Polestar 4 Review: Defying Genres with Electric Style and Substance

Analysis: The 2025 Polestar 4 transcends categories

This model boasts a 102-kWh battery that supports rapid charging up to 200 kW.

The distance it can travel on a single charge is estimated to be 270 miles for the dual-motor version, and 300 miles if it's equipped with a single

The Polestar 4 won't feature 800-volt charging capabilities; however, it comes equipped with Android software.

Regarding the missing back window…

Polestar has made its entrance into the market with its initial offering, the plug-in hybrid 1 coupe, and has followed up with a more traditional 2 hatchback, as it expands its range to include entirely electric models.

In 2021, the Polestar 3 aims for a blend of efficiency and power, offering a five-seater configuration and manufacturing taking place in the United States. It appears to be a more reliable choice compared to the Polestar 4, a captivating addition that merges elements of a coupe, sedan, fastback, and SUV to attract motorists who might otherwise be interested in the Genesis GV60, Tesla Model Y, or the soon-to-be-released Porsche Macan EV.

Attempting to categorize it with a typical body-style descriptor is futile. The SUV's ground clearance doesn't quite meet the usual standards for its class. It has four doors, which means it can't be considered a coupe. The presence of a permanent glass pane above the passengers in the back seat prevents it from being labeled a hatchback. And calling it a sedan doesn't quite fit given the shape of the roofline.

The Polestar 4 defies categorization, exploring various design forms without committing to a single one. This unique approach gives it considerable flexibility, even with its notable yet non-debilitating shortcomings, such as an over-reliance on touchscreen controls, somewhat speedy charging capabilities, and a ride that can sometimes feel overly stiff.

To put it to the test, I took the wheel and navigated from the heart of Madrid to the rolling terrain towards Segovia in the northwest, then made my return. The driving experience of the Polestar 4 certainly shares characteristics with other electric vehicles, yet it also stands out in its own unique aspects.

The 2025 model of the Polestar

2025 Model of Polestar 4

2025 Polestar 4: Speedy pickup, rapid recharge

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph: 3.7 seconds for the All-Wheel Drive model, 6.9 seconds for the Rear-Wheel Drive version.

The single-motor model can travel 300 miles on a single charge, while the dual-motor version has a range of 270 miles

Direct current fast charging with a 400-volt capacity at up to 200 kilowatts; achieves a charge from 10% to

Activate single-pedal driving across all modes with just a tap on the display

Additional details: The 2025 model of the Polestar

Hidden within its sleek exterior, you'll find two versions of the Polestar 4. One is a reasonably swift rear-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a single motor, while the other is a speedy all-wheel-drive variant equipped with dual motors. Both models suffer from a lack of tactile feedback through the steering and the large rims challenge the effectiveness of their adaptive suspension systems. However, they both exude a futuristic vibe.

Both models are built on a foundation of a 102-kwh battery. The single-motor variant of the Polestar 4 doesn't pack an overwhelming punch, offering 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. According to Polestar, this enables the vehicle to achieve a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and cover a distance of up to 300 miles per charge, based on EPA benchmarks rather than WLTP. Without the context of other electric vehicles offering excessively rapid acceleration, these figures would be quite acceptable.

It's a different experience altogether when you take the wheel of the dual-engine 4. The same power source propels this model to a hefty 544 horsepower and 506 pound-feet of torque. This shaves down the acceleration to 60 mph to just 3.7 seconds, though it does reduce the driving range to 270 miles. This is the vehicle you'd prefer while navigating the serpentine roads leading northwest to Segovia, where you're likely to encounter Seats and bicyclists setting the pace in increments of 20 kph. Spot an opening ahead, nudge the throttle, and the two-motor Polestar 4 springs forward, smoothly securing its place in the flow of traffic, all the while sparing you the high-pitched whirring common in other high-end electric vehicles.

Vehicles equipped with a single motor come with basic shock absorbers and suspension systems, however, the four-wheel-drive, twin-motor Polestar 4 is equipped with advanced adaptive dampers designed to manage the high energy output of the vehicle. This model requires a greater level of flexibility, particularly when it's outfitted with the 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires that were on my test vehicle. (Standard models of the 4 are fitted with 20-inch wheels, while the all-wheel-drive models destined for the U.S. market are upgraded to 22-inch wheels.) When I adjusted the power settings to the performance mode and kept the steering at its default light setting, I found that the Polestar 4 navigated straight roads with precision. However, it tended to glide over rough patches of road rather than smoothly absorbing the bumps.

The answer? Slow down when approaching those rough areas, or use the single-pedal driving feature to reduce the effects. Both braking methods function together smoothly, but the single-pedal option seems to be less aggressive in slowing the car down compared to other high-performance electric vehicles I've tested lately.

In another piece of credible information, the dual-engine Polestar 4 is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds and reportedly has a ground clearance of 6.5 inches. However, with its stunning appearance, it's questionable if anyone would really want to test those limits.

Upcoming 2025 Model of Polestar

Upcoming 2025 Polestar 4

The exterior and interior of the 2025 Polestar 4: Ample room, including within the user interface

Impressive design, both externally and internally

Spacious interior indeed: measuring at 190.5 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 118.1 inches and offering a cargo capacity ranging from 18.6 to 54.2 cubic feet, along with an additional compact trunk at the front.

