The Polestar 4 brings something different to the premium section of the EV Coupe-SUV market. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

With the Polestar 4, the brand needed to do something different. They have. This electric Coupe-SUV is nothing quite like any of its talented premium badged mid-sized EV rivals and will be a desirable trinket for the right kind of customer. Whether it's the volume model Polestar needs is another question.

Background

The Polestar 4. It's a different kind of Polestar. A different kind of EV. And, the brand says, a different kind of mid-sized SUV-Coupe. The model number doesn't designate a larger car - the '4' fits into the range between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 EVs - but it is, as that numeral suggests, the fourth design that this increasingly international manufacturer has bought us. The marque is grounded in Sweden and its cars are built in (and financed by) China. The models are partly engineered in the UK and are marketed by a brand listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York. The company's future will partly depend on this so-called 're-invention of the Coupe-SUV' because this Polestar 4 is expected to take over from the Polestar 2 as the company's top seller by 2025, by which time the brand expects to be selling 155,000-165,000 cars a year. Directly in its sights are models like the latest Porsche Macan EV, as well as existing players like the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron. To stand out, this '4' will need to make headlines - and already has, launched as the first production car to be introduced without a rear window. But there's a lot more to this Polestar than that - as we're about to find out...

Engines and Tech Spec

The drivetrain format looks quite familiar, with a choice of Rear motor or Dual motor AWD. But there's yet another borrowed platform for Polestar to bolt it all to, this one a Geely-sourced SEA chassis mated to which is a pretty substantial 102kWh battery pack with a targeted range of up to 379 miles for the rear-driven model - and up to 360 miles for the Dual motor version. The Single motor variant makes 268bhp and 62mph in 7.1s. The Dual motor AWD derivative has 536bhp and improves the sprint figure to 3.8s; that's faster than the more powerful Polestar 1. As with the Polestar 2, there's also a 'Performance Pack' version of the Dual motor derivative, which gets updated brakes, wheels and tyres as well as tweaks to the steel suspension. Talking of suspension, Polestar says that ride quality (a notable failing of the Polestar 2) has been more significantly prioritised here. The passive dampers of the Single motor model are exchanged for 'semi-active' dampers in the Dual motor version; and, unlike on the 'Performance' version of the Polestar 2, you don't have to adjust those with a spanner but can do so via the centre dash screen. The '4' has been engineered for as much self-driving tech as individual market laws will currently allow. LiDAR sensors (and a bank of radars and cameras) on the car create a 3D map of its surroundings in real time, allowing this Polestar to see up 600 metres away - or up to 7.5s ahead of the vehicle at highway speeds, allowing 'centimetre level' precision that enables the '4' to map the environment and traffic conditions around it. The result is the capability for completely autonomous highway driving (without the driver having to pay attention) and 'eyes-on' autonomous driving on other roads.

Design and Build

The Polestar 4 is a swept-back Coupe-SUV. Yet one with really impressive rear seat headroom. The reason why is also the reason for most of the headlines surrounding this car; the fact that it has no rear window. This is due to a repositioning of the header rail from its usual siting at the back of the roof to a position behind the rear passengers' heads - where the rear window would normally be. A roof-mounted camera that projects in the rear view mirror takes its place. Pressing a button turns that mirror into a regular one if you merely want to look at the back seat. Interestingly, there are conventional door mirrors, suggesting that Polestar's priority with this 4,839mm-long design wasn't to make this '4' class-leading slippery. It isn't: the drag coefficient is 0.269Cd, some way behind a rival Tesla Model 3's 0.208Cd figure. Finishing touches include a low nose, flush glazing, slim lights and retractable door handles. You might fear that the lack of a rear screen would turn interior of this car into a coal hole, but no. A huge standard-fit glass panoramic roof lights up the cabin with spectacular upward views and there's a smart back-lit panel stretching behind the seats. Rear headroom and kneeroom are excellent too. Polestar says a couple of 6-foot 2-inch adults will comfortably fit here and the back seats recline via buttons in the armrest, plus there's a rear seat touchscreen. It feels vastly more spacious than a Polestar 2, even though this '4' is only around 200mm longer. Up-front, this is the first Polestar with a landscape-format centre screen, an Android Automotive 15.4-inch display layout that's supposed to give the cockpit a wider, sportier feel. That's complemented by a 10.2-inch digital driver's instrument display and a 14.7-inch head-up display (which in a typically Swedish touch displays in yellow when it's snowing). The dash is typically minimalist and thoughtful use of textures and lighting gives an up-market feel. There's no under bonnet 'frunk', so luggage must go out back, where there's a 526-litre boot, extendable to 1,536-litres.

