Who Wants A Rear Window?
The designers of the all-new, all-electric 2026 Polestar 4 definitely didn’t suppose so. The modern coupe-like profile and the fastback roofline makes use of the shortage of a rear window to mix a spacious inside and a sporty really feel. However, is it sporty? Learn additional.
Who Is Polestar?
Polestar has launched three fashions in America, with variants, starting with their final gasoline engine propelled automobile, the restricted manufacturing, chic 2021 Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid. Subsequent was the environment friendly all-electric 2022 Polestar 2 Single Motor rear-wheel drive EV, adopted by the 2023 Polestar 2 Twin Motor EV Efficiency Plus with all-wheel drive (AWD). In 2024, the Polestar 2 with a bigger single electrical motor arrived, adopted by the corporate’s first SUV, the 2025 Polestar 3 Twin Motor AWD and 2025 Polestar 3 Single Motor rear-wheel drive.
Easy naming apart, all Polestar fashions provide extremely developed electrical expertise and efficiency. Polestar was a associate of Volvo when the latter was acquired by Geely, a Chinese language vehicle firm, in 2010. Polestar was initially based in 1995 for the aim of performance-tuning Volvos. Volvo introduced them in-house in 2015 when Polestar badging appeared on Volvos, designating efficiency. A couple of years later Polestar turned its personal stand-alone automobile firm, shortly changing into an EV-only model.
What’s a Polestar 4?
Polestar says the “4 transforms the aerodynamics of a coupe and the house of an SUV into a brand new breed of SUV coupe.” What we discovered was this all-electric five-passenger midsize SUV, with eye-catching appears to be like and a spacious inside, was comfy, fulfilling, simple and pleasurable to drive. The 4 will problem the opposite all-electric midsize SUVs on fashion, consolation, handing, efficiency and even value.
Energy and Vary
The 2025 Polestar 4 is available in two trims with both a single motor and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or twin motors with all-wheel drive (AWD.)
Lengthy Vary – Single Motor
- RWD
- All-Electrical Vary (AER): 310 miles
- 272 horsepower (hp)
- 253 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque
- 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
- Effectivity: 2.86 miles per kWh
- Curb Weight: 4,916 kilos
- Towing: As much as 2,000 kilos
Lengthy Vary – Twin Motor
- AWD
- AER: 280 miles
- 544 hp
- 506 lb.-ft. of torque
- 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
- Effectivity: 2.50 miles per kWh
- Curb Weight: 5,192 kilos
- Towing: 3,500 kilos
Battery and Charging
When slowing or stopping, regenerative braking converts kinetic power into electrical power and shops it within the battery. The extent of regeneration might be set on the touchscreen (there aren’t any paddles to set the regen degree) as much as One Pedal Driving. With the Creep mode turned off and the regen set to robust, the mix resulted in predictable recharge really feel and a enjoyable option to drive with restricted touching of the brake pedal.
The 110 kWh, liquid-cooled 400-volt lithium-ion battery is charged by way of an 11.0 kW onboard Stage 2 charger or DC Quick Charging. These are the estimated charging instances.
- 240V (Stage 2) – 0-100% in 11 hours
- 480V DC Quick Charging – 10-80% in half-hour at 250 kW
Out on the Highway
Polestar introduced automotive journalists and influencers to Austin, Texas, to drive the all-new 2026 Polestar 4. Departing and returning to the Resort Van Zandt, our drive route of slightly below 200 miles took us into Texas Hill Nation, together with stopping for lunch at Spicewood Vineyards.
My driving associate and I spent most of our time within the Lengthy Vary Twin Motor AWD Polestar 4. In the event you haven’t skilled keyless expertise earlier than, it could take a little bit of acclimation because the 4 doesn’t have a begin/cease button or, since this actually is a pc on wheels, a power-up/energy down button. When the important thing, which when programmed can be your cell phone, is within the cabin, all you do is press the brake pedal, choose the gear on the correct aspect steering wheel stalk and off you go. When exiting, place the selector in Park and get out. That’s it. Slick, huh? Word: The Polestar 4 can be powered down by way of the middle touchscreen.
The graceful and even energy from the twin motors was fast and quick, presumably a bit a lot for some individuals and their driving life. There’s nothing unsuitable with ready-at-anytime energy, however the twin motor AWD 4 feels aggressive at instances when the 544 hp and 506 lb.-ft. of torque is shipped to all-four wheels. There is no such thing as a tire slippage or wheel spin, simply constructive traction that makes the 4 a real sporty midsize SUV that handles nice.
