The Polestar 4: A 2025 Deep Dive into Design, Dynamics, and the Digital Horizon for US Drivers
After a decade immersed in the electrifying currents of the automotiv
e industry, witnessing the ebb and flow of trends, the rise of new players, and the relentless march of technological innovation, few vehicles arrive with the quiet confidence and disruptive intent of the 2025 Polestar 4. This isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a meticulously engineered statement, a bold re-evaluation of what a premium electric crossover can be, especially for the discerning American consumer. Having tracked Polestar since its inception as a standalone EV brand, I’ve seen their unwavering commitment to design, performance, and sustainability mature into truly compelling products. The Polestar 4, finally gracing US roads after its European debut, is arguably their most provocative and refined offering yet, artfully bridging the chasm between outright performance and everyday usability.
From its striking aesthetic to its cutting-edge powertrain, the Polestar 4 challenges conventions while delivering an intrinsically satisfying driving experience. Positioned strategically in the D-segment, this electric performance SUV slots neatly between the compact Polestar 2 sedan and the larger Polestar 3 SUV, carving out its unique niche against formidable rivals like the impending Porsche Macan EV. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just demand attention; it earns it through sheer competence and a daring vision that’s perfectly timed for the evolving 2025 luxury electric vehicle market.
A Vision Without a View: Rethinking Rearward Perspective
Perhaps the most conversation-sparking feature of the Polestar 4 is its audacious decision to eliminate the traditional rear window. This isn’t merely a stylistic flourish; it’s a foundational design philosophy, a commitment to balancing interior spaciousness, aerodynamic efficiency, and an uncompromised rear view. In an era where automotive design often feels iterative, Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, and his team have dared to ask: what if we could reimagine the rear of a vehicle entirely?
The solution they’ve engineered is nothing short of brilliant. Instead of glass, a roof-mounted, high-definition camera projects a comprehensive, live feed directly onto the rearview mirror screen inside the cabin. My initial skepticism, like many, quickly dissolved after experiencing it firsthand. The clarity, the wide field of view, and the absence of traditional obstructions (like rear pillars or backseat passengers) offer an arguably superior perspective than many conventional mirrors. In 2025, with advanced sensor fusion and robust camera technology commonplace, this solution feels less like a compromise and more like a logical evolution. Concerns about inclement weather, like the dreaded Midwestern winter ice or heavy rain, are addressed by sophisticated heating elements and hydrophobic coatings, ensuring the camera remains clear. This design choice, extending the panoramic glass roof further back, not only contributes to a sleeker, coupe-like silhouette but also unlocks significant benefits for interior comfort, particularly for rear passengers, where headroom is notably improved. It’s a bold move that encapsulates Polestar’s identity: pushing boundaries while prioritizing the user experience.
Electrifying Dynamics: Power, Precision, and Poise
Beneath its avant-garde exterior, the Polestar 4 delivers a driving experience that is quintessentially Polestar: engaging, refined, and effortlessly potent. The platform is robust, designed from the ground up to maximize the benefits of electric propulsion. For the US market, Polestar offers two compelling powertrain configurations, each tailored to different driving preferences and value propositions.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant, starting at a compelling price point, utilizes a 200-kilowatt (272 horsepower) permanent-magnet motor, delivering 253 lb-ft of instant torque. While “single motor” might imply a pedestrian experience, this Polestar is anything but. It surges forward with impressive alacrity, reaching 62 mph in a brisk 6.9 seconds. More importantly, it offers a tangible connection to the road, a purity of response that some performance enthusiasts still cherish. This configuration also boasts an estimated 310 miles of EPA-rated range, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing efficiency and extended travel without range anxiety.
For those who crave unbridled acceleration and all-weather capability, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is a true tour de force. With a combined output of 544 horsepower and a staggering 504 lb-ft of torque, this variant redefines what a performance SUV can achieve. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph is dispatched in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, a figure that puts many sports cars to shame. Despite these stark performance differences on paper, both models share a remarkable linearity in their power delivery, a hallmark of well-engineered electric vehicles. Top speed for both is electronically limited to 124 mph, a sensible ceiling for an SUV designed for public roads.
Both Polestar 4 models are equipped with a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, engineered for longevity and rapid replenishment. Critical for the 2025 North American market, Polestar has embraced the North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, ensuring seamless compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network—a monumental advantage for cross-country travel and daily convenience. Fast charging capabilities are impressive, allowing for up to 200 kilowatts of DC input, meaning a significant battery top-up can happen in a surprisingly short timeframe, transforming the charging experience from a logistical hurdle into a brief pit stop.
On the winding roads of Texas Hill Country, the dual-motor Polestar 4 showcased impeccable road manners. Active dampers, precisely tuned suspension, and a low center of gravity conspire to mask its 5,192-pound curb weight with uncanny grace. It dives into corners with confidence, exhibiting minimal body roll and a steering feel that is communicative and direct. The four-piston Brembo brakes, an expected component of any high-performance EV, provide reassuringly powerful and consistent stopping power, inspiring confidence even under spirited driving conditions. This is a very well-engineered and remarkably quiet SUV, a testament to Polestar’s engineering prowess in crafting a serene yet exhilarating cabin environment.
The Sanctuary of Innovation: Interior, Technology, and Connectivity
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you’re immediately enveloped in an environment that blends Scandinavian minimalism with cutting-edge technology and sustainable luxury. The cabin is a testament to thoughtful design, prioritizing driver focus while offering a wealth of intelligent features.
