Polestar 4: Redefining Electric Performance and Design for 2025 – A Deep Dive
Having navigated the dynamic currents of the automotive industry for over a decade, I’
ve witnessed countless paradigm shifts. Yet, few brands have captured my attention with the quiet audacity of Polestar. In a 2025 electric vehicle market bristling with innovation and fierce competition, the arrival of the Polestar 4 isn’t just another launch; it’s a deliberate, calculated statement. Positioned as an electric D-segment performance SUV-coupe, it bridges the gap between the compact Polestar 2 and the larger Polestar 3, carving out a niche that challenges conventional design while delivering exhilarating performance and sustainable luxury. This isn’t just about a new car; it’s about Polestar’s evolving vision for the future of electric vehicles and its unwavering commitment to a battery-electric-only future.
The journey of Polestar from Volvo’s performance arm to a standalone premium electric SUV brand has been swift and strategic. With the EV landscape in 2025 being more diverse and demanding than ever, the Polestar 4 arrives as a crucial pillar in their expanding lineup. It faces formidable rivals like the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX, Audi Q6 e-tron, and even higher-trim Tesla Model Y Performance variants. What truly sets the Polestar 4 apart is not just its bold aesthetics, but a holistic approach that integrates advanced technology, responsible materials, and spirited driving dynamics into a package designed for the discerning modern driver. It’s a compelling proposition in the competitive realm of luxury electric crossover vehicles, signaling Polestar’s intent to differentiate through innovation rather than merely volume.
At the heart of any performance EV lies its powertrain, and the Polestar 4 offers a compelling choice between two configurations, each engineered for distinct driver priorities. The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant, generating a respectable 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque from its 200-kilowatt permanent-magnet motor, delivers a surprisingly agile and engaging experience. From my perspective, honed by countless hours behind the wheel of various EVs, this iteration often feels more balanced, carving out some of the weight inherent in a dual-motor setup, translating directly into a more efficient use of its 100 kWh battery pack. It boasts an estimated electric vehicle range of up to 310 miles, a significant figure that comfortably addresses common EV range anxiety solutions for most daily commutes and longer journeys.
However, for those craving unadulterated acceleration and maximum grip, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is the undisputed champion. With a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this variant lunges from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. While the raw numbers suggest a vast difference, both powertrains share the inherent virtue of electric cars: instant, relentless torque delivery. On the winding roads of central Texas, where I recently had the opportunity to put the Polestar 4 through its paces, both versions exhibited an alacrity that belied their substantial curb weight. Both achieve a top speed of 124 mph, underscoring their shared DNA for spirited performance. The common 100 kWh battery ensures robust energy storage, and with fast charging capabilities of up to 200 kilowatts DC, replenishment times are impressively short. Crucially for the North American market, NACS charging ports are integrated into the package, providing seamless access to the expanding Supercharger network and simplifying the charging experience across the EV charging infrastructure landscape. This forward-thinking integration highlights Polestar’s understanding of key consumer pain points in 2025.
Perhaps no aspect of the Polestar 4 generates more discussion, and indeed, controversy, than the deliberate absence of a traditional rear window. This bold design choice, also set to feature on the forthcoming Polestar 5, extends the panoramic glass roof all the way to the rear, creating an uninterrupted, sleek profile. Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design, eloquently explained the rationale: in crafting a coupe-style roofline, a designer typically faces a difficult compromise between interior headroom, aerodynamic efficiency, and rear visibility. Polestar’s engineering and design teams refused to accept this trade-off, leading to their ingenious solution.
This isn’t a mere gimmick; it’s an exercise in innovative EV design. The solution lies in a high-definition roof-mounted, rear-facing camera that feeds a crystal-clear, wide-angle view directly to the digital rear-view mirror inside the cabin. From my extensive experience with various digital mirror implementations, I can attest that this system works remarkably well in practice, offering a wider field of view than many conventional mirrors. Concerns about seasonal ice or dirt obstructing the camera, raised by some of my journalistic peers, were met with confident assurances from Polestar reps, who emphasized robust heating and self-cleaning mechanisms. This departure from conventional automotive design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about leveraging technology to overcome traditional constraints, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive design trends 2025. It allows for greater structural rigidity, potentially better aerodynamics, and a unique interior ambiance unmarred by a small rear aperture, while still providing superior Polestar 4 rear visibility through advanced digital means.
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a sanctuary of contemporary luxury and sustainable sophistication. The cabin is an exceptionally delightful place to be, a testament to Polestar’s commitment to thoughtful interior design. Available Bridge of Weir leather seats, with their exquisite texture and sustainable sourcing, offer supreme comfort, enhanced by heating and massage functions—essential for long journeys. For the environmentally conscious, Polestar offers an equally appealing, neat, and truly sustainable automotive materials option: Tailored Knit upholstery, crafted from recycled PET plastic waste and 3D-knitted to size. This innovative fabric not only looks and feels premium but underscores Polestar’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to a surprising level of comfort, with available reclining and heated seats – a direct benefit of the rear-window-free design, which allows for more interior flexibility. A dedicated small screen in the rear console provides individual control over climate and infotainment settings, though it doesn’t support video playback. Up front, the central stack is dominated by a commanding 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen, running Polestar’s Google-based infotainment system. This system is intuitive, responsive, and boasts impressive functionality, including the groundbreaking Google Maps live lane guidance. This feature, which promises optimized routing with enhanced visual cues for turns and displays of city crosswalks and road signs, represents a significant leap in integrated navigation, making urban driving less stressful.
