Polestar 4: Redefining the Electric Performance SUV in the 2025 Landscape
In the rapidly evolving landscape of premium electric vehicles, a true standout requires m
ore than just raw power or a sleek silhouette. It demands audacious innovation, a meticulously crafted user experience, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Enter the Polestar 4, an electric performance SUV that has not merely arrived on North American roads in 2025, but has decisively staked its claim as a visionary contender. Having navigated the complex currents of automotive innovation for over a decade, I’ve witnessed countless contenders promise the moon, but few deliver with the Polestar 4’s blend of daring design and pragmatic engineering.
Polestar, a brand synonymous with minimalist Scandinavian design and potent electrification, has strategically positioned the Polestar 4 as a compelling bridge between its Polestar 2 sedan-crossover and the larger Polestar 3 SUV. It’s an electric D-segment performer, sized to contend directly with the burgeoning class of luxury compact electric SUVs, like the Porsche Macan EV. But its ambitions stretch beyond mere size or segment; the Polestar 4 aims to redefine expectations, starting with a design cue that instantly commands attention: the absence of a traditional rear window.
Daring Design: A Vision Without a Rear View Mirror
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the lack thereof: the rear window. This isn’t merely a stylistic flourish; it’s a profound engineering and design statement. For years, designers have grappled with the inherent conflict between aerodynamic coupe-SUV profiles, rear passenger headroom, and conventional rear visibility. Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design, articulated this challenge perfectly: “Normally…one of those has to give.” The Polestar 4, alongside its forthcoming sibling the Polestar 5, rejects this compromise entirely.
Instead of a glass panel, the panoramic glass roof extends seamlessly rearward, creating an incredibly open, airy cabin experience for rear occupants. The traditional rear-view mirror is replaced by a high-definition screen displaying a feed from a roof-mounted, rear-facing camera. As an expert, I’ve seen many digital mirror solutions, but Polestar’s implementation here is remarkably polished. During my comprehensive test drive sessions, the clarity and wide field of view provided by this digital feed were exceptional, often surpassing the limitations of a conventional mirror, especially in low light or adverse weather conditions. Concerns about snow or ice accumulation on the camera lens, a valid point raised by journalists, were met with assurances of robust heating elements and design considerations to minimize obstruction. This innovative approach is not just “technically achievable and perfectly legal,” as Polestar’s engineering team confirmed; it’s a bold step forward in intelligent automotive design, pushing the boundaries of what a premium electric vehicle can offer in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. It’s an immediate conversation starter and a significant differentiator in the crowded 2025 EV market.
The Heart of Performance: Power, Precision, and Range
Underneath its avant-garde exterior, the Polestar 4 offers a choice of powertrains designed to cater to varying performance appetites, all underpinned by a robust 100-kilowatt-hour battery and next-generation 200 kW fast-charging capability, complete with standard NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports – a crucial integration for seamless public charging in 2025.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration is powered by a potent 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, delivering a robust 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. While the dual-motor variant undeniably steals headlines with its blistering acceleration, the single-motor Polestar 4 proved to be surprisingly engaging. Its immediate electric torque delivery provides ample alacrity for daily driving and highway overtaking, feeling far more spirited than its 6.9-second 0-62 mph sprint suggests. Critically for many prospective buyers of electric SUVs, this variant also boasts an impressive estimated range of 310 miles, offering substantial peace of mind for longer journeys and reducing concerns about range anxiety – a persistent, albeit diminishing, factor in EV adoption. Starting at a competitive $57,800, it also offers a more accessible entry point into Polestar’s premium electric ecosystem.
For those demanding uncompromised performance, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is a force to be reckoned with. With a colossal 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this variant rockets from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. While the numbers on paper suggest a vast chasm in performance between the two, the real-world driving experience reveals a more nuanced difference. Both powertrains deliver power with that characteristic electric immediacy, making even the single-motor feel incredibly responsive. However, the dual-motor truly shines when pushing the limits, offering exhilarating acceleration and enhanced traction that can elevate the driving experience to supercar levels. Despite its higher starting price of $64,300 and a slightly reduced range of 280 miles, the dual-motor Polestar 4 represents the pinnacle of electric performance SUV engineering for the brand. Both versions maintain a top speed of 124 mph, underscoring their focus on usable, real-world performance rather than gratuitous, track-only figures. This balance of power, range, and advanced charging capability positions the Polestar 4 as a formidable contender in the rapidly evolving performance EV segment.