Market and Model

Polestar will later launch a 'Standard range Single motor' model, but for the time being, the line-up starts with the 'Long range Single motor' model at around £60,000. You'll need around £67,000 for the alternative 'Long range Dual motor' version. Most customers though, as usual with EVs, will acquire ownership under leasing or PCP schemes. All variants come with the rear view camera that replaces the rear window. It's interesting to see just how many things in medium modern cars that were previously thought essential that we now know we can do without.... Standard equipment also includes Polestar's 'Plus Pack', which includes comfort and technology upgrades. An extra cost, a Nappa upgrade can be specified in addition to the 'Plus Pack' and includes animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation and massage, along with additional head rest speakers for the front seats and rear comfort headrests. You might also want to spend more on an optional 'Pro Pack', which adds 21-inch wheels and subtle design details. Another option is the 'Pilot Pack', which includes the brand's 'Pilot Assist' semi-autonomous driving system and its extended features. The 'Performance Pack' increases the performance look and driving experience of the 'Long range Dual motor' version, with 22-inch wheels, 4-piston Brembo brakes, Polestar Engineered performance chassis tuning and Swedish gold details for the brakes, seat belts and valve caps. We should also brief you on the manner in which you'll need to buy or lease this car, since Polestar doesn't use conventional dealerships. The closest the brand gets to this kind of thing is what it calls 'Polestar Spaces' - basically automotive department stores in shopping centres. Currently, there are seven of these. The primary idea though, is that you should place your order online via the British section of the Polestar.com website. Then connect into the brand as and when you need to - they'll come to you when your car needs servicing, three years cover for which is included in the price.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV driving range figures in our 'Driving' section - 379 miles for the 'Long range Single motor' version and 360 miles for the 'Long range Dual motor' variant. A heat pump will be standard allowing you to maintain range in really cold temperatures. Charging takes place via a fancy motorised charging door. Both '4' models can DC charge at up to 200kW, which allows them to top up using rapid public charger from 10 to 80% in half an hour. There's 22kW AC home charging capability, which from empty to full requires 5 and a half hours on a 3-phase 22kW wallbox. If you've a more typical 7.4kW wallbox, you'll need almost twice as long as that. Bi-directional charging will also be offered, which will allow you to power other electrical items from the vehicle. Polestar is very hot on assessing the carbon footprint of its cars and the '4' is supposed to have the smallest carbon footprint of any of the brand's models to date. Tested by the company's life cycle assessment process, the 'Long range Single motor' version was found to produce 21 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime, over 200,000kms of use. With the 'Long range Dual motor' version, that figure rises to 23 tonnes of CO2. To give you some comparison perspective, a petrol-powered Volvo XC40 will emit 58 tonnes of CO2 over its life cycle.

Summary

This '4' encapsulates Polestar's gradual repositioning away from its former Volvo parent. Not least in the fact that it's the first car from this EV brand to be built on a Geely platform rather than a largely Volvo one. And the design here feels far more uniquely Polestar, not least in the polarising decision to do without a rear screen. The company says it doesn't use customer clinics as part of the development process, which is just as well because that feature wouldn't have survived that process. But you might like it. And you might well very much like this car. The competition it faces is formidable, but this '4' has enough about it to stand apart. Whether its premium pricing will allow it to sell in the kind of numbers the brand is hoping for is another question. Rarity though, might well be another draw of the '4'. It has plenty.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Heated washer nozzles

Variable front intermittent wipers

Flush door frameless windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Hill descent control

Electronic Stability Programme

Hill hold control

Electric parking brake (EPB)

Collision avoidance and mitigation by braking and steering

Power assisted brakes

Brake energy recuperation

Performance engineered discs

4 piston Brembo brake callipers in Swedish gold

Carpets/Rugs

Textile floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Polestar Engineered chassis tuning

Semi-active continuous controlled ZF dampers (CCD) with 3 levels and internal valve

Communication

Wireless apple carplay

Bluetooth

15W wireless smartphone charging

Hands free bluetooth system

Remote vehicle diagnostics

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Variable power steering

Front and rear park assist

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Forward collision warning

Rear cross traffic alert

Insurance telematics

Adaptive steering

Intelligent speed assist

Pilot assist

Lane keeping aid

12 Ultrasonic sensors

Driver alert control

Cross traffic alert (CTA) with brake support

Speed limit warning

Adjustable steering force

Lane change assist

Advanced Collision Avoidance Intersections

Over air updates (OTA)

Hands on/off sensors on steering wheel

1x DMS driver monitoring camera with eye tracking

Driver profiles: 5x admin, 1x guest

Radar x1

Smart home connectivity

Integrated e-SIM with 5G network

Launch mode

11 exterior cameras providing a 360 degree and 3D view

Speed limiter information

Customer modes (car wash, rest, animal)

Life detection interior radars

Driver Convenience

One touch indicators

Configurable dashboard display

Travel data recorder

Voice control for audio, climate, telephone, navigation

Electrical door latch

Power operated tailgate with handsfree opening and soft closing

Remote locator

Steering wheel with cruise control operation

Driver Information

Check control system

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

On board diagnostics

Telematics system

Internet access

Exterior temperature display

RTTI - Real time traffic information

Emergency call service

Blind spot information system with steer assist (BLIS)

