Polestar 4: A Visionary Electric SUV Redefining the Road for 2025
As an automotive expert navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles for over a
decade, I’ve witnessed countless contenders enter the fray. Few, however, arrive with the audacious confidence and distinct identity of the Polestar 4. Landing on American shores in late 2025, this isn’t just another luxury electric SUV; it’s a meticulously engineered statement, boldly challenging conventional design and delivering a driving experience that genuinely excites.
Polestar, an independent performance EV brand born from Volvo, has consistently pushed the boundaries of sustainable luxury vehicles. With the Polestar 4, they’ve bridged the gap between the compact Polestar 2 and the larger Polestar 3 SUV, carving out a unique niche in the competitive D-segment performance EV space. It’s an automotive innovation that demands attention, especially given its premium EV pricing starting from a compelling $57,800 for the single-motor variant and $64,300 for the potent dual-motor AWD.
The Audacity of Design: A Rear Window Reimagined
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the absence of one. The most talked-about, and perhaps controversial, design element of the Polestar 4 is its deliberate omission of a traditional rear window. This isn’t a stylistic whim; it’s a profound engineering decision, a testament to Polestar’s commitment to future of automotive design.
From my vantage point, having seen countless design compromises, Polestar Head of Design Maximilian Missoni’s explanation resonates deeply. Traditional coupe-style SUV roofs often force a difficult trade-off between interior headroom, aerodynamic efficiency, and rear visibility. By extending the panoramic glass roof seamlessly to the rear, Polestar liberates significant interior volume, particularly for rear passengers. This also allows for a more rakish, aerodynamic silhouette, crucial for optimizing long-range EV performance.
The “solution” to rear visibility, an integrated high-definition, roof-mounted camera feeding a crystal-clear display in the rearview mirror, works remarkably well in practice. I’ve heard the skepticism about inclement weather – the inevitable icy mornings or muddy trails. However, modern camera technology, coupled with sophisticated heating elements and protective coatings, has advanced considerably by 2025. These systems are designed for real-world resilience, offering a wider field of view than a conventional mirror could ever provide, free from obstructions like rear headrests or thick C-pillars. It’s an immersive, unobstructed digital view that quickly becomes second nature, subtly enhancing driver awareness. This advanced EV technology isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a thoughtful re-evaluation of how we perceive the world behind us.
Performance Prowess: More Than Just Horsepower
Beneath its sleek, minimalist skin, the Polestar 4 delivers on the promise of electrifying performance. Both single- and dual-motor configurations are built around a robust 100-kilowatt-hour battery, ensuring a solid foundation for impressive range and power delivery.
The rear-wheel-drive, single-motor variant, with its 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque from a 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, is often the unsung hero. While its 0-62 mph sprint in 6.9 seconds might seem pedestrian next to its dual-motor sibling, on the open road, it feels anything but. The instantaneous torque characteristic of electric powertrains ensures immediate acceleration, making city driving and highway merging effortless. Furthermore, shedding some weight and focusing power on a single axle often translates to a more nuanced, engaging driving feel for purists, not to mention an extended range of 310 miles – a critical benchmark for a premium electric mobility solution in 2025.
However, for those seeking unadulterated exhilaration, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is a force to be reckoned with. Pushing out a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0-62 mph in a blistering 3.7 seconds. These numbers aren’t just for bragging rights; they translate to exhilarating overtakes and a confidence-inspiring surge of power at any speed. Yet, the beauty lies in the Polestar’s intelligent power delivery. It’s not just brute force; it’s refined power, seamlessly integrated with the vehicle’s dynamic chassis.
On the twisty Texas Hill Country roads, the Polestar 4’s dynamic road manners truly shone. Despite its 5,192-pound curb weight – typical for a heavily batery-laden high-performance electric SUV – it felt remarkably agile. The active dampers and precise steering allowed the vehicle to dive into corners with an eagerness that belied its size. The four-piston Brembo brakes, standard on the performance-oriented variants, provided fade-free stopping power and excellent pedal feel, instilling immense confidence. This is a car that genuinely wants to be driven, blending performance with the quiet refinement you expect from a luxury EV. Both versions share a top speed of 124 mph, a practical limitation that prioritizes efficiency and battery longevity for everyday use.
Charging is swift, with capabilities up to 200 kilowatts, allowing for quick top-ups on long journeys. Crucially for the North American market, Polestar has embraced the NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports, ensuring seamless integration with the expanding Supercharger network and alleviating range anxiety for potential buyers. This move is a game-changer for EV charging infrastructure accessibility, a key consideration for consumers in 2025.
