Polestar 4: A Bold Vision for Electric Driving in 2025 – Unpacking the No Rear Window Phenomenon and Beyond
Having spent over a decade deeply immersed in the ever-e
volving landscape of electric vehicles, I’ve witnessed countless automotive brands attempt to carve out their niche. Few, however, approach innovation with the same audacious spirit as Polestar. When the Polestar 4 officially hit North American shores earlier this year, it didn’t just add another attractive EV to a burgeoning segment; it sparked a conversation. Specifically, about its rear – or rather, the deliberate absence of a traditional rear window. This isn’t just a design quirk; it’s a profound statement, and after extensive time with the vehicle, I can confidently say it’s a stroke of genius that defines the Polestar 4’s identity for the 2025 market and beyond.
The Polestar 4 is more than a vehicle; it’s a statement about the future of automotive design, engineering, and the premium electric experience. Positioned strategically between the Polestar 2 fastback and the larger Polestar 3 SUV, it enters a highly competitive luxury electric SUV coupe segment, challenging established players and new entrants alike with a unique blend of performance, sustainability, and technological forward-thinking. From its initial debut in Europe in early 2024 to its much-anticipated US and Canadian launch, this vehicle has consistently generated buzz, and for good reason. It’s a compelling proposition for discerning drivers looking to invest in cutting-edge electric vehicle technology that truly stands apart.
A Design Revolution: The Rear Window Reimagined
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the lack of a window in the rear. The absence of a physical rear window, replaced entirely by a high-definition, roof-mounted camera feed displayed on the rearview mirror, is arguably the Polestar 4’s most talked-about feature. As an industry observer, I initially approached this with skepticism. After all, traditional visibility is paramount. However, Polestar Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, and his engineering team didn’t just remove a window; they reimagined the entire rear of the vehicle to optimize for interior space, aerodynamics, and structural integrity.
The traditional coupe-style roofline often necessitates compromises: either you sacrifice rear headroom for a sleek profile, or you opt for a less aerodynamic, bulkier design. By extending the panoramic glass roof further back and eliminating the rear glass, Polestar achieved an unprecedented level of rear passenger comfort and a remarkably sleek, aerodynamic profile that minimizes drag. The result? Rear occupants enjoy exceptional headroom, a sensation of openness, and reclining seats that further enhance comfort – luxuries often unheard of in a vehicle with such a sporty stance.
The digital rearview mirror, fed by a wide-angle, roof-mounted camera, offers a panoramic and unobstructed view of what’s behind. Concerns about dirt, snow, or ice obscuring the camera are valid, especially for those in harsh climates. Polestar has addressed this with robust heating elements and a strategic placement designed to minimize accumulation. In my experience, the system performs remarkably well, offering a clearer, wider field of view than many conventional mirrors, particularly at night or when the cargo area is fully loaded. This innovative solution isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a practical, elegant answer to long-standing design dilemmas, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered conventional in automotive innovation 2025.
Beyond the rear window, the Polestar 4’s aesthetic is quintessentially Polestar: clean, minimalist, and undeniably modern. The split headlamps, featuring Polestar’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ light signature, transition seamlessly into a sleek profile defined by flush door handles and a sloping roofline. The illuminated Polestar logo, visible through the panoramic glass, adds a touch of understated luxury. This design philosophy resonates with a market increasingly valuing sustainable luxury vehicles that blend performance with conscientious design.
Power and Precision: Driving Dynamics for the Discerning Driver
Beneath its striking exterior, the Polestar 4 delivers a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and refined. Available in both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, it offers a spectrum of performance tailored to different preferences. Both variants draw power from a robust 100-kilowatt-hour battery, supporting fast-charging capabilities up to 200 kilowatts and, critically for the North American market, integrating NACS ports for seamless access to the expanding charging network.
The single-motor variant, packing 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, is far from pedestrian. It offers brisk acceleration (0-60 mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds) and a smooth, confident power delivery that makes it an excellent daily driver. Crucially, it extends the estimated range to an impressive 310 miles, addressing potential EV range anxiety solutions for many consumers. Its lighter curb weight contributes to an agile feel, making it perhaps the more surprising and, for some, the more appealing option, especially given its slightly more accessible starting price point of around $57,800.
However, for those craving unadulterated performance, the dual-motor Polestar 4 is a true force. With a staggering 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds. While the raw numbers suggest a vast difference, the immediate torque of both electric powertrains ensures that even the single-motor feels remarkably responsive. The dual-motor, starting around $64,300, delivers supercar-rivalling acceleration with the practicality of an SUV. Both versions are electronically limited to a top speed of 124 mph, a sensible measure for an EV of this caliber.
On the open road and through challenging turns, the Polestar 4 displays exemplary manners. Its low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery, combined with finely tuned active dampers (available on premium trims), allows it to carve corners with a confidence that belies its substantial 5,192-pound curb weight. The four-piston Brembo brakes, standard on the dual-motor and an available upgrade, provide potent and consistent stopping power. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, even at highway speeds, a testament to its meticulous engineering and robust sound insulation. This quietude, coupled with its serene ride, makes the Polestar 4 a sublime long-distance cruiser and an excellent example of premium electric cars designed for a truly engaging experience.
