Polestar 4: A Visionary Electric SUV Redefining the Road for 2025
The automotive landscape of 2025 is electric, competitive, and constantly innovating. Amidst this
vibrant charge, Polestar, Volvo’s performance electric vehicle spin-off, continues to carve out its niche with a blend of Scandinavian minimalism, robust performance, and audacious design. Their latest entrant, the Polestar 4, has arrived on American shores, ready to challenge perceptions and captivate discerning drivers. Having spent a decade immersed in the evolution of electric mobility, I can confidently say the Polestar 4 isn’t just another EV; it’s a statement, a meticulously engineered machine that dares to be different.
This electric D-segment SUV, priced from a competitive $56,400 (single motor, RWD) to $64,300 (dual motor, AWD) before options, strategically positions itself between the Polestar 2 sedan and the larger Polestar 3 SUV. It’s a compelling proposition for those seeking a premium electric crossover that balances spirited driving dynamics with everyday practicality, all while pushing the boundaries of conventional automotive design. Its arrival in the US follows its European debut in early 2024, giving us a clearer picture of its real-world capabilities and how it integrates into the burgeoning American luxury electric SUV segment.
Under the Hood: Power, Performance, and Range
At the heart of any compelling electric performance vehicle lies its powertrain, and the Polestar 4 offers two distinct, yet equally impressive, configurations.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant is anything but meek. Equipped with a 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, it delivers a robust 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. While its 0-62 mph sprint time of 6.9 seconds might not set drag strips ablaze, it offers more than enough alacrity for daily driving and highway overtaking. What truly makes this configuration stand out, particularly for the cost-conscious EV buyer, is its impressive estimated range of 310 miles on a full charge. This pushes it into a sweet spot for many consumers, alleviating range anxiety and making it a viable option for longer journeys. Furthermore, the lighter curb weight of the single-motor version contributes to a slightly more nimble feel on the road, an often-overlooked benefit of less complex powertrains.
For those with an unquenchable thirst for acceleration, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is the undisputed champion. This beast unleashes a staggering 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, propelling the SUV from 0 to 62 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds. This kind of raw, instantaneous power is a hallmark of premium EVs and places the Polestar 4 squarely in contention with high-performance rivals. Despite the significant power bump, its estimated range of 280 miles remains competitive, demonstrating Polestar’s commitment to balancing exhilarating performance with practical usability. Both versions share a respectable top speed of 124 mph, ensuring they’re equally capable cruisers.
Both Polestar 4 models are equipped with a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour battery, supporting fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kilowatts. This means minimal downtime at compatible DC fast chargers, getting you back on the road swiftly. A crucial upgrade for the US market in 2025 is the inclusion of NACS charging ports, future-proofing the vehicle for the expanding Tesla Supercharger network and simplifying the charging experience across the nation. This strategic move eliminates the need for adapters for many drivers and is a significant advantage in the rapidly evolving EV charging infrastructure landscape.
A Design Reimagined: The Windowless Rear
Perhaps the most talked-about, and certainly the most radical, design element of the Polestar 4 is the complete absence of a traditional rear window. This isn’t a mere stylistic flourish; it’s a deliberate, functional decision that showcases Polestar’s innovative spirit. Instead of a conventional glass panel, the panoramic glass roof extends all the way down to where the rear window would typically be, creating an uninterrupted, sleek coupe-like profile.
“Normally, with a coupe-style roof, you have to compromise interior roominess, aerodynamics, or the rear view,” explained Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design. “We weren’t prepared to accept that.” Their solution? A high-definition, roof-mounted rear-facing camera that feeds a crystal-clear, wide-angle view directly to the rearview mirror screen.
From an expert’s perspective, this isn’t just a gimmick. In practice, the digital rearview mirror provides a superior, unobstructed field of vision compared to many traditional mirrors, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers or cargo. It effectively eliminates blind spots caused by headrests or bulky items. Concerns about severe weather affecting the camera are valid, particularly for drivers in colder climates. However, Polestar engineers have assured that the camera system is designed with heating elements to mitigate ice and snow buildup, similar to modern backup cameras. This bold design choice also likely contributes to the vehicle’s impressive aerodynamic efficiency, a critical factor for optimizing electric vehicle range and performance.
The rest of the Polestar 4’s exterior design adheres to the brand’s characteristic minimalist aesthetic. Slim, “split” LED headlights, a signature Polestar design cue, flank a clean front fascia. Flush door handles and sculpted body lines contribute to a sophisticated, modern presence that stands out without being ostentatious. This is a car that commands attention through its understated confidence and innovative features, not overt flashiness.
Inside the Future: Sustainable Luxury and Intuitive Technology
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you’re greeted by an interior that seamlessly blends modern luxury with a strong commitment to sustainability. My decade of experience has taught me that true luxury is increasingly about mindful choices, and Polestar delivers. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats, with their exquisite feel and integrated heating and massage functions, are a testament to premium comfort. However, the true innovation lies in the optional Tailored Knit upholstery. This environmentally friendly material is crafted from PET plastic waste using a sophisticated 3D-knitting process, offering a tactile and visually appealing alternative that underscores Polestar’s sustainable vehicle manufacturing ethos.
The cabin is undeniably driver-centric, yet passengers are far from an afterthought. The absence of a traditional rear window allows for unique packaging, leading to surprisingly generous rear-seat headroom and reclining rear seats (part of the available Plus pack). Rear passengers even get a dedicated small touchscreen to control climate and infotainment settings, a thoughtful touch in a premium electric SUV.