The choice of materials reflects Polestar’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing opulence. Available Bridge of Weir leather seats, synonymous with premium quality, offer heating and massage functions—a welcome indulgence on long journeys. More innovatively, Polestar offers a “Tailored Knit” upholstery option, crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste using a 3D knitting process. This material not only feels premium but also underscores a tangible step towards a circular economy in automotive manufacturing. The attention to detail extends to the rear seats, which not only recline (a direct benefit of the rear window-free design) and heat up via the available Plus pack but also feature a dedicated small screen for passengers to control climate and infotainment functions, albeit not for video playback.
At the heart of the digital experience is a landscape-oriented 15.4-inch touchscreen, dominating the center stack. This vibrant, responsive display serves as the central command hub for the vehicle’s functions, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. Having spent years navigating various infotainment systems, I can attest to the intuitive nature of Google AAOS, offering seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to a rich ecosystem of apps. However, like many modern designs, some essential functions, such as climate vents and even the glovebox release, are relegated to the screen. While sleek, this sometimes requires an extra tap or two compared to physical buttons, a minor trade-off for the otherwise streamlined aesthetic.
The driver benefits from a clear, concise 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, displaying essential driving information without clutter. A notable innovation for the 2025 Polestar 4 is the introduction of Google Maps’ live lane guidance, which was unfortunately not present on the test vehicles but promises to revolutionize navigation. This feature provides optimized lane suggestions, enhanced visual cues for turns, and even displays city crosswalks and road signs—a truly intelligent navigation system designed to reduce driver cognitive load. And for a touch of Polestar’s playful personality, a unique screensaver featuring a robot dog proclaiming “my owner will be back soon” adds a charming quirk that will surely delight.
Audio fidelity is paramount in a premium EV, and the Polestar 4 delivers with an optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, part of the premium pack. The sound reproduction is crisp, immersive, and powerful, transforming the cabin into a concert hall. While the absence of AM radio follows a broader industry trend, the array of streaming options more than compensates for modern listeners.
Safety and driver assistance are thoroughly integrated, leveraging a sophisticated array of sensors and cameras. The Polestar 4 bristles with 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, feeding data to its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) suite. This comprehensive system contributes to passive and active safety, from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to advanced collision avoidance, providing a reassuring layer of protection and convenience for everyday driving.
Practicality Meets Prestige: Everyday Usability
Beyond the exhilarating performance and cutting-edge tech, the Polestar 4 remains a highly practical vehicle for daily life. Rear-seat headroom, thanks to that extended roofline, is surprisingly generous, though legroom is adequate rather than expansive for taller adults. The luggage area is wide and cavernous, offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats upright, easily accessed via a powered tailgate. Further enhancing its utility, under-floor storage provides additional secure space, and a useful “frunk” (front trunk) is perfect for charging cables or smaller items. This blend of luxury, performance, and everyday utility is precisely what modern luxury electric SUV buyers demand in 2025.
Market Position and the Polestar Trajectory
The Polestar 4 enters a fiercely competitive segment in the US market, populated by established luxury brands now fully committed to electrification. Its starting price, around $57,800 for the single-motor and $64,300 for the dual-motor AWD (with a fully kitted test model touching $71,600), positions it firmly in the premium arena. While some might consider Polestar’s pricing aggressive, it reflects the advanced technology, performance, and premium materials packed into the vehicle. As an expert who evaluates market value, I see it as a justifiable investment for buyers seeking a distinctive, high-performing, and sustainably-minded electric SUV. The challenge for Polestar, as always, is to convey this intrinsic value proposition effectively to an audience increasingly scrutinizing EV costs against a backdrop of broader economic factors.
Polestar’s long-term vision remains robust. The manufacturing strategy, with the Polestar 4 being built in Hangzhou Bay, China, and now also in Busan, South Korea, reflects a pragmatic response to global trade dynamics and tariff considerations. This diversification provides resilience in a fluctuating geopolitical landscape, ensuring supply chain stability for the US market.
Looking ahead, Polestar’s product roadmap is ambitious and exciting. The Polestar 5, a sleek four-door electric GT sedan inspired by the stunning Precept concept, is set for a European launch later this year, promising another dose of high-performance luxury. The Polestar 6, a two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” hints at a passionate future, though its release date remains unconfirmed. Further out, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV slated for 2028, will be smaller and more accessible than the Polestar 3, designed to cater to a broader audience and strategically built in a Volvo plant in Slovakia to optimize for European market dynamics and future tariff landscapes. Polestar’s unwavering commitment to being a battery-electric-only brand, eschewing plug-in hybrids, solidifies its position as a true pioneer in sustainable mobility. The reported sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025 across its 28 global markets is a testament to its compelling lineup and clear brand identity.
A New Standard for the Electric Age
The 2025 Polestar 4 is more than just a new electric vehicle; it’s a bold declaration of intent from a brand that refuses to play by traditional rules. It masterfully blends breathtaking performance with innovative design, sustainable luxury, and intelligent technology, all wrapped in a package that is both practical and profoundly desirable. While its distinctive rear design might challenge initial perceptions, it’s a testament to Polestar’s courage to innovate, proving that thoughtful engineering can redefine functionality and aesthetics simultaneously.
For American drivers ready to embrace the future of mobility, the Polestar 4 offers a uniquely compelling proposition. It’s for those who seek not just transportation, but an experience—a blend of exhilarating dynamics, serene comfort, and a forward-thinking ethos. This is a vehicle that genuinely shines from the driver’s seat, where its sophisticated engineering and intuitive design converge to create an unforgettable journey.
Are you ready to experience the future of electric performance and design? Discover the Polestar 4 for yourself and redefine what an electric SUV can be. Visit your nearest Polestar Space today to schedule a test drive and feel the electrifying difference firsthand.
