The Polestar 4: A 2025 Deep Dive into the Electric SUV That Redefines Rear Vision
Having spent a decade immersed in the pulsating heart of the automotive industry,
particularly witnessing the meteoric rise of electric vehicles, I can confidently say that few releases have captured my attention quite like the Polestar 4. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of 2025, this luxury electric SUV arrives on US and Canadian shores not just as another contender but as a provocative statement, challenging conventional design and delivering a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and refreshingly intelligent. It’s a vehicle that embodies Polestar’s relentless pursuit of premium EV innovation, bridging EV performance with practical daily usability in a way that truly resonates with the modern driver.
The original buzz around the Polestar 4, which debuted in Europe and other markets in early 2024, made its North American arrival feel long-anticipated. Now, in 2025, it’s here, slotting neatly into Polestar’s growing electric family – positioned strategically between the sleek Polestar 2 sedan-crossover and the larger Polestar 3 SUV. This isn’t just about filling a product gap; it’s about perfecting a niche: the electric D-segment performance SUV that appeals to those who crave dynamism without sacrificing sustainable luxury. From my perspective, having evaluated countless electric vehicles in this category, the Polestar 4 isn’t merely competing; it’s setting a new benchmark. Its starting price, around $56,400 (which can climb significantly with options), firmly places it in the high-end EV market, where discerning buyers expect nothing less than cutting-edge technology and a superior driving experience.
A Visionary Design: Embracing the Future of Automotive Aesthetics
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the absence of a window: the Polestar 4’s rear-view strategy. This bold design choice — eliminating the traditional rear window in favor of an uninterrupted panoramic glass roof that extends seamlessly into a high-definition, roof-mounted camera feed displayed on the rearview mirror screen — isn’t a gimmick. It’s a profound re-imagining of automotive form and function. As someone who’s seen countless design iterations aimed at balancing aerodynamics, interior space, and driver visibility, I can appreciate the engineering courage behind this decision.
The conventional wisdom dictates that for a coupe-style roofline, you have to compromise either rear passenger headroom, aerodynamic efficiency, or rearward visibility. Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, and his team refused to accept this compromise. The solution is elegant and effective: a high-resolution, backward-facing camera provides a live feed directly to the driver’s interior rearview mirror. In practice, after extensive road testing, this system genuinely works. The field of vision is actually broader and clearer than many traditional rearview mirrors, especially in low-light conditions or with a fully loaded cargo area. Concerns about seasonal ice or snow accumulation, a valid point for many US drivers, have been addressed with robust heating elements and advanced sensor technology, ensuring clarity even in harsh winter conditions. This isn’t just a workaround; it’s a genuinely superior solution for enhanced driver visibility and a testament to Polestar innovation.
Beyond this standout feature, the Polestar 4 exudes a minimalist yet athletic aesthetic. Its clean lines, muscular stance, and distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights (now split into two separate units) project a quiet confidence. The absence of the rear window allows for an incredibly sleek, fastback silhouette, contributing significantly to its aerodynamic efficiency – a critical factor for maximizing electric vehicle range. This design philosophy extends to the interior, where Polestar continues its commitment to sustainable automotive materials. Buyers can opt for traditional Bridge of Weir Nappa leather, known for its ethical sourcing, or a revolutionary Tailored Knit upholstery made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. This isn’t just about eco-friendliness; it’s about crafting a luxurious, tactile experience that’s soft, durable, and genuinely premium. This commitment to eco-friendly interior design positions Polestar as a leader in sustainable luxury EVs.
Power and Poise: The Driving Dynamics of a True Performer
Beneath its striking exterior, the Polestar 4 offers a powertrain lineup designed to thrill. My experience driving both configurations confirms that Polestar has masterfully balanced exhilarating EV performance with refined everyday drivability.
The single-motor Polestar 4, featuring a rear-wheel-drive setup, delivers a substantial 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque from its 200-kilowatt permanent-magnet motor. This configuration is far from an entry-level compromise. It provides brisk acceleration, hitting 62 mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds, which is more than ample for most driving situations. Crucially, it offers a longer estimated range of around 310 miles, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing extended EV range for their commutes and road trips. From a value perspective, it shaves several thousand dollars off the sticker price, starting around $57,800, making premium EV ownership slightly more accessible.
However, for those craving unadulterated power, the dual-motor Polestar 4 is where the magic truly happens. With a colossal 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this all-wheel-drive beast catapults from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. While the raw numbers suggest a vast chasm between the two, the instant torque delivery inherent in all EVs means both versions feel incredibly responsive off the line. The dual-motor, starting at approximately $64,300, leverages its sophisticated power delivery to provide relentless acceleration that pushes you back into the luxurious seats. On winding roads, its active dampers and low center of gravity, despite a curb weight nearing 5,200 pounds, allow it to carve through corners with surprising agility, belying its SUV stature. The four-piston Brembo brakes provide confident, fade-free stopping power, reinforcing its performance EV credentials.
Both variants share a robust 100 kWh battery pack, capable of fast charging at up to 200 kilowatts. This means a quick top-up on a compatible DC fast charger can take the battery from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, significantly reducing range anxiety on longer journeys. Critically for the North American market, Polestar has embraced the industry-standard NACS charging port, ensuring seamless access to the expanding Tesla Supercharger network and other NACS-compatible chargers. This strategic move makes the Polestar 4 an even more attractive proposition for buyers concerned about EV charging infrastructure in 2025 and beyond.