A Sanctuary of Scandinavian Minimalism and Smart Tech
Stepping inside the Polestar 4, one is immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that is unmistakably Polestar: a refined blend of Scandinavian minimalism, premium materials, and cutting-edge technology. The cabin is not just visually appealing; it’s a tactile and sensory delight. The available Bridge of Weir leather seats, with their exquisite stitching and integrated heating and massage functions, are a testament to the brand’s commitment to luxury. What truly excites me, as an advocate for sustainable automotive practices, is the availability of the innovative Tailored Knit upholstery. This material, crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste and 3D-knitted to size, not only looks and feels fantastic but also champions environmental responsibility – a critical consideration for the discerning 2025 luxury EV buyer.
Rear passengers are afforded surprising comfort, a direct benefit of the car’s innovative rear window-free design, which allows for greater freedom in roofline and seat positioning. The rear seats recline and can be heated via the optional Plus Pack, ensuring long-distance comfort. A small dedicated screen provides intuitive control over climate settings and infotainment functions for those in the back, though, notably, it doesn’t support video playback, keeping the focus on personalized comfort and control.
The focal point of the cabin’s digital interface is the impressive 15.4-inch landscape-oriented central touchscreen. Running Polestar’s intuitive Google-based infotainment system, it is generally brilliant, offering crisp graphics, snappy responses, and seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a vast ecosystem of apps. However, as an expert who values both digital advancement and ergonomic practicality, I must highlight a minor yet significant critique: the centralization of too many functions, including climate vents and, surprisingly, the glovebox door, within this single screen. While aesthetically clean, physical controls often offer a more immediate and safer interaction, especially for frequently used functions. This is a common trend in modern automotive design, but one that manufacturers should continue to refine for optimal user experience.
Cargo versatility is another strength. The luggage area is wide and capacious, supplemented by useful under-floor storage, easily accessed via a powered tailgate. With the rear seats in place, there’s a respectable 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and the inclusion of a “frunk” (front trunk) adds convenient storage for charging cables or smaller items, reinforcing the Polestar 4’s practicality as a daily driver or family hauler.
Navigating Tomorrow: Advanced Tech and Connected Driving
The Polestar 4 is more than just a means of transport; it’s a connected device on wheels, optimized for the digital age. A standout feature, particularly for urban navigation in 2025, is the integration of Google Maps with live lane guidance. While not fully deployed on all test vehicles, this system promises to significantly enhance the driving experience by providing optimized lane recommendations, clear visual cues for upcoming turns, and even displaying city crosswalks and road signs directly on the map. This level of granular navigation is invaluable in complex urban environments, reducing driver stress and improving efficiency.
Beyond navigation, the Polestar 4 bristles with an advanced suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Equipped with an array of 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, it provides comprehensive situational awareness, supporting features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a robust 360-degree parking view. These technologies are foundational to modern vehicle safety and convenience, offering a semi-autonomous driving experience that is rapidly becoming standard in the premium segment.
The driver’s instrument panel, a clear 10.2-inch digital display, provides essential driving information at a glance, with crisp graphics and intuitive layouts. During my drives, it prominently displayed battery state of charge and available range, ensuring I was always aware of the vehicle’s energy status. And for those moments of relaxation, the optional 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo, part of the premium pack, transforms the cabin into a concert hall. The audio quality is superb, though the absence of AM radio, a growing trend in electric vehicles, is a small but notable detail for some traditional listeners. A quirky yet charming detail is the digital screensaver of a robot dog proclaiming “my owner will be back soon,” adding a touch of personality to this otherwise sleek machine.