Digital owner's manual

15.4" central landscape LCD display

10.2" drivers LCD display

14.7" head-up display

8.9" rear view camera display

Easy ingress/egress

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Electrically adjustable/folding mirrors with memory

Door mirror integrated indicators

Digital rear view mirror

Camera based interior mirror with auto dimming, glare and brightness control

Frameless auto dimming exterior mirrors

Engine

Swedish gold valve caps

Steering wheel gear-switches

Drive modes (Performance and range)

Entertainment

Steering wheel audio controls

Polestar Connect

Infotainment powered by Android including Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store

Centre console media control knob

Centre console media control touchpad

Digital radio DAB+

5.7" rear control and entertainment screen

2x front USB-C

2x rear USB-C

1x 60W USB-C

In car apps

Touchscreen media control

Exterior Body Features

Anti-corrosion treatment

Underbody protection

Rear side wing doors

Flush door handles

Colour coordinated Polestar emblem with illuminated front emblem

Closed rear window

Satin silk lower front lip

High gloss black lower sills

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlight levelling

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

Cornering headlights

LED front fog lights

LED indicator lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

Exterior door handle lights

Automated High beam assist

Pixel LED headlights

LED 3rd brake light

Adaptive high beam system (AHS)

Puddle light logo projector

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Energy saving heat pump

Parking climate incl. scheduled preconditioning

Clean Zone (PPWW AC state filter, negative ion generator, pre-ventilation, multifilter)

3 zone climate with AQM PM 2.5 sensor

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Sports steering wheel

Rear armrest

Coat hooks

Luggage compartment load restraining hooks

Heated steering wheel

Leather multifunction steering wheel

1 x Rear 12V socket

12V power socket in luggage area

One pedal drive (regenerative braking), adjustable

Steering wheel reach and rake adjustment

Metal door sill and trunk sill inlay

Floating tunnel console with lower

Slim IP and air vents

Power operated steering column

Cargo space divider bar

Front storage compartment (15 litres)

Net pocket in rear luggage compartment

Rear storage with adjustable floor (526 litres) including under floor

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Solar system-inspired interior illumination

Illuminated rear orbit light line

Interior illumination Star knit deco

Floor lighting

High level illumination

Safety

Driver airbag

Front passenger airbag

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Front side airbags

Curtain airbags

Front passenger airbag deactivation

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Rear curtain airbags

Electric child locks

TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system)

Road sign information display

Rear thorax airbags

Run off road mitigation and protection

Rear collision warning and mitigation (RCWM)

Alcolock preparation

Seatbelt reminder

Emergency door unlock

Fire protection system

Polestar digital key, 1x key fob and 1x key card

Post impact braking

Swedish gold seatbelts

Automated vehicle crash preparation

Seats

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

Front headrests

Front seat back map pockets

60/40 split rear seats

Driver + front passenger electric lumbar support

3 seat rear bench

ISOFIX on outer rear seats

Front seat memory

Single front passenger seat

12 way electrical seats with mechanical cushion extension

Electric reclinable rear seat backs

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Central locking

Drive away door locking

Keyless entry with keyless go system

Dashcam

Alarm with interior alarm motion sensor

Biometric driver authentication

Towing

Trailer Stability Programme

Vehicle Charging

22kW onboard charger

Motorised charge lid

AC charging cable for public/home wallbox

200kW DC charging

Wheels

Performance optimised tyres

Wheels - Alloy

22" Performance alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1050

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.2

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 660

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 330

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 22

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 200

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 100

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 590

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 21.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 367

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 94

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 200

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 1.3

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 5.9

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 28.6

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 21.4

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Plus [Pilot/Perform]

Coin Description: 400kW 100kWh Dual Motor

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 48E

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 544

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.8

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 544

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 400

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 506

Engine Torque - NM: 686

Engine Torque - MKG: 70

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/40 R22

Tyre Size Rear: 265/40 R22

Tyre Size Spare: N

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: PERFORMANCE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4840

Width: 2067

Wheelbase: 2999

Width (including mirrors): 2139

Height: 1534

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2355

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2810

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Loading Weight: 455

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 526

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1536

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.64

Body Glass

Privacy glass (rear side windows only)

Exterior Body Features

Additional metallic paint

Premium paint

Body painted lower claddings

Electrochromic panoramic roof

Interior Features

Tailored knit cloth upholstery

Packs

Nappa upgrade pack in zinc - Polestar 4

Nappa upgrade pack - Polestar 4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Storm

Metallic - Electron

Metallic - Space

Metallic - Magnesium

Paint - Special

Premium - Snow

Premium - Gold

Trim - Cloth

Tailored knit cloth - Mist with Zinc deco

Microtech bio-attributed cloth - Charcoal with Zinc deco

Trim - Leather

Nappa upgrade pack - Charcoal with Charcoal deco

Nappa upgrade pack - Zinc with Charcoal deco