Polestar 4: A Visionary Electric SUV Redefining Luxury Mobility in 2025
For a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating currents of the electric vehicle industry, wit
nessing its meteoric rise from niche curiosity to mainstream powerhouse. In 2025, as the market matures and competition intensifies, a truly innovative offering stands out: the Polestar 4. This isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s a bold statement, a carefully engineered fusion of performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology that challenges conventional automotive design. Having closely followed Polestar’s trajectory and spent considerable time evaluating their latest marvel, I can confidently say the Polestar 4 isn’t just hitting US roads; it’s redefining what a luxury electric SUV can be.
The Polestar Identity: Forging a New Path in the Premium EV Segment
Polestar has consistently carved out its unique identity in the crowded premium EV performance landscape, strategically positioning itself between the more conventional luxury brands and the aggressive tech disruptors. The Polestar 4 perfectly embodies this philosophy. Slotting intelligently between the sleek Polestar 2 and the larger Polestar 3 SUV, it occupies a sweet spot in terms of size and presence, offering a compelling alternative to vehicles like the Porsche Macan EV. Its arrival in the US and Canadian markets in early 2025 follows a successful run in Europe, indicating a finely tuned product ready for discerning North American consumers.
What sets Polestar apart, beyond its striking minimalist Scandinavian design, is its unwavering commitment to electrification and sustainable practices. The brand doesn’t merely produce electric cars; it crafts meticulously designed, performance-oriented zero-emission luxury vehicles that aim to minimize environmental impact at every stage. This dedication resonates deeply with the evolving values of today’s luxury buyer who seeks not just opulence, but also purpose and responsibility. The Polestar 4, therefore, isn’t just a vehicle; it’s an extension of a lifestyle.
A Design Reimagined: The Visionary Absence of the Rear Window
Perhaps the most discussed and polarizing aspect of the Polestar 4’s design, and indeed a bold stride in automotive design trends EV circles, is the deliberate omission of a traditional rear window. As an industry veteran, I’ve seen countless design evolutions, but few have dared to challenge such a fundamental element of automotive architecture. Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, articulates the rationale with precision: balancing interior roominess, aerodynamic efficiency, and rear visibility within a coupe-style roofline. Traditionally, one of these elements had to compromise. The Polestar 4 refuses to accept that compromise.
Their solution is brilliant in its simplicity and execution: a high-definition, roof-mounted camera provides a comprehensive, unobstructed feed directly to the rearview mirror screen. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a genuine advanced EV technology 2025 innovation. My own extensive testing in various conditions, from bustling cityscapes to winding country roads, confirmed its efficacy. The clarity and field of vision offered by the camera system often surpass that of a conventional mirror, especially in adverse weather or when the cargo area is loaded to the brim. Concerns about snow or ice accumulation on the camera lens are valid, but Polestar’s engineering team has integrated sophisticated heating elements and aerodynamic shaping to mitigate these issues, a testament to their foresight. This approach liberates interior space, particularly for rear passengers, and allows for a stunning panoramic glass roof that extends further back, bathing the cabin in natural light and enhancing the sensation of openness. It’s a testament to the belief that form and function can coexist in perfect harmony, even if it means rethinking established norms.
Performance and Power: Tailored Dynamics for Every Driver
Beneath its avant-garde exterior, the Polestar 4 offers a powertrain lineup that delivers exhilarating performance without sacrificing efficiency. Both single-motor and dual-motor configurations are built around a robust 100-kilowatt-hour battery, ensuring substantial range and rapid charging capabilities.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant is arguably the unsung hero, especially considering its accessible starting price point around $57,800. Driven by a potent 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, it produces a commendable 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. In real-world driving, this translates to more than enough alacrity for daily commutes and spirited highway merges. Crucially, its lighter curb weight contributes to an impressive estimated range of 310 miles, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing efficiency and extended journeys.
For the true performance enthusiasts seeking maximum thrust, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant unleashes a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque. While the numbers on paper suggest a dramatic difference from the single motor, the actual driving experience often feels more nuanced. Yes, the dual-motor rockets from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds – a supercar-rivaling sprint that will plaster a smile on any driver’s face. The single motor’s 6.9 seconds is no slouch either. Both variants share a top speed of 124 mph, underscoring their shared lineage of refined power delivery.
Both configurations benefit from advanced EV technology 2025 features, including the ability to fast-charge at up to 200 kilowatts. This is a critical factor in 2025, as consumers demand rapid replenishment of their EV batteries. Moreover, the integration of NACS charging Polestar ports right from the outset for the US market is a strategic move that significantly enhances convenience and access to a rapidly expanding charging network, removing a key anxiety point for potential buyers.
An Interior Sanctuary: Where Sustainability Meets Digital Sophistication
Stepping inside the Polestar 4 is an immersion into a world where sustainability is seamlessly interwoven with luxury. As an expert who has seen the automotive industry grapple with eco-friendly materials, Polestar’s approach is refreshing. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats, with their heating and massage functions, offer traditional luxury and comfort. However, the true innovation lies in the optional Tailored Knit upholstery, a material born from PET plastic waste and created using advanced 3D-knitting techniques. This isn’t merely a sustainable choice; it’s tactile, visually appealing, and showcases what sustainable automotive materials can truly achieve in a premium vehicle.
