Polestar 4: Redefining the Electric SUV Landscape with Audacious Design and Electrifying Performance in 2025
The automotive industry, particularly the electric vehi
cle (EV) segment, is a maelstrom of innovation, competition, and evolving consumer expectations. As we navigate 2025, the market demands more than just electrification; it seeks a harmonious blend of performance, practicality, sustainable luxury, and groundbreaking design. Enter the Polestar 4, an electric SUV that doesn’t just meet these demands but challenges conventions, most notably by reimagining the very concept of a rear window. Having tracked the industry for a decade, I can confidently say that the Polestar 4 is not merely another entry in the burgeoning premium EV segment; it’s a bold statement, a testament to Polestar’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and defining the future of electric mobility.
Navigating the 2025 Electric SUV Arena: Polestar 4’s Strategic Placement
The landscape for luxury electric SUVs in 2025 is intensely competitive. We’ve seen stalwarts like the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX, Audi Q6 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV carve out their niches, each vying for the attention of discerning buyers. In this crowded field, the Polestar 4 strategically positions itself as a sleek, performance-oriented D-segment SUV, deftly bridging the gap between the compact Polestar 2 sedan with its crossover cues and the larger, more traditional Polestar 3 SUV. Its dimensions are a masterclass in balance, offering a footprint comparable to its premium rivals while maintaining a distinct, coupe-like silhouette.
Polestar’s brand identity has always been rooted in minimalist Scandinavian design, exhilarating performance, and an inherent commitment to sustainability. The Polestar 4 embodies this philosophy, translating it into a vehicle that feels both futuristic and grounded. Its arrival in the US and Canadian markets is a pivotal moment for the brand, as North America represents a critical battleground for EV adoption and premium market share. This isn’t just about selling cars; it’s about cementing Polestar’s vision for a high-performance, design-led electric future. The vehicle’s unique design and compelling specifications are geared to capture the imagination of a market increasingly open to avant-garde automotive experiences.
Performance & Powertrain: A Symphony of Electric Power
Underneath its striking exterior, the Polestar 4 offers a compelling choice of powertrains designed to cater to varying driving preferences and efficiency demands. Both configurations utilize a robust 100-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, meticulously engineered for optimal energy density and thermal management, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant stands out for its impressive balance of power and efficiency. Equipped with a 200-kilowatt liquid-cooled permanent-magnet motor, it delivers a spirited 272 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. While its 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.9 seconds might not set new records, the immediate, linear torque delivery characteristic of electric vehicles ensures a feeling of profound alacrity in everyday driving scenarios. What truly elevates this configuration, however, is its extended estimated range of 310 miles, a crucial factor for reducing electric car range anxiety and making longer journeys more feasible. From a cost perspective, this model offers a compelling entry point, starting around $57,800, making premium EV ownership more accessible without compromising on the Polestar experience.
For those who crave unadulterated acceleration and maximum grip, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) version is an undeniable thrill. Boasting a formidable 544 horsepower and 504 lb-ft of torque, it rockets from 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds. This level of high-performance electric SUV capability places it firmly in contention with some of the most potent vehicles on the road, electric or otherwise. Despite the significant power increase, the driving experience remains remarkably refined, a testament to Polestar’s chassis tuning expertise. The dual-motor model delivers an estimated range of 280 miles, still highly competitive, and starts at approximately $64,300. Both variants share a top speed of 124 mph, underscoring their capabilities for sustained high-speed cruising.
Crucially for the US market, the Polestar 4 supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kilowatts, allowing for rapid replenishment of its battery on longer trips. The integration of NACS charging network ports is a forward-thinking move, ensuring seamless compatibility with the rapidly expanding Tesla Supercharger network and simplifying the charging experience for owners. This strategic adoption addresses a significant infrastructure concern for many potential EV buyers, signaling Polestar’s commitment to a hassle-free ownership experience in 2025 and beyond. The robust battery technology and efficient powertrains solidify the Polestar 4’s position as a leader in 2025 EV range and performance.
The Audacious “No Rear Window” Design: Innovation Meets Vision
Perhaps the most polarizing and undeniably innovative aspect of the Polestar 4 is the deliberate absence of a traditional rear window. This isn’t a mere aesthetic flourish; it’s a bold engineering and design decision that redefines the very essence of a coupe-style SUV. As an industry observer, I’ve seen countless design compromises made in the pursuit of aerodynamics or interior space. Polestar’s Head of Design, Maximilian Missoni, openly admitted that traditionally, one of these elements must “give.” The Polestar 4 refuses such a compromise.