On the Road: Dynamic Prowess Meets Refined Composure
My extensive driving time with the Polestar 4, particularly through the winding roads of Texas hill country, solidified its credentials as a true performance EV. The dual-motor variant, despite its substantial 5,192 pounds of curb weight, exhibits remarkable agility and composure. Polestar’s engineering team, led by product identity lead Christian Samson, aimed to “shrink the car, to make it feel lighter,” and they’ve largely succeeded. The car dives into corners with confidence, supported by active dampers that adeptly manage body roll and maintain a flat, predictable stance. The four-piston Brembo brakes, a hallmark of performance vehicles, provide powerful and consistent stopping power, inspiring confidence even during spirited driving.
What truly impressed me was the vehicle’s refined quietness. The cabin is remarkably insulated from road and wind noise, allowing the Harman Kardon system to truly shine or simply providing a serene environment for conversation. This quietude, combined with the smooth, instantaneous power delivery of the electric powertrain, creates a driving experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably serene. The Polestar 4 feels incredibly well-engineered, a testament to the brand’s commitment to dynamic excellence. Its ability to effortlessly blend spirited performance with luxury refinement is a critical attribute for success in the demanding 2025 luxury electric SUV market.
The Price of Vision: Navigating the Premium Segment
Now, let’s talk numbers. The Polestar 4 is positioned as a premium offering, and its pricing reflects that. While the single-motor starts at $57,800, a well-optioned dual-motor variant, like the one I tested, can easily climb north of $71,600. In a segment increasingly crowded with compelling options from established luxury marques and aggressive newcomers, this pricing strategy places the Polestar 4 squarely in the realm of high-end electric SUVs.
Polestar’s design, while innovative, could benefit from sharper visual cues to differentiate itself further within a competitive field. However, where the Polestar 4 truly differentiates itself and justifies its premium is from behind the wheel. The driving dynamics, the innovative interior, and the seamless integration of technology are its strongest selling points. Christian Samson’s goal of achieving a 300-mile range and a light, agile feel has been emphatically met. This is a vehicle designed to be experienced.
Polestar’s strategic manufacturing decisions also play a role in its market positioning. Initially built in Hangzhou Bay, China, production expanded to Busan, South Korea, this year. This move, as Samson confirmed, is directly related to tariff considerations, with South Korea offering a more favorable 15% tariff following a recent trade agreement. While the global trade landscape is always subject to change, such strategic agility demonstrates Polestar’s commitment to navigating market complexities to deliver its products efficiently.
A Glimpse into Polestar’s Electric Horizon
The Polestar 4 isn’t an isolated marvel; it’s a vital component of a broader, ambitious product roadmap. The brand’s unwavering commitment to being an electric-only entity, having rigorously explored but ultimately eschewed plug-in hybrids, underscores its future-forward vision.
Following the 4, the Polestar 5, a speedy four-door electric GT sedan inspired by the stunning Precept concept car, is slated for a European launch later this year. The Polestar 6, an electrifying two-seat open sports car, promises to be “a sports car for the era of electrification,” though its release date remains fluid. Both the 5 and 6 are expected to originate from Chinese manufacturing facilities. Looking further ahead, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is due in 2028. This model is designed to be smaller and more accessible than the Polestar 3, though it won’t replace the 2, and is set to be built at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, with an eye on evolving European tariff structures. This aggressive, diversified pipeline demonstrates Polestar’s intent to become a full-spectrum luxury EV player, capitalizing on sustained sales growth, as evidenced by its performance in the first three quarters of 2025 across its 28 global markets.
Experience the Future Today
The Polestar 4 is more than just another electric SUV hitting the market; it’s a statement piece, a blend of Scandinavian ingenuity, exhilarating performance, and pioneering design. It challenges conventional automotive paradigms, particularly with its audacious rear-windowless architecture, while delivering a highly refined and engaging driving experience. In the dynamic, innovation-driven electric vehicle market of 2025, the Polestar 4 stands out as a compelling choice for those who demand not just luxury and performance, but also a glimpse into the future of sustainable mobility.
Are you ready to experience the next evolution of electric driving? We invite you to explore the Polestar 4 yourself and discover how this exceptional electric performance SUV can redefine your journey. Visit your nearest Polestar Space today and prepare to be captivated by a driving experience unlike any other.
