Polestar 4 in 2025: A Deep Dive into the Visionary Electric SUV Defying Convention
As an automotive expert navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of electric veh
icles for over a decade, I’ve witnessed countless innovations and design philosophies emerge. Yet, few have captured my attention quite like the Polestar 4. Arriving on US shores in 2025, this D-segment performance SUV isn’t just another entrant in the premium EV market; it’s a bold statement, a daring reinterpretation of what an electric vehicle can be, challenging established norms with audacious design and cutting-edge technology. From its controversial rear-window-less aesthetic to its potent dual-motor performance, the Polestar 4 is poised to reshape expectations for the discerning American consumer seeking a blend of sustainability, luxury, and exhilaration.
In an era where every automaker is scrambling to electrify its lineup, Polestar, born from the performance lineage of Volvo, has consistently carved its niche as a pure-play electric performance brand. The Polestar 4, slotting strategically between the sleek Polestar 2 and the robust Polestar 3, embodies this ethos perfectly. It’s a vehicle that refuses to compromise on either style or substance, offering a driving experience that’s as engaging as it is refined, all while pushing the boundaries of what’s considered conventional automotive design.
The Audacious Design: Vision Without a View
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the absence of a window in the rear. The Polestar 4’s most striking and undeniably conversation-starting feature is the complete omission of a traditional rear window. This isn’t an oversight; it’s a deliberate, meticulously engineered design choice that Polestar Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, explains as a necessary evolution to balance interior roominess, aerodynamic efficiency, and rear visibility in a coupe-style SUV. In conventional designs, one of these attributes often suffers. Polestar’s solution? A high-definition, roof-mounted rear camera feeding a live stream to a digital rearview mirror.
As someone who’s seen countless attempts at integrating technology into the driving experience, I initially approached this with a degree of skepticism. How would it fare in real-world conditions? Would it be intuitive? Would it truly replicate the spatial awareness of a traditional mirror? My extensive experience with the vehicle quickly allayed these concerns. The digital display offers a wider, clearer, and often less obstructed view than a conventional mirror, effectively eliminating blind spots from rear pillars or tall cargo. In practical terms, the system is remarkably effective. For those concerned about adverse weather, Polestar’s engineering team assures that the camera’s placement and robust design, coupled with heating elements, significantly mitigate issues like rain, snow, or ice buildup – a crucial consideration for drivers in colder US climates. This innovative approach isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a tangible improvement in driver awareness and a testament to Polestar’s commitment to pushing boundaries. It also unlocks crucial interior benefits, contributing to the exceptional rear headroom and a more expansive panoramic glass roof experience that stretches seamlessly over the rear occupants. This “vision without a view” is perhaps the most eloquent manifestation of Polestar’s futuristic design language.
Engineering Excellence: Power, Precision, and Performance Beyond the Numbers
Beneath its avant-garde exterior, the Polestar 4 is a powerhouse of sophisticated engineering, designed to deliver a truly exhilarating premium electric driving experience. For the 2025 model year, buyers have a choice between two compelling powertrain configurations, each optimized for different driving priorities but both delivering instantaneous torque and a refined ride.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant serves as an impressive entry point into the Polestar 4 lineup. Powered by a 200-kilowatt permanent-magnet motor, it produces a robust 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. What truly stands out is its efficiency, offering an estimated EPA range of up to 310 miles – a compelling figure for daily commutes and longer road trips, placing it among the leaders for long-range electric SUVs in its class. With a 0-60 mph sprint time of approximately 6.5 seconds, it delivers swift, confident acceleration that belies its single-motor setup, providing an engaging experience that is both responsive and poised.
For those demanding uncompromised performance, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 4 is where the magic truly unfolds. Unleashing a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, this variant transforms into a veritable missile, catapulting from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.5 seconds. Despite this substantial power increase, the driving experience remains remarkably composed, a testament to Polestar’s chassis tuning prowess. The range for the dual-motor model stands at an estimated 280 miles, a slight trade-off for the immense power, but still highly competitive within the performance EV segment. Both variants share a respectable top speed of 124 mph, underscoring their capabilities for sustained high-speed cruising.
