The 2025 Polestar 4 makes a striking impression with its unique design feature: the absence of a rear window. This omission isn’t merely a design statement but a practical decision to enhance headroom, despite the vehicle’s aerodynamic sloping roofline. The Polestar 4, with its advanced technology and comfortable interior, excels on winding roads outside Madrid, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the Polestar 3 while maintaining high performance.
Powertrains and Performance
The Polestar 4 offers two powertrain options. The base model features a single 268-horsepower motor driving the rear wheels, propelling the SUV from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds. For those seeking more power, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant is available. This setup includes an additional motor at the front, generating a combined output of 536 horsepower and 506 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor version also includes adaptive dampers and boasts a 3.8-second sprint to 62 mph, making it the fastest Polestar to date.
Performance Package Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 22-inch forged wheels |
| Brakes | Aluminum four-piston Brembo brake calipers |
| Tires | Pirelli P Zero summer tires |
| Visual Enhancements | Gold seatbelts and valve stem caps |
The dual-motor Polestar 4, equipped with the Performance package, delivers a rapid and nimble driving experience. The adaptive dampers provide a silky smooth ride in their softest setting, while the firmest mode offers a balance between comfort and handling, reducing body roll without compromising ride quality.
Handling and Ride Quality
Despite its impressive speed, the Polestar 4’s controls—steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedal—lack the direct feel some enthusiasts might desire. The driving experience, although competent and drama-free, doesn’t evoke strong emotions. The Polestar 3, with its torque-vectoring rear differential, offers a more engaging driving experience. The Polestar 4’s brakes are effective but can be overly sensitive at lower speeds.
Battery and Charging
All Polestar 4 models come with a 94.0-kWh battery, promising up to 300 miles of range. The dual-motor variant is expected to offer around 270 miles, pending EPA confirmation. The 400-volt electrical architecture supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kilowatts, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the Polestar 4 includes a heat pump to enhance efficiency and charging speed in cold climates. The regenerative braking system offers three levels of adjustment, and a creep function allows for smooth movement in traffic while maintaining the highest regeneration setting.
Innovative Rearview System
The absence of a rear window is compensated by a roof-mounted camera and digital rearview mirror. This setup provides a wider field of view than a traditional mirror and adjusts to different angles when signaling or reversing. However, the digital mirror may take some getting used to, as it doesn’t offer the same depth perception as a conventional mirror. Despite this, the display is clear and minimizes the glare from LED headlights behind.
Interior and Infotainment
The Polestar 4’s interior is minimalist yet luxurious, featuring firm but supportive seats and high-quality soft-touch materials. The upholstery options include a sportswear-inspired weave made from recycled plastic bottles, though it may feel less luxurious than traditional materials. The extra headroom, afforded by the missing rear window, allows for increased legroom in the rear seats.
Infotainment System Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 15.4-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen |
| Operating System | Google-based infotainment system |
| Display Customization | Split-screen function and up to six driver profiles |
| Ambient Lighting | Celestial-themed graphics with planet animations |
The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a crisp and easy-to-read interface. However, the digital buttons are small, making it difficult to operate accurately while driving. The ambient lighting system is a standout feature, with each color corresponding to a planet and displaying intricate animations.
Additional Features
The Polestar 4 we tested included the Plus package, which adds several premium features:
Plus Package Features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Head-up Display | 14.7-inch display |
| Rear Seats | Electric reclining |
| Sound System | 12-speaker Harman/Kardon, upgradable to 16 |
| Front Headrest Speakers | Allows driver to take calls or hear navigation |
The Harman/Kardon sound system can be upgraded with additional speakers in the front headrests, allowing the driver to take calls or hear navigation instructions without disturbing passengers.
The 2025 Polestar 4 stands out with its innovative design and advanced technology. While it may not provide the same level of driving engagement as the Polestar 3, its combination of performance, comfort, and futuristic features makes it a compelling choice in the electric SUV market. The rear-windowless design, powerful dual-motor option, and high-tech interior position the Polestar 4 as a standout vehicle for those seeking a blend of style, innovation, and performance.