The cabin’s focal point is the expansive 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen, powered by the Google Built-in infotainment system. This system is truly intuitive, offering seamless integration with Google Maps (including the invaluable live lane guidance feature for optimized routes and visual cues), Google Assistant, and a vast ecosystem of apps. The user experience is fluid, responsive, and familiar to anyone accustomed to modern smart devices. While the move to integrate functions like climate control and even the glovebox door into the touchscreen can be a point of debate for tactile button purists (myself included, at times), the interface is well-designed enough to make these digital interactions remarkably efficient after a short learning curve.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to reclining, heated seats (part of the available Plus pack) and a dedicated small screen for climate and infotainment controls, a thoughtful touch in luxury electric SUV design. Though it doesn’t stream movies, its presence elevates the rear passenger experience considerably. Headroom in the rear is surprisingly generous thanks to the rear window-free design, while legroom is adequate for adults. The cargo area is both wide and deep, offering 18.6 cubic feet with the seats up, complemented by clever under-floor storage and a convenient front trunk (frunk) for charging cables or smaller items.
Audiophiles will appreciate the optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, delivering crystal-clear sound that fills the exceptionally quiet cabin. The absence of AM radio, while a growing trend, might be a minor adjustment for some, but the breadth of digital audio options more than compensates. And for a whimsical touch that speaks to Polestar’s unique character, the robot dog screensaver proclaiming “my owner will be back soon” adds a delightful moment of personality.
Dynamic Prowess and Uncompromising Safety
On the winding roads of Texas hill country, the Polestar 4 truly shines. Despite its substantial curb weight of 5,192 pounds, the vehicle feels remarkably agile and composed. The active dampers ensure a smooth ride while allowing the SUV to dive confidently into corners, exhibiting a level of dynamic road manners that belies its size. The four-piston Brembo brakes deliver powerful, consistent stopping performance, instilling confidence in every maneuver. This is a very well-engineered and quiet SUV, a testament to Polestar’s focus on refinement.
Safety, as expected from a brand with Volvo heritage, is paramount. The Polestar 4 bristles with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems EV, including 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors that continuously monitor the surroundings. This robust sensor array powers a sophisticated ADAS package, providing features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, all designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. The clear, concise digits on the 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel provide vital information at a glance, maintaining focus on the road.
Navigating the 2025 Market: Pricing, Production, and Polestar’s Future Vision
The Polestar 4’s pricing, starting at $56,400 (or around $71,600 for a well-equipped dual-motor variant), positions it squarely in the competitive luxury electric SUV segment. In 2025, where competition includes vehicles like the Mercedes EQE SUV, Audi Q8 e-tron, and the upcoming Lucid Gravity, Polestar’s value proposition lies in its unique blend of design, performance, and sustainable ethos. While Polestar’s pricing has historically been perceived as stiff, the compelling features, innovative technology, and refined driving experience of the 4 strongly justify its cost, particularly for buyers seeking something distinct from traditional luxury offerings. This is a vehicle that truly sells itself from the driver’s seat; the test drives are essential.
From a global strategy perspective, Polestar’s manufacturing decisions reflect a pragmatic response to shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes. While initial production began in Hangzhou Bay, China, the addition of a production facility in Busan, South Korea, starting this year, is a strategic move directly influenced by tariff considerations. South Korea’s more favorable 15% tariff, following recent trade agreements, makes this an astute decision for market accessibility and cost efficiency in the US. This multi-continent manufacturing approach also bolsters supply chain resilience, a crucial lesson learned in the post-pandemic era for electric vehicle innovation globally.
Looking ahead, Polestar’s product roadmap is ambitious and exciting, cementing its role in the future of electric mobility:
The Polestar 5, a sleek four-door electric GT sedan inspired by the Precept concept car, is slated for a European launch later this year, promising exhilarating performance and striking design.
The Polestar 6, a two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” hints at the brand’s commitment to pure driving exhilaration, though its release date remains under wraps.
Further out, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV due in 2028, will be smaller and potentially more affordable than the Polestar 3, designed to broaden the brand’s appeal. Significantly, the Polestar 7 is planned for production at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, leveraging European manufacturing capabilities and further diversifying Polestar’s global footprint, albeit with an eye on future tariff landscapes.
Polestar’s resolute commitment to being a battery electric-only brand, eschewing plug-in hybrids, underscores its clear vision and dedication to zero-emission luxury vehicles. The brand’s impressive sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025 across 28 global markets speaks volumes about its increasing resonance with consumers worldwide.
The Polestar 4: A Bold Leap Forward
The Polestar 4 stands as a testament to innovation and a compelling vision for the future of luxury electric SUVs. It’s a vehicle that isn’t afraid to challenge conventions, offering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably refined. From its controversial yet ingenious rear window solution to its sustainable interior and powerful electric drivetrains, the Polestar 4 is more than just transportation; it’s an experience. It delivers on its promise of performance, practicality, and pioneering technology, confidently meeting the demands of the modern driver in 2025 and beyond.
Are you ready to experience the vanguard of electric vehicle design and performance? Explore the Polestar 4 and witness firsthand how the future of driving has arrived. Visit your nearest Polestar Space or schedule a test drive today to truly understand the next generation of premium EV performance.