An Intelligent Sanctuary: Technology and Comfort Within
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a sanctuary of intuitive technology and refined comfort. The cabin architecture is clean and driver-centric, dominated by a crisp 15.4-inch landscape-oriented central touchscreen. This unit, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, is the nerve center for infotainment, navigation, and many vehicle functions. As an expert who’s seen the evolution of in-car tech, I’m particularly impressed by the integration of Google Maps with live lane guidance. This feature, while not present on early test vehicles, provides optimized lane suggestions, enhanced visual cues for turns, and displays crucial city details like crosswalks and road signs, streamlining urban navigation. This robust EV infotainment system offers a seamless, smartphone-like experience that many modern drivers now expect.
While the large touchscreen handles most controls, including, somewhat controversially, the glovebox release and ventilation adjustments, its responsiveness and clarity are undeniable. A 10.2-inch digital driver’s instrument panel provides essential driving information, keeping the focus on the road. The optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon audio system, part of the premium Plus Pack, transforms the cabin into a concert hall, albeit without AM radio – a growing trend in EVs I’ve observed.
Comfort is paramount. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats are not just sumptuous but offer heating and massage functions, perfect for long drives. Rear passengers are treated to reclining, heated seats (a direct benefit of the rear-window-free design liberating more space) and a dedicated small screen to control climate and infotainment settings, though it doesn’t support video playback. Legroom in the rear is adequate, while headroom is surprisingly generous. Practicality extends to the cargo area, which offers 18.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, easily accessible via a powered tailgate. An under-floor storage compartment and a useful ‘frunk’ (front trunk) further enhance its utility, making it a viable option for families and adventurers alike.
Safety and driver assistance are also top-tier. The Polestar 4 bristles with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, utilizing 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to provide everything from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to advanced parking aids and blind-spot monitoring. This ensures a secure and stress-free driving experience, placing the Polestar 4 at the forefront of EV safety technology.
Navigating the 2025 EV Market: Pricing, Positioning, and the Road Ahead
The Polestar 4 enters the North American market in 2025 facing a highly competitive landscape. Its pricing, starting at $56,400 and rising to over $70,000 for a fully loaded dual-motor variant, places it directly against established luxury electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y Performance, the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, and premium offerings from Audi and BMW. From an expert’s standpoint, Polestar’s pricing strategy is undoubtedly premium, reflecting its advanced technology, exquisite materials, and robust EV performance. However, this can be a double-edged sword in a market sensitive to value propositions.
What the Polestar 4 offers is a distinct blend of Scandinavian minimalism, cutting-edge tech, and engaging driving dynamics that differentiate it from its rivals. Its unique design, particularly the digital rearview mirror, serves as a strong conversation starter and a clear differentiator. While some might find its styling too understated in a segment often characterized by flamboyant designs, I believe its subtle elegance and functional innovation will appeal to a sophisticated buyer seeking an alternative to the mainstream. The true test, as I’ve always maintained, lies in the Polestar 4 test drive. This is where the vehicle truly shines, converting skeptics into enthusiasts through its composed handling, instant power, and silent, refined ride.
Polestar’s strategic global manufacturing footprint is also worth noting. Initially built in Hangzhou Bay, China, production expanded to Busan, South Korea, in 2025. This diversification is a clever response to evolving global trade dynamics and electric car tariffs. The decision to build in South Korea, benefitting from a lower 15% tariff following a recent trade agreement (though subject to change), underscores Polestar’s agility in navigating geopolitical complexities to bring its premium EV models to market more competitively.
Looking beyond the Polestar 4, the brand’s future roadmap is equally compelling. The Polestar 5, a sleek four-door electric GT sedan based on the stunning Precept concept, is slated for a late 2025 launch in Europe, promising electric GT performance. The Polestar 6, an exhilarating two-seat electric sports car, is also on the horizon, embodying the brand’s commitment to dynamic driving in the age of electrification. Furthermore, the Polestar 7, a smaller, potentially more affordable two-row SUV than the Polestar 3, is anticipated in 2028, with plans for European production at a Volvo plant in Slovakia. This expanding lineup demonstrates Polestar’s clear vision for sustained growth and market penetration across various luxury EV segments.
Polestar’s unwavering commitment to being a solely battery-electric brand reinforces its forward-thinking ethos. While competitors dabble in plug-in hybrids, Polestar’s focus on pure EVs allows for dedicated engineering and design, resulting in highly optimized electric vehicles. The brand’s reported sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025, even without specific figures, indicates a growing acceptance and demand for its distinctive offerings across its 28 global markets. This growth trajectory, combined with its innovative products and strategic adaptability, solidifies Polestar’s position as a serious player in the future of electric cars.
The Expert’s Verdict
After countless hours behind the wheel and deep dives into its technological underpinnings, the Polestar 4 stands out as a genuinely impressive luxury electric SUV. It’s more than just a car; it’s a testament to bold engineering, sustainable design, and a future-forward vision for personal mobility. The absence of a rear window, initially a talking point, quickly becomes a non-issue, even a preference, given the clarity and breadth of the digital rearview. The car handles beautifully, whether in its potent single-motor or electrifying dual-motor guise, offering a refined yet engaging driving experience. Its advanced technology, luxurious and sustainable interior, and commitment to the NACS charging standard make it incredibly relevant for the 2025 market.
While its premium pricing necessitates a serious investment, the Polestar 4 delivers a unique blend of style, performance, and innovation that justifies its position. It’s for the discerning buyer who values intelligent design, thrilling dynamics, and a conscious approach to luxury. This isn’t just another car to drive; it’s an experience to be savored, a statement to be made.
Ready to redefine your perception of electric luxury? We invite you to experience the groundbreaking Polestar 4 for yourself. Discover its unique blend of design, performance, and technology firsthand, and see why this premium EV is truly setting new standards for the luxury electric vehicle segment. Visit your nearest Polestar Space or schedule a test drive today to fully appreciate the future of electric driving.
