Polestar, Volvo’s performance-focused electric vehicle (EV) brand, has been making waves in the EV market with a strong lineup of vehicles that cater to both luxury and sustainability. With the launch of the Polestar 4, the brand is pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and driving experience, but with one major catch – it lacks a traditional rear window.

Yes, you read that correctly. The Polestar 4 does not feature a rear window. Instead, it uses a high-definition camera mounted on the roof to feed live images to an internal HD screen, which acts as the rearview mirror. This radical departure from convention has raised plenty of eyebrows. Is it a revolutionary advancement or an unnecessary gimmick? Let’s dive deeper into the Polestar 4 review, analyzing its innovative design, technology, driving performance, and more.

1. Introduction: What is the Polestar 4?

The Polestar 4 is the latest all-electric SUV from the Swedish performance carmaker, continuing the evolution of the brand’s design and technology language. Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, the Polestar 4 sits in a unique spot in the market, offering a balance of style, performance, and luxury, while being highly competitive against similar vehicles from established players in the electric vehicle market.

Unlike the Polestar 2, which is more compact and sedan-like, the Polestar 4 adopts a slightly larger footprint, blending elements of both a coupe and an SUV. But it’s not just the design that makes this car stand out. The most shocking feature is the absence of a rear window, replaced instead by a high-definition camera and screen for rearview visibility.

So, what does the Polestar 4 bring to the table? Let’s explore..

2. A Radical New Design – The Missing Rear Window

The Polestar 4 challenges traditional automotive design with its unique approach to rear visibility. The absence of a rear window is a bold statement, and while this might seem like a strange decision at first, it offers a few interesting advantages. Instead of a traditional rearview mirror, Polestar has installed an HD screen that provides a live feed from a roof-mounted camera, showing the view behind the car.

While this setup may take some getting used to, there are notable benefits:

• Wider Rearview Visibility: Unlike traditional mirrors, which are limited by the physical dimensions of the rear window, the Polestar 4’s camera offers a much wider field of view. This can be especially useful when merging onto highways or checking blind spots.
• Night Driving Performance: The high-resolution camera excels at night, providing a bright, clear view of what’s behind you, something that traditional mirrors often fail to do in low-light conditions.
• Improved Aerodynamics: Without a rear window, the Polestar 4 benefits from a sleeker rear design, reducing drag and improving overall aerodynamic efficiency. This helps enhance performance and range, which is critical in an electric vehicle.

However, the system is not without its flaws. One of the major drawbacks is that when reversing, there is no direct visual reference point like a traditional rear window. The camera provides a clear view but lacks the depth perception needed to judge distances accurately, making it less effective in tight parking situations. Thankfully, Polestar compensates for this by including a full suite of cameras, including a 360-degree camera system, rearview camera, and front-facing cameras.

In conclusion, while the lack of a rear window might seem odd, it’s clear that Polestar has considered both form and function in their approach to rear visibility.

3. The Interior: Luxury Meets Innovation

Step inside the Polestar 4, and you’re greeted with a modern, minimalist interior that exudes luxury. The high-quality materials, sleek design, and attention to detail make it clear that Polestar is aiming for the premium market.

• Plush Materials: The interior features soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery, and wood accents, creating a high-end feel. The materials are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, ensuring a long-lasting experience for owners.
• Space and Comfort: Despite its coupe-like roofline, the Polestar 4 offers ample space for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are particularly spacious, providing generous legroom and headroom, aided by the large sunroof. The lack of a rear window doesn’t make the rear cabin feel claustrophobic. Instead, it’s airy and comfortable, thanks to the clever use of lighting and design.
• Infotainment System: The 15.4-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard is one of the most prominent features inside the car. It runs on Android and comes with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Apple CarPlay as standard, ensuring seamless connectivity. However, some users have noted that the large screen can be a bit tricky to operate while driving, as it requires leaning forward to reach certain controls.