Instead of a conventional rear glass panel, the panoramic glass roof extends seamlessly rearward, creating an expansive, airy cabin. To compensate for the lack of a physical rear window, Polestar has implemented an ingenious solution: a high-definition, roof-mounted, rear-facing camera that feeds a crystal-clear live stream to a screen integrated into the traditional rearview mirror location. This isn’t just a simple camera; it’s a sophisticated system offering a wider, unobstructed field of vision than most conventional mirrors, free from rear headrests or passenger obstructions.
From a practical standpoint, this raises immediate questions: What about dirt, snow, or ice obscuring the camera? Polestar’s engineers have anticipated these concerns, implementing robust heating elements and self-cleaning mechanisms for the camera housing, ensuring consistent visibility even in harsh weather conditions. This commitment to functionality over potential gimmickry is what truly sets this innovation apart.
Beyond the practicalities, this design choice has profound implications for interior comfort and aerodynamics. By eliminating the rear window, designers gained invaluable space, allowing for enhanced rear-seat headroom and the ability to offer reclining rear seats – a true luxury in this segment. Furthermore, the streamlined rear profile significantly improves aerodynamics, contributing to the Polestar 4’s impressive range and efficiency. This design philosophy aligns perfectly with future automotive trends, where cameras and digital displays are increasingly replacing traditional physical components, ushering in an era of automotive design innovation and advanced rear-view camera technology. It’s a testament to Polestar’s confidence in future car design, daring to push the boundaries of what consumers expect from an EV.
Interior: A Sanctuary of Sustainable Luxury and Intuitive Technology
Stepping inside the Polestar 4 reveals a cabin that is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, sustainable luxury, and cutting-edge digital integration. The attention to detail and choice of materials immediately convey a sense of premium craftsmanship. Owners can opt for exquisite Bridge of Weir leather seats, which come with heating and massage functions for ultimate comfort on long journeys. Alternatively, a truly innovative and environmentally friendly Tailored Knit upholstery is available, made from 100% recycled PET plastic waste and 3D-knitted to size. This commitment to sustainable automotive interior materials is a hallmark of Polestar’s brand ethos and resonates strongly with the increasingly eco-conscious luxury buyer in 2025.
The rear passenger experience is notably enhanced by the rear window-free design, which allows for increased headroom and the ability to recline the rear seats – a feature usually reserved for larger, more traditional luxury sedans. Passengers in the back also benefit from a dedicated small screen to control climate settings and infotainment, though it’s designed for control rather than video playback, maintaining focus on the driver’s primary experience.
At the heart of the front cabin is a stunning 15.4-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen, the central command center for virtually all vehicle functions. Powered by Google built-in, it offers a seamless and intuitive user experience. Features like Google Maps are deeply integrated, offering advanced capabilities like “live lane guidance” – a truly invaluable tool that, while not on initial test cars, will provide optimized lane recommendations, enhanced visual cues for turns, and even display city crosswalks and road signs. This deep integration makes the Polestar 4 a truly connected car technology experience.
However, from an expert’s perspective, I’d gently critique the trend of migrating essential functions, such as vent control and even the glovebox door, solely to the touchscreen. While visually clean, physical buttons often offer superior tactile feedback and reduce driver distraction for frequently accessed controls. This is a common debate in modern automotive design, and while Polestar’s execution is refined, it highlights the ongoing tension between digital integration and ergonomic practicality.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked. The luggage area is wide and capacious, featuring convenient under-floor storage, all easily accessed via a powered tailgate. With the rear seats up, cargo capacity stands at a respectable 18.6 cubic feet, complemented by a front trunk (frunk) for additional storage. Even small delightful touches, like the screensaver featuring a robot dog proclaiming “my owner will be back soon,” add a touch of personality and charm to the advanced luxury EV cabin.
Driving Dynamics and Advanced Safety: An Engaging and Secure Experience
My recent experience with the Polestar 4 in the Texas hill country reaffirmed its exceptional dynamic road manners. Despite its curb weight of 5,192 pounds, the dual-motor model feels remarkably agile and composed. This sensation of lightness is largely attributable to the vehicle’s low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery pack, and the sophisticated active dampers that adapt to road conditions, allowing the car to dive confidently into corners. This refined EV driving dynamics ensures an engaging experience for the driver, belying the vehicle’s size.
The braking performance is equally impressive, with four-piston Brembo brakes providing powerful and consistent stopping power, a critical feature for any high-performance electric SUV. The overall ride quality is smooth and quiet, creating a serene cabin environment that cocoons occupants from external noise. This quietness is further enhanced by the available 12-speaker, 1,320-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, part of the premium pack, which delivers an immersive audio experience – though it’s worth noting the industry trend of omitting AM radio continues here.