The stability is ideal and the middle of gravity is low to the bottom with the batteries residing beneath the floorboard. The bottom clearance additionally speaks to aerodynamics and highway hugging with 6.54 inches within the entrance and seven.32 inches within the rear. Its aerodynamics are aided by flush door handles and flush glazing on the frameless home windows.
For comparability, when hopping into the Polestar 4 with the one motor, it despatched a “mere” 272 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque solely to the rear wheels. The texture was extra managed and could also be to the liking of homeowners that don’t want the additional efficiency, however do need the additional driving vary. After all, this can be a private selection as going 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds within the twin motor AWD is an absolute blast!
Very good Dealing with in Each Fashions
No matter AWD or RWD, the Polestar 4 handles beautifully. Our Lengthy Vary Twin Motor AWD was geared up with the Efficiency Pack, which is the one trim the place it’s out there. This options 22-inch cast efficiency wheels, Polestar engineered chassis tuning, Brembo 4-piston brake calipers painted in Swedish gold, Polestar efficiency brake discs, summer season efficiency tires, Swedish gold seat belts and valve stem caps.
The steering really feel is adjustable within the heart display screen, relying on what sort of driving you might be doing. The speed-dependent steering wheel resistance characteristic means the 4 routinely adjusts the steering wheel resistance primarily based on the driving pace, which provides to manage and stability. The digital stability management might be partially disabled, however that is strongly discouraged until you could have top-notch efficiency driving expertise.
Polestar continues to name on its heritage as a efficiency model with a passive suspension that’s stiff sufficient to manage physique roll round corners, however not so stiff as to forestall a snug journey. Polestar discovered a contented medium of stability between the 2.
Exterior: Panoramic Glass Roof and No Rear Window
The Polestar 4 having no rear window is a sizzling matter. We are able to toss some water on that fireplace by reporting the digital rearview mirror exhibits extra occurring behind the automobile than a traditional mirror.
By eliminating the rear window, the glass roof extends over the rear headrests, making a modern silhouette. Apart from the rear-facing digicam, the roof is clean from the entrance windshield to the diminutive lip spoiler on the rear energy hatch. And sure, the 4 is a hatchback that swallows-up cargo properly with its 19.3-inch-wide opening and a cargo ground top of 28.2-inches. With out an engine up entrance there’s a 0.5 cubic foot entrance trunk (frunk) for stashing small objects, such because the charging cable.
The deep slope from the windshield to the nostril provides glorious entrance visibility. The dual Thor’s Hammer headlights sit far on the outer edges of the fenders. The pixel LED headlights have lively high-beam detection, computerized leveling and nook illumination, so the lights flip the course you’re cornering. The LED lighting design continues to the flip indicators, tail and brake lights. The Polestar brand puddle lamps are a pleasant contact.
We admire the clear design that’s void of cladding and sans chrome accents. There’s a reassuring and satisfying feeling when driving this tasteful and sensible aerodynamic SUV coupe.
The Polestar 4 has seven exterior metallic colours: Electron, Lightning, Snow, House and Stratus, and two matte colours, Stratus and Gold.
The Polestar 4, like all EVs, has a mandated audible low-speed warning system. Utilizing exterior audio system, the system generates distinctive sounds to alert pedestrians and cyclists that there’s a two-ton automobile approaching. When you have ever been strolling in a parking zone or ready to cross a avenue, the welcome distinctive sound coming for an electrical automobile is appreciated.
Inside: Scandinavian Minimalism
The inside could have a minimal feel and look, however make no mistake, all the things you need and wish for a handy and comfy journey is there at your fingertips.
The seats are trimmed in one in every of three choices.
- Bio-attributed MicroTech upholstery is created from renewable vinyl and recycled polyester textile; it replaces crude oil with pine oil.
- Animal-welfare-certified yarn upholstery is a completely traceable cloth, that means each step of the material’s manufacturing course of might be tracked, from the uncooked supplies used to the ultimate product.
- The Bridge of Weir animal-welfare secured Nappa leather-based is traced and adheres to the ASPCA’s 5 Freedoms.
The entrance seats are comfy for lengthy journeys and maintain the occupants tight when cornering. The entrance seats get energy changes together with lumbar, therapeutic massage, air flow and warmth.