While the touchscreen handles a plethora of functions with commendable fluidity, I, like many seasoned drivers, often prefer haptic controls for essential features. The Polestar 4 consolidates functions like vent adjustments and, surprisingly, even the glovebox door operation, onto the screen. While undeniably sleek, this design choice inevitably requires a slight learning curve and, at times, diverts attention from the road more than a physical button or dial would. Rear-seat headroom is generous, while legroom is adequate. The luggage area is wide and cavernous, complemented by convenient under-floor storage and a spacious frunk, easily accessed via a powered tailgate. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats up, the Polestar 4 offers practical utility alongside its performance credentials. The inclusion of an amusing screensaver featuring a robot dog, proclaiming “my owner will be back soon,” adds a touch of playful personality to the otherwise minimalist EV cabin technology.
On the road, the Polestar 4 truly shines, especially in dual-motor guise. Its excellent dynamic road manners were evident on the twisting roads of Texas hill country. The car felt remarkably poised, diving eagerly into corners on its active dampers, effortlessly belying its substantial 5,192 pounds of curb weight. The chassis tuning is superb, offering a sophisticated balance of comfort and agility that belies the car’s size and heft. The four-piston Brembo brakes, known for their exceptional stopping power and consistent fade resistance, were, as expected, nothing short of impressive, instilling confidence even during aggressive driving. This is a very well-engineered, and notably quiet, SUV, cocooning occupants from road and wind noise.
Beyond its engaging driving experience, the Polestar 4 is a fortress of modern safety and convenience, bristling with an extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It boasts no fewer than 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, forming a comprehensive sensory net around the vehicle. This array supports features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and advanced parking aids, all contributing to a safer and less fatiguing driving experience. The clear digits on the 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel provide essential information at a glance, ensuring that the driver remains connected to the vehicle’s state without distraction.
The cabin’s delightful ambiance is further elevated by the optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, part of the premium pack. The audio quality is immersive, filling the space with rich, clear sound – though, mirroring a trend across the industry, AM radio is notably absent. Such premium inclusions undeniably contribute to the overall refinement and Polestar 4 comfort features, but they also reflect in the bottom line. The dual-motor test model I drove carried a price tag of $71,600, while the single-motor starts around $57,800, and the AWD version from $64,300. This places the Polestar 4 squarely in the luxury EV value segment, demanding a significant investment from prospective buyers.
In the ever-evolving EV market competitiveness of 2025, pricing remains a critical factor. Polestar’s strategy has always leaned towards the premium segment, and the Polestar 4’s pricing reflects that. While its styling, with its distinctive lighting tricks, undeniably has a sleek modernity, some might argue it could be sharper to stand out even more in a crowded field. However, where the Polestar 4 truly distinguishes itself is from the driver’s seat. As Christian Samson, who heads the Polestar product identity team, highlighted, the goal with the 4 was to make it “feel lighter” and achieve a 300-mile range. Mission accomplished. The driving dynamics are exceptional, and the extensive test drives I anticipate will be a powerful sales tool, converting skeptics into enthusiasts.
Understanding the global automotive landscape, particularly in 2025, means looking beyond the showroom floor to the complexities of manufacturing and trade. The Polestar 4 is currently built at a plant in Hangzhou Bay, China, but as of this year, production has also commenced in Busan, South Korea. This strategic diversification, as Samson explained, is primarily tariff-related. Following a recent trade agreement, South Korea’s tariff for automotive imports to the US is a more favorable 15%, compared to the 25% often associated with Chinese-made vehicles. This intelligent move directly impacts the vehicle’s accessibility and competitive pricing in the US market, demonstrating Polestar’s adaptability in navigating automotive tariffs and global supply chains.
Looking ahead, the Polestar ecosystem is rapidly expanding. The future Polestar models paint a vivid picture of the brand’s ambition. The Polestar 5, a speedy four-door electric GT sedan based on the stunning Precept concept car, is slated for a European launch later this year, promising another thrilling addition to the high-performance EV segment. Beyond that, the Polestar 6 is envisioned as a two-seat open EV sports car, a captivating “sports car for the era of electrification,” though its release date remains undefined. Both the 5 and 6 are likely to be built in China, leveraging established production capabilities.
Further down the line, the Polestar 7 is a two-row SUV due in 2028. This model is expected to be smaller and more accessible than the Polestar 3, though it won’t replace the Polestar 2. Significantly, the Polestar 7 is slated for production at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, Europe. While Slovakia might be a small country, its five existing auto plants underscore its manufacturing prowess. The current 25% tariff from Slovakia will be a factor, though trade agreements are always subject to change by 2028. Polestar remains steadfast in its BEV strategy, having actively evaluated but ultimately not embraced plug-in hybrids. This unwavering focus on pure electric mobility positions them firmly at the vanguard of sustainable transportation. The brand’s impressive sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025 across its 28 markets further validates its distinct approach.
In conclusion, the Polestar 4 is more than just another electric SUV for 2025; it’s a bold declaration of intent from a brand unafraid to challenge norms. Its distinctive design, particularly the innovative rear-window-free architecture, marries form with technologically driven function. Underneath its sleek skin lies a powertrain capable of both exhilarating performance and practical range, complemented by a luxurious, sustainably-minded interior packed with intuitive technology. While its premium pricing and a relatively nascent brand presence in the US market present challenges, the sheer quality of its engineering and its captivating driving dynamics speak volumes. The Polestar 4 isn’t just navigating the EV market trends 2025; it’s actively shaping them, offering a glimpse into a future where design, sustainability, and thrilling performance converge seamlessly.
Are you ready to experience the next generation of electric luxury? We invite you to delve deeper into the Polestar 4. Visit your nearest Polestar Space or schedule a test drive today to truly understand what sets this groundbreaking electric performance SUV apart. Experience the future of driving, redefined.