An Interior Sanctuary: Where Tech Meets Tactile Luxury
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a cabin that exemplifies modern, driver-centric experience design. The immediate impression is one of spaciousness, largely thanks to the extended glass roof and the clever manipulation of interior volume gained by the absence of a conventional rear window. Headroom, particularly in the rear, is excellent, a direct benefit of the innovative roofline. While rear legroom is adequate, it’s the sense of openness that truly elevates the passenger experience.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a landscape-oriented 15.4-inch touchscreen, powered by Google Built-in infotainment. This system is a benchmark for user-friendliness in 2025, offering intuitive navigation (including live lane guidance), seamless integration with your digital life, and access to a plethora of apps. While I typically advocate for more physical controls, Polestar’s implementation of critical functions like climate and media on this screen is well-executed, with a clean interface that minimizes driver distraction. Even the glovebox, surprisingly, is digitally controlled – a small touch that speaks to the vehicle’s minimalist design philosophy.
Comfort is paramount. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats are sumptuous, offering heating and massage functions that transform mundane commutes into relaxing journeys. For the environmentally conscious, Polestar offers a fascinating “Tailored Knit” upholstery option, crafted from 3D-knitted PET plastic waste. This isn’t just an eco-friendly choice; it’s a visually striking and tactilely pleasing material that underscores Polestar’s commitment to carbon footprint reduction and sustainable automotive. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten, with reclining seats (a direct benefit of the no-rear-window design) and a dedicated small screen to manage their climate and infotainment preferences.
Beyond the luxurious appointments, the cabin is remarkably quiet, a testament to Polestar’s excellent sound insulation and the inherent tranquility of BEV architecture. The available 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system delivers an immersive audio experience, making every drive a concert hall on wheels (though, like many modern EVs, it foregoes AM radio). Subtle details like the “robot dog” screensaver, proclaiming “my owner will be back soon,” add a touch of personality and charm, a pleasant diversion for those peeking into the cabin.
Intelligent Driving: ADAS and the Road Ahead
In 2025, a premium vehicle is defined not just by its performance or luxury, but by its suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The Polestar 4 is a technological powerhouse in this regard, bristling with 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This comprehensive array feeds data to sophisticated algorithms, enabling a host of safety and convenience features.
From adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist to blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, the Polestar 4 is designed to actively support the driver, enhancing safety and reducing fatigue on long journeys. The live lane guidance feature, which advises on optimal lane positioning for upcoming turns and displays city crosswalks and road signs, is a subtle yet significant enhancement to everyday navigation, further distinguishing this intelligent driving system. These features aren’t just passive alerts; they represent a proactive approach to safety, a reflection of Polestar’s deep roots in Volvo’s safety-first philosophy.
Navigating the 2025 EV Market: Value and Vision
The Polestar 4 enters a fiercely competitive 2025 EV market, populated by formidable rivals like the Porsche Macan EV, Tesla Model Y Performance, Audi Q6 e-tron, and BMW iX. Its pricing, which can climb to over $70,000 for a fully loaded dual-motor variant, places it squarely in this premium segment.
However, Polestar’s value proposition extends beyond mere specifications. It’s about the holistic experience: the distinctive design, the exhilarating yet refined driving dynamics, the cutting-edge sustainable materials, and the seamless integration of Google-powered technology. What truly sells the Polestar 4, in my expert opinion, is the experience behind the wheel. The test drive isn’t just a formality; it’s an awakening to what a modern, premium EV can truly be.
Polestar’s broader vision remains steadfast: a commitment to being a battery electric-only brand. While many manufacturers are still hedging their bets with plug-in hybrids, Polestar’s unwavering focus allows for dedicated research and development into electric vehicle technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Looking ahead, Polestar’s roadmap is ambitious. The speedy Polestar 5, a four-door electric GT sedan, is slated for a European launch in late 2025, followed by the two-seat Polestar 6 “sports car for the era of electrification.” Further out, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is due in 2028, promising a more accessible entry point into the brand. These future models, strategically manufactured in places like China, South Korea, and even a Volvo plant in Slovakia, demonstrate Polestar’s global ambition and astute navigation of international trade agreements and tariffs.
In essence, the Polestar 4 isn’t just a car; it’s a declaration. It’s an assertion that automotive innovation can coexist with sustainability, that bold design can enhance functionality, and that an electric SUV can be both practical and passionately engaging. For drivers in 2025 seeking an EV performance vehicle that stands out from the crowd, offers a genuinely unique experience, and aligns with forward-thinking values, the Polestar 4 is an undeniable contender.
Experience the Future, Today.
The automotive world is constantly evolving, but every so often, a vehicle emerges that truly shifts the paradigm. The Polestar 4 is one such vehicle, daring to redefine what an electric SUV can be. Are you ready to embrace a driving experience that combines breathtaking performance, intelligent design, and a commitment to a sustainable future?
We invite you to discover the Polestar 4 for yourself. Visit your nearest Polestar Space or schedule an exclusive test drive to experience firsthand how this visionary electric SUV is shaping the road ahead.
