Polestar introduces Polestar 4 -its latest addition to the brand’s line-up, an electric performance SUV coupé and the second SUV from the company. With its unique design, Polestar 4 merges the aerodynamics of a coupé with the spaciousness of an SUV, creating a new type of vehicle. The car features design elements that were originally showcased in Polestar’s concept cars, making it the fastest production car from the company to date. Positioned between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price, the Polestar 4 is set to capture the attention of car enthusiasts seeking a vehicle that is both stylish and functional.
Design
As a brand that prioritizes design, Polestar continues to showcase key design elements from its Polestar Precept concept car in its latest vehicle, the Polestar 4. These elements include an immersive rear occupant experience, created by the elimination of the rear window, and the distinctive Polestar light signature, separated by dual blade front lights and complemented by the precise lighting of the Polestar emblem from below.
The Polestar 4’s aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by various features, such as a low nose, retractable door handles, frameless windows with flush glazing, rear aero blades, and airflow optimization around the rear light bar.
Built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely Holding, the Polestar 4 is a D-segment SUV coupé that boasts a large body and a long wheelbase of 2,999 mm. The vehicle’s overall length, width, and height are 4,839 mm, 2,139 mm, and 1,544 mm, respectively, providing a spacious interior with comfortable rear seats and an adjustable ambient lighting system that can be customized by the driver.
The standard full-length glass roof of the Polestar 4 offers optional electrochromic functionality that enables a transparent or opaque execution, depending on the driver’s mood. The lack of a rear window allows for a unique interior ambience as the glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads. A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats, providing easy control for the rear passengers.
Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar, says: “With Polestar Precept we previewed a stunning new occupant experience by removing the rear window and pushing the rear header, which plays an integral safety role, further back. This means that now, rear occupants can have a unique experience in our SUV coupé.”
The rear-view mirror has been replaced by a high-definition screen that displays a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera, providing a wider field of view than what is typically found in most modern cars. The digital feed can be deactivated to allow drivers to check on their rear passengers if needed.
The Polestar 4’s interior and materials are designed with the theme of ‘soft tech,’ taking inspiration from the fashion and sportswear industries. The vehicle’s colour and material options explore new executions for Polestar, including new exterior colours Storm and Electron, and a unique new interior colour, Mist.
With Polestar Precept we previewed a stunning new occupant experience by removing the rear window and pushing the rear header, which plays an integral safety role, further back. This means that now, rear occupants can have a unique experience in our SUV coupé.
Performance
Polestar 4 boasts the impressive title of being the fastest production car developed by the brand thus far, with the ability to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds and a maximum power output of 400 kW (544 hp) from its permanent magnet, synchronous motors. The driving dynamics are characteristic of the Polestar brand, with sharp steering and handling responses, resulting in an exhilarating and agile driving experience for all occupants.
Dual- and single-motor versions of Polestar 4 will be available, with the single-motor versions offering rear-wheel drive. Despite its high output and performance, responsible and enjoyable driving experiences are always top of mind, with semi-active suspension features in the dual-motor version providing an additional layer of adjustment between comfort and performance dynamics. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22 inches, depending on the version, and are equipped with Pirelli and Michelin tires.
Both long-range versions come fitted with a 102 kWh battery, with the Long Range Dual motor version boasting 400 kW (544 hp), 686 Nm, and a preliminary range target of up to 560 km (WLTP). A disconnect clutch enables the vehicle to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, maximizing range and efficiency. All versions come with up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging, and the charge lid is motorized. Bi-directional charging is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allowing external devices to draw power from Polestar 4.
In terms of driving optimization, a new function enables the driver to select between range or performance driving modes in the Long Range Dual motor version. Performance mode sharpens powertrain responsiveness and engages both motors at all times for full power delivery and best performance. Range mode prioritizes efficiency, adapting the powertrain to a calmer style and forces use of only the rear motor. The Long Range Single motor version features a 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm motor at the rear, with a preliminary range target of up to 600 km (WLTP).
Safety & Technology
Polestar’s strong connection to Volvo Cars has instilled safety as a core value in the brand’s DNA. Polestar 4 is no exception, featuring advanced safety technology that meets the same rigorous standards as all other Polestar models. The car is equipped with up to nine airbags and benefits from new partnerships that bring intelligent safety features, such as the SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye.
The car comes with twelve cameras, one radar, and twelve ultrasonic sensors as standard, including a driver monitoring camera that only relays data and doesn’t record video. This camera tracks the driver’s eyes and head movements to prevent incidents related to fatigue or incapacitation, while the hands-on detection in the steering wheel keeps the driver actively engaged in driving. The driver display mounted ahead of the steering column provides essential information, including speed, battery and range, and a virtual environment can show other road users, driving assistance functions, and navigation data when engaged by various assistance systems.
To further enhance driver attentiveness, the car is equipped with a head-up display (HUD) that projects key vehicle, telephony, and navigation information onto the windscreen with a 14.7-inch projection area in front of the driver. A clever ‘snow mode’ function for the HUD switches the text color from white to yellow, which improves visibility in snowy environments.
The optional Pilot Pack includes enhanced Pilot Assist with lane change assistance that can be initiated by the driver tapping the indicator stalk in the desired direction. Overall, Polestar 4 is packed with leading safety features both inside and out.
In terms of technology, Polestar remains committed to advancing technology in its vehicles towards a more enjoyable, connected, and autonomous driving experience. The Polestar 4 features a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play for a superior connected experience. Polestar has worked closely with Google to expand the system’s capabilities.
The car also offers an optional Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers and a 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier, with an additional two headrest speakers in each front seat available with the optional Nappa Pack, bringing the total number of speakers to 16. Naturally, Apple CarPlay is supported.
Like all Polestar cars, the Polestar 4 can receive regular over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring that all vehicles receive the latest software and features without needing to visit a workshop.
Equipment & Pricing
The Polestar 4 comes with a high standard specification, but additional packages are available to enhance the overall driving experience. The Plus Pack offers comfort and technology upgrades, while the Plus Pro Pack includes a color-matched body execution, an electrochromic glass roof, and extra interior lighting. The Nappa Pack, which features animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation, massage, and additional headrest speakers for the front seats, can be added on top of the Plus Pack.
For those looking for advanced driving assistance, the Pilot Pack includes Pilot Assist and its extended features. If you’re after a more performance-oriented driving experience, the Performance Pack is designed for the Long range Dual motor version and includes 22-inch wheels, 4-piston Brembo brakes, Polestar Engineered performance chassis tuning, and Swedish gold details for the brakes, seat belts, and valve caps.
Polestar 4 will initially debut in China, with production set to commence in November 2023 at the advanced Geely-owned production facility powered by 100% renewable electricity in Hangzhou Bay, China. A broader global launch, encompassing Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, is planned for early 2024, with sales and production progressively increasing throughout the year. More information about these markets will be disclosed in 2024. The anticipated introductory price point begins at EUR 60,000/USD 60,000/GBP 55,000.