Numerous features are hidden within the touchscreen interface.

Indoor lighting designed with a solar system motif

The design of the 4's outside and inside encases a roomy interior, and Polestar extends this spacious theme through the use of ambient lighting that mimics celestial bodies floating in space, creating an atmosphere akin to a planetarium without the musical accompaniment of the Doobie Brothers.

The Polestar 4 features a dynamic, triangular design accented with sharp LED front lights, and is finished with the brand's emblem. Along its flanks, the vehicle boasts bold, geometric side skirts that carve into the typically expansive panels. At the back, a continuous band of LED rear lights narrows the end into the ascending back end, creating a pleasingly minimalist impact.

In my opinion, the 4's design disappoints with its extensive panoramic roof stretching above the back seat and the short trunk that's barely noticeable from the side. Polestar eliminates the need for a rear windshield by incorporating these features, but the design choice doesn't sufficiently set the vehicle apart to justify the resulting visibility issues. For individuals who wear corrective lenses or experience motion sickness, the alternative offered by Polestar—a digital rearview camera mirror—falls short of being a practical fix. In contrast, Mazda has pushed the boundaries with the design of its 3 hatchback, achieving a more remarkable and memorable appearance.

The interior of the 4 model has been excessively simplified. The digital display measuring 10.2 inches and the 15.4-inch touchscreen resembling a tablet are efficient in their display roles. However, when utilized through the Google built-in system to manage various functions that are typically operated by a physical button or dial, it leads to a level of customer dissatisfaction that other automakers strive to steer clear of, much like they would evade questions from journalists. The reliance on the touchscreen and the controls on the steering wheel is high for adjustments such as the head-up display settings, steering wheel position, among others. This means it can be time-consuming to personalize the vehicle's settings for a driver who doesn't use one of the preset "favorite" configurations.

There's a disappointment, especially when considering how the rest of the interior masterfully achieves a minimalist and high-end matte finish that's characteristic of electric vehicles. The seats are covered in a woven fabric that provides great comfort and come with solid, manual adjustment settings. There's also an option for genuine leather seating from Polestar. The vehicle's design allows for ample legroom and headspace, thanks to its flat flooring and overall shape. Surprisingly, the absence of rear windows doesn't create as much discomfort for those seated in the back as one might think. However, the back seat could benefit from more integrated support, even though it does feature an electric recline function that comfortably accommodates two larger individuals, with a third person able to rest in the middle.

2025 Model of Polestar 4

Upcoming 2025 Polestar 4

Upcoming 2025 Polestar Model

2025 Model of Polestar 4

The cost of the rear-wheel drive Polestar 4 in 2025, along with its tech features: Fully equipped with over-the-air updates

Priced at $56,300 for

The AWD 4 is priced at $64,300.

Standard features now include cordless CarPlay and phone charging capabilities

You can place orders immediately for the Polestar 4, which is priced at $56,300 for the model with one motor, including a $1,400 fee for delivery. The model featuring two motors with all-wheel drive is available for $64,300, with deliveries expected to start in the coming months.

Each Polestar 4 vehicle comes equipped with a suite of safety features such as automated braking in emergencies, sensors for detecting blind spots, cruise control that adjusts automatically, assistance with staying in the lane, and a camera system providing a 360-degree view. An additional package allows for a degree of autonomous driving, integrating 12 lidar sensors, 14 cameras, and a radar sensor. Polestar has also indicated that over-the-air (OTA) updates will enhance capabilities, although they haven't made any promises regarding complete autonomous driving. Standard amenities on the car include an automatically operated rear hatch, a roof with a full-length glass panel, electrically adjustable front seats, and wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter.

Choices include the Pilot Pack with lidar sensors priced at $1,500 for single-motor vehicles, although it's included as standard on dual-motor models. Alternatively, there's the Pro Pack, which costs $2,000 for single-motor and $600 for dual-motor vehicles, and comes with upgrades such as 21-inch wheels and gold accents on both the valve caps and seatbelts.

The cost of the A Plus Pack increases to either $61,800 or $69,800, depending on the number of motors. This package includes features such as front seats with 12 adjustable power settings, faux leather seat covers, rear seats that both heat and recline, a display projected on the windshield, and a sound system from Harman Kardon.

Cars equipped with two motors and the Performance Pack are priced at $74,300. This package includes an enhanced sports suspension, 22-inch high-strength wheels, tires suitable for warm weather, and superior Brembo braking systems with advanced discs and calipers finished in gold paint.

Initial models of the 2025 Polestar 4 are set to be constructed in China, but this could be problematic due to discussions surrounding tariffs. In the early part of the coming year, production is slated to shift to a facility in South Korea, with the potential to alleviate or continue the tariff complications. At present, Polestar asserts that the cost remains unchanged. The distinctive design and deliberate peculiarities of the Polestar 4 may well make it a beloved niche choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts, a community that often rewards uniqueness.

Polestar covered the travel expenses enabling us to conduct and present this test drive analysis.

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