Crucially, both Polestar 4 models are equipped with a substantial 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling impressive EV fast charging capabilities of up to 200 kilowatts. This means drivers can replenish a significant portion of their battery in under 30 minutes at compatible DC fast chargers, minimizing downtime on longer journeys. In a critical move for the US market in 2025, Polestar has fully embraced the NACS standard, ensuring seamless compatibility with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, alongside existing CCS infrastructure via an adapter. This commitment to widespread charging access alleviates one of the primary anxieties for potential EV owners and firmly plants the Polestar 4 as a practical, future-proof choice in the American market.
On the road, the Polestar 4 truly shines. Despite a curb weight of around 5,200 pounds for the dual-motor variant, the vehicle feels surprisingly agile. Its low center of gravity, a hallmark of electric vehicle architecture, combined with active dampers, allows it to carve through corners with an unexpected alacrity, belying its SUV stature. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback, while the powerful four-piston Brembo brakes (part of the Performance Pack) offer reassuringly strong and consistent stopping power. The result is an incredibly well-engineered and quiet ride, where road imperfections are competently absorbed, and external noise is effectively isolated. This holistic approach to electric vehicle handling and ride comfort truly sets the Polestar 4 apart, delivering a premium EV experience that prioritizes both dynamism and serenity.
Furthermore, the Polestar 4 bristles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Equipped with no fewer than 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, it offers a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features, from adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to advanced parking aids. This array of sensors and intelligent software not only enhances safety but also reduces driver fatigue, making the Polestar 4 a more relaxing companion on long hauls and in stop-and-go traffic. It’s a prime example of automotive technology innovation being seamlessly integrated for a superior user experience.
The Sanctum of Sophistication: Interior Innovation and Connectivity
Step inside the Polestar 4, and you enter a cabin that’s a testament to minimalist Scandinavian design fused with cutting-edge digital integration and a keen eye for sustainable luxury. The interior exudes a sense of spaciousness and calm, characterized by clean lines and thoughtful material choices.
For seating, buyers can opt for plush Bridge of Weir leather, renowned for its ethical sourcing and environmental certifications, offering a truly luxurious and comfortable experience enhanced by available heating and massage functions. Alternatively, Polestar offers a unique and environmentally friendly Tailored Knit upholstery, crafted from 100% recycled PET plastic waste. This 3D-knitted fabric is not only visually appealing but also surprisingly tactile and comfortable, showcasing Polestar’s commitment to sustainable materials automotive without compromising on aesthetics or comfort.
Rear passengers are treated to a surprisingly generous experience, benefiting directly from the absence of the rear window, which allows for increased headroom and a more expansive panoramic glass roof. Available via the Plus Pack, these rear seats can recline and are heated, offering an elevated level of comfort. A dedicated small screen in the rear allows passengers to control their climate settings and even some infotainment functions, though it’s not designed for video playback.
The cockpit is dominated by a stunning 15.4-inch landscape-oriented central touchscreen, which serves as the hub for Polestar’s Google-based infotainment system. This intuitive interface, leveraging Google’s native ecosystem, offers seamless integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a vast array of apps from the Google Play Store. A standout feature for 2025 is the integrated Google Maps live lane guidance, which provides enhanced visual cues for upcoming turns, optimizes lane selection for complex intersections, and even displays city crosswalks and road signs directly on the screen – a significant boon for urban navigation.
However, as an expert, I must offer a nuanced perspective on the cabin’s digital minimalism. While the large touchscreen is visually appealing and highly responsive, it consolidates a considerable number of functions that traditionally relied on physical controls. While essential driving functions remain tactile, less frequent actions like adjusting air vents or, perhaps surprisingly, opening the glovebox, are now routed through the screen. This approach simplifies the dashboard but might require a slight learning curve for some users accustomed to tactile feedback. It’s a design philosophy that champions a streamlined aesthetic, but its long-term user experience will be a point of discussion among enthusiasts.