There are three screens to occupy and inform the motive force. The 14.7-inch configurable head-up show initiatives onto the windshield, a ten.2-inch driver show incorporates automobile and driving info, and the 15.4-inch horizontal shade LCD touchscreen has an anti-reflective, easy-to-clean coating.
This display screen is the place the guts of the Polestar 4 lives: the Google Android Automotive working system with navigation, apps and Google Assistant. Please observe that is not Google’s Android Auto. It permits the motive force to function many features by way of voice instructions, which is important since, apart from the fundamental controls on the steering wheel, there are few buttons or knobs on the sprint. The clear Scandinavian design theme thrives within the cockpit.
And Superior Sound
The Polestar 4 comes customary with an eight-speaker sound system, however ours had a Harmon Kardon premium 1,320-watt sound system with 12 audio system, front-seat headrest audio system and lively highway noise cancellation. Don’t be stunned if you end up lingering a couple of minutes as you sit in your driveway engulfed in deep wealthy tones out of your favourite artists.
SiriusXM and FM HD radio are included together with native apps for streaming by way of Bluetooth and the 4G community. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wi-fi cellphone charging are customary.
Comfort options embrace Polestar Join that, within the case of an emergency, connects with a reside consultant on the contact of a button. Different conveniences embrace a 360-degree digicam, rain-sensing windshield wipers, alarm, keyless entry, digital key, USB-C ports, heated steering wheel, cabin air filtration and adjustable inside illumination. The 4 additionally has a really cool electrochromic panoramic glass roof that, with the push of a button, goes from clear to opaque.
The ambient lighting has a enjoyable ingredient the place, as a substitute of simply deciding on a shade that seems on the sprint, door panels and footwells, the middle display screen shows a photo voltaic system-inspired illumination. Very distinctive and intelligent.
The rear outbound passengers additionally get warmth with particular person controls with the Plus Pack choice and privateness aspect home windows with laminated glass. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults and splits 60:40. When upright, there may be 18.8 cubic toes of cargo house, which grows to 54.2 cubic toes when the seat’s folded almost flat. Entry is thru the facility tailgate that with the Plus Pack might be foot-operated.
Pricing
The 2026 Polestar 4 is available in two variations. These costs embrace the $1,400 vacation spot payment. The Lengthy Vary Single Motor RWD is $57,800. The Lengthy Vary Twin Motor AWD is $64,300. There are a number of optionally available packages that add comfort options that may have an effect on the entire value. They are often discovered right here on the Polestar Configurator.
Tariffs are an actual factor for the Polestar 4 as it’s actually a world automobile. Polestar addressed this, to some extent, by transferring Polestar 4 manufacturing to Busan, Korea, the place the tariffs (at present) are decrease than these for vehicles imported from China.
Observations: 2026 Polestar 4
Polestar makes use of phrases comparable to pure, progressive, efficiency, vary, effectivity, sustainability, drivability, consolation and high quality to explain the design fundamentals for the Polestar 4.
Electrical vehicles and SUVs are getting extra refined and stay my favourite driving expertise. The Polestar 4 driving expertise left me refreshed after my time behind the wheel. That is one thing that can not be mentioned about all vehicles, SUVs and vehicles.
The dealing with, energy supply, clean freeway journey and above-average dealing with are all one thing to need, whereas by no means forgetting additionally it is environment friendly and sensible. The Polestar 4 cargo space is giant sufficient to deal with gear for 2 on a protracted highway journey, and the charging will take minutes earlier than you might be off once more. The Polestar 4 is constructed and designed to satisfy the driving wants of a number of life.
Key opponents to the Polestar 4 are the Audi Q6 E-tron, BMW iX, Cadillac Optiq, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Volvo XC90 Recharge, Genesis GV70 EV, Lucid Gravity, Tesla Mannequin Y and the Porsche Macan EV.
When searching for an all-electric SUV the Polestar 4 must be in your consideration listing. In case your driving wants don’t embrace the large energy and efficiency of the twin motor AWD, Polestar affords a selection of the one motor with RWD. Both means the 2026 Polestar 4 is a pleasure to drive.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photographs by John Faulkner, Paul Strauss and Polestar.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at automobiles from automakers to judge, usually for per week at a time. Our highway checks are primarily based on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t tackle points comparable to long-term reliability or complete price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on automobiles that supply one of the best gas financial system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which are among the many prime mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we goal to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gas automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for various viewpoints. Please tell us your views at writer@cleanfleetreport.com or by commenting on any of our tales. We reply each remark!
