmly planted through dynamic corners. On Texas Hill Country roads, the dual-motor model dove into turns with an eagerness that belied its nearly 5,200-pound mass, feeling lighter and more responsive than many rivals. The stopping power provided by the four-piston Brembo brakes is consistently impressive, offering confident, fade-free deceleration. This is a car engineered for the driver, striking a rare balance between comfort, precision, and unadulterated electric performance.
Range, Charging, and the NACS Advantage for 2025
In 2025, an electric vehicle’s range and charging capabilities are paramount, and the Polestar 4 delivers competitive figures that meet the evolving expectations of the premium EV market. Both single and dual-motor variants are equipped with a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour battery, providing impressive real-world usability. The single-motor model achieves an estimated range of 310 miles, while the more potent dual-motor version offers a still-excellent 280 miles. These “long-range electric SUV” figures are more than adequate for most American drivers, comfortably handling daily commutes and longer road trips.
Beyond the numbers, the charging infrastructure and speed are critical. The Polestar 4 supports fast-charging at up to 200 kilowatts, allowing for rapid replenishment of its battery on the go. This means less time waiting and more time driving, a crucial aspect of reducing “electric vehicle range anxiety solutions” for consumers.
Crucially for the US market in 2025, Polestar has embraced the North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports as part of the package. This is a strategic and foresightful move. With NACS rapidly becoming the de facto standard across the continent, integrating it directly into the vehicle eliminates the need for adapters and provides seamless access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, alongside a growing number of third-party chargers adopting the standard. This commitment to “NACS charging standard” compatibility significantly enhances the Polestar 4’s practicality and appeal, ensuring that drivers can confidently travel across the country with easy access to reliable, high-speed charging. It’s a game-changer for the “future of electric mobility” in North America and a clear advantage for Polestar owners.
An Oasis of Sustainable Luxury: Interior and Technology
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a cabin that exemplifies “sustainable luxury vehicles” for the modern era. Polestar’s commitment to premium, environmentally conscious materials is evident throughout, without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. Available options like the Bridge of Weir leather seats offer a tactile, opulent experience, enhanced with heating and massage functions—a welcome indulgence on long journeys. For those seeking innovative, eco-friendly alternatives, the “Tailored Knit” upholstery, crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste using 3D-knitting technology, is a testament to Polestar’s forward-thinking approach to “sustainable automotive interiors.” It’s not just a feel-good option; it’s genuinely comfortable and stylish.
The rear seats benefit directly from the lack of a traditional rear window, offering impressive reclining functionality that optimizes comfort. Rear passengers also enjoy their own dedicated small screen for climate and infotainment control, adding a touch of personalized luxury, though it doesn’t support video playback.
At the heart of the “next-gen infotainment” experience is a visually stunning 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen. Powered by Google’s native Android Automotive OS, it offers seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The inclusion of “live lane guidance” within Google Maps is a particularly welcome feature, offering enhanced visual cues and optimal lane recommendations for a smoother, more stress-free drive. While some functions, like vent control and even the glovebox door, are integrated into this screen, the overall user interface is intuitive and responsive, reflecting a thoughtful approach to digital control.
Storage is generous, with a wide and deep luggage area offering 18.6 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats up, complemented by practical under-floor storage and a convenient frunk (front trunk) for charging cables or smaller items. The powered tailgate makes access effortless.
Beyond infotainment, the Polestar 4 is a technological showcase for “advanced driver-assistance systems EV.” It boasts a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors that continuously monitor the surroundings, providing a robust foundation for safety and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. This arsenal of sensors contributes to a remarkably quiet cabin, where occupants can fully appreciate the immersive sound from the available 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system—a premium audio experience that enhances every journey. The absence of AM radio, a growing trend in EVs, is a minor omission for a thoroughly modern vehicle.
Pricing and Market Position: A Value Proposition in 2025
The Polestar 4 enters the US market with a starting price of $56,400 for the single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant, while the potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive version begins at $64,300. As tested, a fully optioned dual-motor model can reach upwards of $71,600. These figures, while substantial, are strategically positioned within the “premium EV market 2025,” reflecting the vehicle’s advanced technology, superior performance, luxurious appointments, and unique design.
In comparison to its direct competitors, the Polestar 4 presents a compelling “luxury electric SUV pricing” argument. A similarly equipped Porsche Macan EV or BMW iX would likely command a higher price tag. Polestar’s strategy is not to be the cheapest but to offer exceptional value through innovation, design distinction, and a refined driving experience. The brand’s commitment to an EV-only portfolio further underpins its premium standing and long-term vision.
The discussion around manufacturing location and tariffs, as hinted by Polestar’s decision to build the 4 in South Korea in addition to China, is an important economic factor that influences pricing and availability. Polestar is actively managing these global complexities to ensure competitive positioning and supply for its key markets. For American consumers, knowing their vehicle is built to global standards in multiple locations provides an added layer of confidence.
Polestar’s Ambitious Trajectory: The Future of the Brand
The Polestar 4 is not merely a standalone product; it’s a pivotal piece in the brand’s ambitious and rapidly expanding portfolio. As an “EV market expert,” I’ve keenly observed Polestar’s methodical rollout strategy. The brand’s commitment to being a purely battery-electric entity, foregoing plug-in hybrids, underscores its dedication to the “future of electric mobility.”
Following the Polestar 4, we anticipate the Polestar 5, a high-performance four-door electric GT sedan inspired by the stunning Precept concept car, slated for a late 2025 European launch. Beyond that, the Polestar 6 promises to be an exhilarating two-seat electric sports car, embodying the brand’s performance credentials. Looking further ahead, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is expected by 2028, designed to slot below the Polestar 3 in size and price, reinforcing the brand’s breadth. This clear “Polestar roadmap” demonstrates a coherent vision for sustainable growth and market penetration, offering diverse body styles and price points to cater to a broader premium EV audience.
Polestar’s global presence, now spanning 28 markets, and reported sales growth in 2025, signal a brand gaining significant momentum. They are not just selling cars; they are selling a philosophy of progressive design, advanced technology, and uncompromising electric performance.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Experience the Future
Having spent a decade immersed in the intricacies of electric vehicles, I can confidently assert that the Polestar 4 is more than just another entry in the burgeoning luxury EV SUV segment. It is a statement—a bold declaration of Polestar’s vision for a refined, electrified future. From its groundbreaking rear-window-less design and meticulously engineered digital rearview system to its exhilarating performance, sustainable luxury interior, and future-proof NACS charging capability, the Polestar 4 embodies innovation. It’s a vehicle that truly excels from the driver’s seat, offering an engaging, sophisticated, and remarkably quiet experience that challenges preconceived notions of what an SUV can be.
If you’re a discerning driver in the US or Canada, contemplating your next luxury vehicle in 2025, and seeking a blend of distinctive design, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating electric performance, the Polestar 4 demands your attention. Don’t just read about its revolutionary features; experience them firsthand. I strongly encourage you to visit your nearest Polestar Space, schedule a test drive, and discover how the Polestar 4 is redefining the electric performance SUV. The future of driving is here, and it’s electrifyingly clear.