The Polestar 4 sets a high bar for interior design in the electric SUV market. It combines advanced technology with a luxurious feel, creating a cabin that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing

4. Technology: The Infotainment System and More

The Polestar 4 comes equipped with one of the most advanced infotainment systems available today. Developed by Android, it includes features like Google Assistant and Google Maps, making it far more intuitive than many other systems that rely on proprietary software.

However, while the system’s responsiveness and graphics are impressive, there are a few usability quirks. The touchscreen, although responsive, can be challenging to operate while driving. The lack of physical controls for certain functions means you need to rely on touch gestures, which can be distracting and less safe. Additionally, adjusting the steering wheel or mirrors is done via the infotainment system itself, which some drivers may find annoying.

Still, the overall technology suite in the Polestar 4 is among the best in its class. The 360-degree cameras, wireless charging pad, and premium sound system (Harman Kardon) add to the overall tech experience.

5. Performance: How Does the Polestar 4 Drive?

Polestar has a reputation for producing performance-oriented vehicles, and the Polestar 4 does not disappoint. With two versions available—the Long Range Single Motor and the Long Range Dual Motor—you can choose between a more sedate driving experience or one with exhilarating performance.

• Single Motor Version: This version features a rear-wheel-drive layout and offers an impressive 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. While it’s not as quick as the dual-motor version, it’s still a very capable EV with a refined driving experience.
• Dual Motor Version: For those seeking more power, the dual-motor setup produces 536 horsepower, enabling the Polestar 4 to hit 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest production vehicles that Polestar has ever made.

While the dual-motor version is clearly the performance choice, both variants offer a comfortable, smooth ride, with excellent handling for an SUV. The steering is light, though a bit unresponsive at times, and while the body control could be improved, the ride quality is generally excellent.

6. Practicality and Comfort: Rear Seat Space and Boot Capacity

Practicality in electric vehicles is an often-overlooked aspect, but the Polestar 4 does well in this department. The lack of a rear window hasn’t compromised rear-seat space, which is roomy and comfortable, even for taller passengers. The rear cabin feels airy, thanks to the panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting.

• Boot Capacity: With a boot capacity of 526 liters, the Polestar 4 provides ample storage for a family on the go. It’s more spacious than some rivals, such as the Kia EV6, although it does fall slightly behind the Porsche Macan Electric in terms of cargo space. Nonetheless, the practical design, with features like split-folding rear seats and underfloor storage, makes it highly versatile for everyday use.

7. Safety Features and Driver Assistance

As a premium electric vehicle, safety is a key priority for the Polestar 4. The car comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane-keeping Assist
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• 360-Degree Cameras
• Blind-Spot Monitoring

These features help make the driving experience not only safer but also more convenient, especially on long trips or in heavy traffic.

8. Charging, Range, and Efficiency

One of the standout features of the Polestar 4 is its impressive range. The dual-motor version offers a range of 367 miles, while the single-motor version delivers 385 miles on a single charge. These numbers place the Polestar 4 ahead of many competitors in the luxury electric SUV space.

Charging is also relatively quick, with the Polestar 4 able to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes when using a fast charger. However, its maximum charging rate of 200 kW is not the fastest in its class.

9. The Polestar 4 vs Competitors

The Polestar 4 competes with a number of high-end electric SUVs, including:

From the above table, it’s clear that the Polestar 4 offers competitive range and performance, with the dual-motor version outpacing many competitors in acceleration and power.

10. Conclusion: Is the Polestar 4 the Future of Electric Vehicles?

The Polestar 4 offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of electric vehicles. Its bold design, unique rearview system, and impressive performance set it apart in the competitive EV market. While the absence of a rear window may be a controversial design choice, it is a step towards innovative thinking in vehicle design, safety, and aerodynamics.

With its luxury interior, advanced technology, and powerful performance, the Polestar 4 is undoubtedly a significant player in the electric vehicle space. Whether it’s the future of electric cars remains to be seen, but it’s certainly one of the most interesting EVs on the road today.

If you’re in the market for a high-performance, high-tech electric vehicle that offers a unique driving experience, the Polestar 4 is worth your attention. It might just be the future of driving.