As you may have read on these pages before, Polestar developed out of the Volvo brand to become an automotive name in its own right. Over time cars have been added to the inventory, like the Polestar 2 (featured here) and 3, Now we are up to number 4. The Polestar 4 is an all-electric performance SUV coupé and the second SUV in the brand’s line-up.
Polestar 4 transforms the aerodynamics of a coupé and adds the space of an SUV into a new breed of, wait for it, SUV coupé. Given that the cars are appearing in numerical order it is perhaps surprising that Polestar 4 is positioned between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price.
The Design
As primarily a design-driven brand, Polestar 4 sees the continuation of key elements of the original concept coming to life and this includes eliminating the rear window which enables a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience, coupled with the separation of the dual blade front lights with a unique Polestar light signature and further enhanced by the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows. Add to this list the rear aero blades and air flow optimisation around the rear light bar and this truly seems like a car from the future.
The standard full-length glass roof is available with optional ‘electrochromic’ functionality, allowing for opaque or transparent deployment depending on the mood. Thanks to the elimination of the rear window, the glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads, creating a truly unique interior ambience.
The Interior
Polestar 4 is a ‘D-segment’ SUV coupé with a large body and long, 2,999 mm wheelbase. Overall length is 4,839 mm, width is 2,139 mm and height is 1,544 mm. The resulting generous interior proportions are especially evident in the rear, where occupants are cocooned in an intimate environment, with reclining seats, no less.
There’s adjustable ambient lighting that adds an extra dimension to the interior, inspired by the solar system that allows the driver to customise the driving environment. A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to enable rear occupant control.
The rear-view mirror is replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera – enabling a far wider field of view than what can be experienced with conventional mirros. The digital feed can be deactivated to allow drivers to instead see rear occupants if needed; when keeping a watchful eye on children, for example.
In Polestar 4, the infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and the ‘Snapdragon Cockpit Platform’ now utilises a 15.4 inch landscape-oriented screen with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built in. A Harman Kardon audio system is available as an option with 12 speakers. An additional two headrest speakers are added to each front seat with the optional Nappa Pack– raising the total to 16. Naturally, Apple CarPlay is included. As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air updates allow for new features and improvements, which will be sent remotely.
A 10.2 inch driver display is mounted ahead of the steering column and includes speed, battery and range information. When engaged by various assistance systems, a virtual environment can show other road users, current driving assistance functions and navigation information. Additionally, to reduce distraction, a head-up display with 14.7 inch projection area in front of the driver relays key information, further improving driver attentiveness.
The interior and its materials have been designed around the theme of ‘soft tech’, drawing inspiration from the fashion and sportswear industries. It is interesting how these days modern automotive design draws in other aspects of lifestyle elements, pointing to a new way of using our cars. The future indeed.
Sustainability
It’s worth here adding an extra element to this review. As with the technology on this vehicle so the use of new and recycled materials in manufacture are really coming to the fore. In the Polestar 4, more recycled and low-carbon materials replace traditional solutions. This includes measures for greater supply chain transparency of sourcing for risk materials in the batteries, for example.
A mono-material approach, first presented in the Polestar electric roadster concept in 2022, is applied to interior materials, where all layers of certain components are produced from the same base material. This allows them to be recycled more effectively and efficiently by eliminating the need for incompatible materials to be separated before recycling. New interior materials include a tailored knit textile which consists of 100% recycled polyester, along with bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl and animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholsteries.
Performance
Polestar 4 is the fastest production car the brand has ever developed. The 0-62 mph sprint can be completed in just 3.8 seconds and maximum power output is 400 kW (544 bhp) and 689Nm of lovely torque. Fore and aft motors are of a permanent magnet, synchronous design. Driving dynamics ensure sharp steering and handling responses result in a thrilling and nimble driving experience for all occupants, says the company.
Both dual and single motor versions will be available, with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive. Despite the high output and performance the drive remains a responsible, everyday enjoyable electric vehicle (EV) experience. The target range of this vehicle is 350 miles, demonstrated by testing cycles, but the true figure remains to be seen. That said, it seems likely that with the technology and aerodynamics of this car, 350 may well be an accurate real world figure. A 102kWh battery is fitted to both long-range versions. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency.
Semi-active suspension features in the dual-motor version for an additional layer of adjustment between comfort and performance dynamics. Wheels range from 20 to 22 inches in size, depending on the version. Further, a new drive optimisation function allows the driver to select between range or performance driving modes in the long range Dual motor version. Performance mode sharpens up responsiveness from the power-train and engages both motors at all times for full power delivery and best performance. Range mode prioritises efficiency, adapting the drive to a calmer style and forces use of only the rear motor.
A total of twelve cameras, one radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors are fitted as standard. This includes a driver monitoring camera, which only relays data and does not record video, to monitor the driver’s eyes and head movements to help avoid incidents related to fatigue or incapacitation. Together with hands-on detection in the steering wheel, the driver monitoring system helps to keep the driver actively engaged in driving, as required. Standard vehicle specification is high, with additional packages tailored to adding specific options that enhance overall enjoyment.
Production begins in November so this is an EV to look out for in early 2024. We here at MHH International will keep you posted. In the meantime, if potential buyers would like to find out more about the availability of other Polestar cars and find out about our comprehensive VAT-free export service from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations, then we look forward to hearing from you.