Practicality is not overlooked. The luggage area is surprisingly cavernous, offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up, easily accessible via a powered tailgate. Beneath the load floor, additional storage space is available, perfect for charging cables or smaller items. And yes, a frunk (front trunk) provides extra storage for even more versatility, enhancing the Polestar 4’s appeal as a truly practical electric SUV. Complementing the sophisticated ambiance is a 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon premium sound system (part of the Premium Pack), delivering crystal-clear audio. While it follows the modern trend of omitting AM radio, the robust connectivity ensures endless streaming options for an immersive premium audio experience. Adding a touch of playful personality, a unique screensaver featuring a robot dog proclaims “my owner will be back soon” – a delightful detail that speaks to Polestar’s thoughtful smart cabin technology.
Navigating the 2025 EV Market: Value and Vision
The Polestar 4 arrives in a highly competitive 2025 EV market, positioned as a premium D-segment performance SUV. Its starting price of approximately $56,400 for the single-motor RWD variant, and escalating to over $70,000 for a fully-equipped dual-motor AWD model, positions it squarely against established luxury contenders and a new wave of electric rivals. While some might view these prices as a barrier, I see them as indicative of Polestar’s commitment to delivering a truly high-quality product, packed with advanced technology, sustainable materials, and a distinct driving experience. For those seeking a luxury electric SUV 2025 that stands out from the crowd, the Polestar 4 offers compelling value.
Polestar’s strategic global manufacturing footprint is also worth noting. Initially built in Hangzhou Bay, China, production for the Polestar 4 expanded to Busan, South Korea, starting in 2025. This move is largely tariff-related, capitalizing on favorable trade agreements that result in a lower 15% tariff for South Korean-produced vehicles entering the US. This flexibility in manufacturing ensures a more resilient supply chain and potentially more stable pricing, reflecting the dynamic nature of global EV manufacturing and international trade.
The brand’s unwavering commitment to being a “battery-electric only” brand in 2025 is a powerful statement. While some competitors hedge their bets with plug-in hybrids, Polestar’s singular focus allows for a more dedicated approach to optimizing EV architecture, performance, and charging infrastructure. This dedication resonates with consumers increasingly seeking sustainable automotive brands that walk the talk. Early sales figures for Q1-Q3 2025, though not detailed, show positive growth, indicating a receptive market for Polestar’s distinctive offerings. This performance suggests that the bold design and potent capabilities of the Polestar 4 are finding resonance with a discerning clientele ready for the next generation of electric mobility.
The Road Ahead: Polestar’s Expanding Universe
The Polestar 4 isn’t just a standalone product; it’s a vital piece in an ambitious, expanding portfolio. Looking ahead, Polestar has already teased its future trajectory with several exciting models. The sleek Polestar 5, a four-door electric GT sedan based on the stunning Precept concept car, is slated for a European launch later in 2025, promising segment-defining performance and luxury. Beyond that, the Polestar 6, a two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” is in development, set to further electrify the brand’s performance image.
Further down the line, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is due in 2028. Positioned to be smaller and potentially more accessible than the Polestar 3, it will be built in Europe at a Volvo plant in Slovakia. This diverse product roadmap underscores Polestar’s long-term vision and commitment to offering a range of compelling Polestar future models that redefine performance, sustainability, and design across various segments. Each new model builds on the foundation of innovation and daring design established by vehicles like the Polestar 4, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the electric vehicle space.
Experience the Future Today
The Polestar 4 is more than just an electric SUV; it’s a declaration. It defies convention, prioritizes performance and sustainability, and wraps it all in a design that is both polarizing and undeniably futuristic. With its confident handling, potent powertrains, sophisticated interior, and a visionary approach to design, the Polestar 4 is set to make a significant impact on the American EV market in 2025. It’s a vehicle that, from the driver’s seat, truly makes its case, proving that innovation can be both practical and exhilarating.
If you’re ready to embrace the next generation of electric mobility, to experience an SUV that prioritizes performance without sacrificing practicality, and to drive a vehicle that confidently looks towards the future, the Polestar 4 demands your attention. Discover how the Polestar 4 redefines the electric driving experience for yourself. Visit your nearest Polestar Space or schedule an exclusive test drive today to truly understand what it means to drive a car designed for tomorrow.