At the heart of the digital experience is a landscape-oriented 15.4-inch central touchscreen, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. This intuitive system provides seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a vast ecosystem of apps. For 2025, a notable enhancement is the integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance, offering optimized route suggestions, enhanced visual cues for turns, and real-time displays of crosswalks and road signs – though I didn’t experience it on the initial test drive, its potential for reducing driver stress is significant. The 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel is clear and concise, providing essential driving information without overwhelming the user.
While the large central screen handles most functions, including climate control and even the glovebox door (a somewhat controversial decision for those who prefer physical buttons for critical controls), the overall user experience is polished. Audiophiles will appreciate the available 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, part of the premium pack, which fills the quiet cabin with rich, immersive sound. Interestingly, like many new vehicles, AM radio is absent, a trend that continues to shape the in-car entertainment experience.
Driving Dynamics: Precision and Poise
My recent test drive in the rolling hills of Austin, Texas, revealed the Polestar 4’s true character on the road. Despite its curb weight of 5,192 pounds (for the dual-motor model), the SUV handles with an agility that belies its mass. The active dampers, a key component of its sophisticated chassis, allow the Polestar 4 to dive into corners with confidence, maintaining composure and minimizing body roll. This is a genuinely engaging electric performance SUV, demonstrating Polestar’s commitment to a dynamic driving experience.
The four-piston Brembo brakes are, as expected, superb. They offer powerful, consistent stopping force and excellent modulation, inspiring confidence even during spirited driving. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback without feeling overly heavy. This is a very well-engineered and remarkably quiet SUV, where road noise is expertly suppressed, allowing the driver and passengers to fully appreciate the premium cabin.
Beyond its engaging dynamics, the Polestar 4 is also a technological powerhouse when it comes to safety and driver assistance. It bristles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), boasting an array of 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These sensors form the backbone of features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, contributing to a truly comprehensive EV safety features suite designed to enhance both convenience and occupant protection.
Market Landscape 2025: Where Does the Polestar 4 Fit?
The premium electric SUV market in 2025 is a hotly contested arena. The Polestar 4 enters a segment populated by established luxury players and new, innovative entrants. Its closest conceptual rivals include the Porsche Macan EV, Tesla Model Y Performance, and potentially higher trims of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. While its starting price might be considered “hefty” by some, it’s competitive within the luxury performance EV space. The dual-motor test car I drove, fully loaded, came in at $71,600, a figure that aligns with what consumers expect to pay for a technologically advanced, high-performance luxury electric vehicle.
Polestar’s continued challenge in the US market lies not just in its pricing, but also in brand recognition against more entrenched marques. However, its direct-to-consumer sales model and growing network of “Polestar Spaces” offer a unique purchasing experience. The brand’s focus on sustainable materials, minimalist design, and uncompromised performance resonates strongly with a growing segment of environmentally conscious luxury buyers.
The decision to manufacture the Polestar 4 not only in Hangzhou Bay, China, but also in Busan, South Korea (starting this year), is a shrewd strategic move. As Christian Samson, who heads the Polestar product identity team, noted, this addresses tariff-related concerns. South Korea’s current 15% tariff for imported vehicles (following a recent trade agreement) is significantly lower than the 25% tariff on Chinese-made vehicles, potentially allowing Polestar to offer more competitive pricing or absorb some costs. This agility in manufacturing strategy is crucial for navigating global trade complexities and maintaining market access.
Beyond the Polestar 4: An Ambitious Future
Polestar is not a brand to rest on its laurels, and the Polestar 4 is just one chapter in its ambitious electrification roadmap. The horizon for the brand in the coming years is filled with exciting new models that aim to further diversify its portfolio and solidify its position as a leader in premium EVs:
Polestar 5: Slated for a late 2025 launch in Europe, this speedy four-door electric GT sedan is modeled on the stunning Precept concept car. It promises to be a true rival to established luxury performance sedans.
Polestar 6: While no clear release date is available, this two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification” is set to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts with its focus on pure exhilaration.
Polestar 7: Expected around 2028, this two-row SUV will be smaller and more affordable than the Polestar 3, positioning it as a volume seller without replacing the Polestar 2. Crucially, the Polestar 7 is planned for production in Europe, specifically at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, signaling Polestar’s continued efforts to diversify its global manufacturing footprint and navigate evolving trade policies.
Polestar remains steadfast in its commitment to being a battery electric-only brand, consciously eschewing plug-in hybrids. This singular focus on pure EVs allows them to channel all their engineering and design resources into perfecting the electric driving experience, a strategy that has served them well across their 28 global markets. The company reported healthy sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025, a testament to its compelling product lineup and forward-thinking vision.
A Bold Leap Forward
The Polestar 4 is a bold, innovative, and highly capable premium electric SUV that deserves serious consideration in 2025. It marries striking, unconventional design with exhilarating performance, a luxurious and sustainable interior, and cutting-edge technology. While its “no rear window” design may spark initial curiosity, its practical execution, combined with impressive driving dynamics and a competitive range, makes it a formidable contender. Polestar is not merely participating in the EV revolution; it’s actively shaping it, one thoughtfully designed, powerfully engineered vehicle at a time.
For anyone considering a new electric vehicle that dares to innovate while delivering on every front, the Polestar 4 offers a truly compelling argument. Don’t just read about it; experience the future of driving firsthand. Visit your nearest Polestar Space today and take the Polestar 4 for a test drive to feel the difference for yourself.