An Oasis of Technology and Sustainable Luxury Inside
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you’re greeted by an interior that embodies modern Scandinavian luxury. The cabin is an airy, minimalist space, meticulously crafted from a blend of premium and sustainable materials. Options like the Bridge of Weir Nappa leather, featuring heating and massage functions, offer traditional opulence. But it’s the innovative Tailored Knit upholstery, made from 100% recycled PET plastic waste and 3D-knitted to size, that truly highlights Polestar’s commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising on quality or aesthetics. This blend of luxury and eco-consciousness is a defining characteristic of the brand and increasingly sought after by consumers.
At the heart of the digital experience is a crisp, 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. This system seamlessly integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, providing a familiar and intuitive user experience. The inclusion of new features like live lane guidance in Google Maps, offering enhanced visual cues for turns and optimized lane recommendations, signifies a leap in integrated navigation intelligence. While most functions are controlled via this central screen, including climate and even the glovebox release – a point of contention for some who prefer physical buttons – the system is generally responsive and well-organized.
Driver information is presented clearly on a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, offering essential data without distraction. An amusing, quirky touch is the robot dog screensaver that greets onlookers when the car is parked, a subtle nod to Polestar’s playful side and technological prowess.
Rear passenger comfort is exceptional, thanks in part to the “no rear window” design freeing up vital headroom. Available features like heated and reclining rear seats, alongside a dedicated small screen for climate and infotainment control, ensure that all occupants travel in comfort. While it doesn’t stream movies, it keeps connectivity and control at their fingertips.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked. The luggage area is capacious, offering 18.6 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up, complemented by convenient under-floor storage and an easily accessed powered tailgate. A useful front trunk (“frunk”) provides additional secure storage for charging cables or smaller items.
The Polestar 4 also bristles with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Equipped with 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, it provides a robust foundation for safety and convenience features, from adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist, enhancing driver confidence and contributing to its status as a technologically advanced luxury EV. For audiophiles, the available 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo, part of the premium Plus Pack, transforms the cabin into a private concert hall, though the absence of AM radio is a growing trend across the industry.
Market Dynamics and the Polestar Proposition in 2025
The Polestar 4 pricing US market has been a topic of much discussion. With starting prices around $57,800 for the single-motor and $64,300 for the dual-motor, climbing to over $71,000 for a fully-optioned dual-motor variant, the Polestar 4 firmly positions itself in the premium segment. In 2025, the competitive landscape for luxury electric SUV models is fiercely contested, with rivals such as the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Polestar’s strategy is to offer a distinct proposition: a compelling blend of design-led innovation, potent performance, sustainable practices, and advanced technology.
Manufacturing plays a crucial role in market access and pricing. Initially built in Hangzhou Bay, China, Polestar’s strategic decision to commence production in Busan, South Korea, this year is a savvy move to mitigate the impact of tariffs in key markets like North America. The lower 15% tariff from South Korea, compared to the 25% often associated with China-made vehicles, directly benefits US consumers through more competitive pricing and better eligibility for certain incentives. This adaptability in manufacturing strategy underscores Polestar’s commitment to global market penetration and its understanding of evolving trade policies that impact the future of electric mobility.
Polestar remains steadfast in its commitment to being an entirely battery-electric brand, shunning plug-in hybrids. This singular focus allows the company to concentrate its R&D efforts on perfecting the pure EV experience, a move that resonates with a growing segment of buyers fully committed to electrification. The brand’s expansion to 28 markets globally and reported sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025 indicate a strong upward trajectory, solidifying its position as a significant player in the premium EV space.
Looking Ahead: Polestar’s Expanding Horizon
The Polestar 4 is just one chapter in an ambitious product roadmap. The highly anticipated Polestar 5, an electric four-door GT sedan inspired by the Precept concept, is slated for a European launch later this year, promising even higher levels of performance and luxury. Beyond that, the Polestar 6, a stunning two-seat electric roadster, represents the brand’s aspiration to redefine the electric sports car segment, although its release date is yet to be confirmed.
Further down the line, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is expected around 2028. Positioned to be smaller and potentially more affordable than the Polestar 3, but not a replacement for the Polestar 2, it signals the brand’s intent to broaden its appeal across various SUV segments. Notably, the Polestar 7 is planned for production in Europe, at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, again showcasing a flexible manufacturing strategy attuned to market needs and tariff considerations. These forthcoming models underscore Polestar’s long-term vision and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle design and performance across diverse categories.
The Verdict from an Expert Perspective
After extensive evaluation, the Polestar 4 emerges not just as another EV, but as a genuinely disruptive force. It’s a vehicle that excels where it matters most: delivering a refined, powerful, and supremely comfortable driving experience wrapped in a package that dares to be different. The “no rear window” design, initially a head-scratcher, proves to be a thoughtful engineering triumph that enhances both aesthetics and practicality.
The Polestar 4 feels lighter on the road than its specifications suggest, offers impressive range, and embodies a compelling blend of Scandinavian minimalism with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. While its premium pricing places it in rarefied air, the value proposition lies in its holistic approach to luxury, performance, and sustainability. For drivers in 2025 seeking a truly distinct and forward-thinking premium electric car that makes no compromises on design or capability, the Polestar 4 demands attention. It’s a testament to how innovative design, coupled with robust engineering, can redefine the automotive experience.
Ready to redefine your electric driving experience? Visit your nearest Polestar Space today to witness the future of automotive design and performance firsthand. Discover how the Polestar 4 seamlessly blends innovation, sustainability, and exhilarating driving dynamics into a package designed for the discerning driver of tomorrow.