Safety and driver assistance are paramount in 2025, and the Polestar 4 bristles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Equipped with an array of 11 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, it offers a comprehensive suite of Level 2+ semi-autonomous capabilities, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These systems are meticulously integrated, working harmoniously to enhance both safety and convenience, reducing driver fatigue and increasing confidence on the road. The clarity of the 10.2-inch driver’s instrument panel, displaying crucial information like available range (e.g., 288 miles from a 95% charge), further contributes to a confident and informed driving experience.
Pricing, Value, and Market Position in the 2025 Landscape
The Polestar 4 enters the market with a starting price of $57,800 for the single-motor RWD model, rising to $64,300 for the dual-motor AWD variant. A fully optioned dual-motor model, incorporating premium packs and desirable features, can reach around $71,600. Some might perceive these as “stiff prices,” and indeed, Polestar has always positioned itself at the premium end of the spectrum. However, it’s crucial to contextualize this against its direct competitors. When considering the Polestar 4’s unique design, advanced technology, potent performance, sustainable materials, and the overall luxury experience, its pricing becomes highly competitive within the premium EV pricing segment.
For US consumers in 2025, the availability of EV tax credits 2025 and other incentives could further enhance the Polestar 4’s value proposition. Polestar’s direct-to-consumer sales model, while different from traditional dealerships, aims to provide a streamlined and transparent purchasing experience, often leading to a clearer understanding of the luxury EV value.
Ultimately, as Christian Samson, who heads the Polestar product identity team, aptly put it, the Polestar 4 was designed to “shrink the car, to make it feel lighter,” and achieve a 300-mile range. Having driven it, I can confirm: mission accomplished. This is a vehicle that truly comes alive from the driver’s seat; the test drive is the key to unlocking its full appeal and understanding its value in the sophisticated 2025 EV market.
Global Footprint and Polestar’s Future Vision
The manufacturing strategy for the Polestar 4 underscores the brand’s global ambitions and adaptability. Initially produced at a plant in Hangzhou Bay, China, production expanded to Busan, South Korea, starting this year. This move to South Korea is largely strategic, influenced by international trade agreements and tariffs. With a current tariff of only 15% from South Korea, this dual-production approach ensures more flexible supply chains and potentially better pricing for various global markets, including the US. This kind of agile decision-making in EV manufacturing locations is critical for navigating the complexities of the global automotive landscape.
Looking ahead, Polestar continues to solidify its future portfolio. The Polestar 5, a speedy four-door electric GT sedan inspired by the Precept concept car, is slated for a European launch late this year, promising another compelling high-performance entry. The Polestar 6, a stunning two-seat open “sports car for the era of electrification,” is on the horizon, though its release date remains fluid. For those seeking a slightly more traditional SUV, the Polestar 7, a two-row SUV, is due in 2028. It’s designed to be smaller and potentially more accessible than the Polestar 3, though not a replacement for the Polestar 2. Significantly, the Polestar 7 will be built in Europe at a Volvo plant in Slovakia, another example of Polestar’s adaptive manufacturing strategy in response to evolving tariff landscapes.
Polestar’s commitment to being an exclusively battery electric vehicle strategy brand remains unwavering. The company has evaluated plug-in hybrids but has chosen to fully embrace pure electrification, a decision that speaks volumes about its long-term vision and belief in the future of electric mobility. With sales growth reported in the first three quarters of 2025 across its 28 global markets, Polestar is demonstrating sustained momentum in its journey to reshape the automotive world. The Polestar future models pipeline is robust, promising a diverse and exciting range of electric vehicles that will continue to challenge conventions and elevate the premium EV experience.
The Call to Electrified Evolution
The Polestar 4 is more than just an electric SUV; it’s a profound statement of intent from a brand that refuses to play by traditional rules. With its audacious “no rear window” design, exhilarating performance, sustainable luxury, and cutting-edge technology, it represents a compelling vision for the future of electric driving. It’s a vehicle engineered for the discerning driver who values innovation, performance, and a clear conscience.
For those ready to embrace the future of electric driving – a future where design sparks conversation, where power is delivered with silent intensity, and where luxury aligns with sustainability – the Polestar 4 offers an unparalleled experience. Don’t just read about this paradigm shift; feel it. Visit your nearest Polestar Space or schedule a test drive today to truly understand why this vehicle isn’t just an EV, it’s an invitation to drive the future.
