2024 Polestar 4

Swedish EV automaker Polestar is on the rise, with its 2022 cumulative sales representing an 80% increase over 2021. Expected to add significantly to the brand's sales is this, the Polestar 4. Polestar refers to this as a "performance SUV coupe," but it is less confusingly described as a coupe SUV in the mold of EVs like the Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron and smaller Genesis GV60. Positioned between the Polestar 2 sedan and Polestar 3 SUV in size and price, the 4 outdoes both by becoming the quickest Polestar model ever, thanks to its 536-horsepower output. There will also be a cheaper version with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, and a range of over 300 miles has been targeted. Bizarrely, the 4 has no rear window, perhaps symbolic of the rate at which Polestar is soaring into the future and rapidly leaving its niche market positioning in the past.

A North American release date for the Polestar 4 has been promised for later in 2024, so it will be coming out after the Polestar 3 SUV. The Polestar 4 will begin production in China in November 2023.

The price of the 2024 Polestar 4 will start from $60,000 at launch, which means that upper and/or more powerful trims will probably go for an MSRP of over $70k.

Other price-relevant rivals in the USA include the Genesis GV60 which is also an electric coupe SUV. It starts at a cost of $59,290 for the 2023 base model with 314 hp and all-wheel drive. The GV60 is significantly more compact and presumably less practical, though.

When it arrives, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron will be another formidable competitor.

With its low stance, sloping roofline, and separate dual-blade headlights, the exterior of the new Polestar 4 coupe SUV is genuinely dashing. The bodywork is taut and clean, with flush retractable door handles and no unnecessary scoops or spoilers to detract from the shape.

Flush glazing with frameless windows and a clean rear light bar round out some of the highlights, but that's not what you'll notice first about the rear of the Polestar 4. This coupe SUV has no rear window at all, a feature previewed by the Polestar Precept concept. In place of a traditional rear window is a deck area above the taillight arrangement and a standard glass roof that stretches further back than average. This roof is available with an electrochromatic function that changes the glass from opaque to transparent.

Polestar says that this design choice was made to provide a unique, immersive experience for passengers seated in the second row. If you're wondering about rearward visibility, the Polestar 4 has a high-definition screen showing a feed from a roof-mounted rear camera in place of a conventional rearview mirror.

Wheel sizes for the Polestar 4 range from 20 to 22 inches in size, and Pirelli and Michelin are the tire suppliers. There will be two new exterior colors for the Polestar 4 known as Storm and Electron, but we expect the same reserved palette found on other Polestar models.

Polestar's claim that this is an "SUV coupe" has some weight to it when you consider its proportions. The dimensions of the Polestar 4 are quite unique, as it has a length of 190.5 inches, which exceeds that of a compact SUV like the BMW X3. Yet, at 60.8 inches in height, the Polestar is four or five inches lower than many conventional SUVs. The width is 84.2 inches, and the wheelbase measures a generous 118 inches, so that should make for quite a spacious interior. Overall, the Polestar 4 is shorter in length, sit lower to the ground, and is wider than the Polestar 3.

While no curb weight has been confirmed, we expect an EV of this size to weigh over 5,500 pounds.

The Polestar 4 sets new performance benchmarks for the manufacturer, with the dual-motor variant having impressive specs of 536 hp and 506 lb-ft of torque. With AWD, it can complete the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds. If necessary, this model's disconnect clutch is able to disengage the front motor to improve range and efficiency.

A RWD version with just one permanent magnet synchronous electric motor will produce 268 hp and 253 lb-ft, and while no performance claims have been made for this model, it should be able to hit 60 in a respectable time of around six seconds.

Polestar says that customers can look forward to sharp steering and agile handling, but it's the dual-motor model that should have a broader breadth of talents with its semi-active suspension. This model will also have driving modes that either enhance range or performance. Additionally, an optional Performance back will add Polestar Engineered chassis tuning and more powerful four-piston Brembo brakes.

It'll be some time before EPA ratings are published, but we do know that the Long Range version with the single motor has a preliminary range target of over 300 miles.

Both single- and dual-motor long-range models will come equipped with a fairly large 102-kilowatt-hour battery.

Charging of the battery can be done via fast DC charging at up to 200 kW, while all models also enjoy AC charging at 22 kW. A heat pump is standard for battery and cabin preconditioning, and the Polestar 4 is also capable of bi-directional charging. With the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, the 4 will be able to power up external devices, too.

The inviting interior of the Polestar 4 has quite an airy feel thanks to the large glass roof that extends far back, as well as the available light color schemes. Seating five, the second row of seats in the Polestar 4 is claimed to offer its passengers a special atmosphere. Without a rear window, the rear header has been pushed further back. This, together with rear door panels that rise as they meet the C-pillar and seats that can recline, looks like it creates quite a cocooning effect for those at the back.

In front, the Polestar 4 has the same uncluttered design we've seen in other models from the brand. This is a highly advanced cabin featuring an infotainment system backed by Android Automotive OS plus the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. The driver's main interface is a landscape-oriented 15.4-inch touchscreen, and there is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. This screen can display various functions simultaneously, with a strip at the bottom for climate controls below things like the navigation map and the interior lighting controls above.

Google built-in is standard, so customers already familiar with this ecosystem will easily be able to use functions like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. Apple users aren't left out, as CarPlay is standard as well. Meanwhile, over-the-air updates will keep everything fresh with the latest functionality.

Sound is channeled via an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system or 16 speakers (with headrest speakers) if the Nappa Pack is equipped. With the Volvo connection, the Polestar 4 comes with the very latest safety innovations. Every model has 12 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and one radar sensor as standard, enabling a range of driver-assistance features. That includes hands-on detection for the steering wheel and a driver monitoring system. The available Pilot Pack includes Pilot Assist with lane change assistance.

One of the more controversial pieces of tech will likely be the high-definition screen, which is a necessity since there is no rearview mirror or rear window. This display relays a live feed of the view to the back from a roof-mounted camera, and Polestar says that the digital feed can be deactivated to allow parents to keep an eye on young ones in the back seat. The jury is out on how effective this function will be in practice.

Polestar has always had some unique upholstery options for its EVs, and that continues with the 4 in 2024. In general, the company has worked to use low-carbon materials wherever possible, including a tailored knit textile made from 100% recycled PET. Bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl, animal welfare-secured Nappa leather, and carpets made from Econyl (partially formed from reclaimed fishing nets) all make an appearance. Natural fiber polypropylene is used for the door panels, a change that saves up to 40% in weight. There is also a special tailored knit upholstery that represents a new industry technique, whereby the textile is formed from 100% recycled polyester.

More comprehensive ambient lighting, massaging and ventilated seats, and gold seat belts in the Performance Pack are a few of the available options to enhance the inside of the EV, be it in terms of comfort or aesthetics.

No claims have yet been made regarding the cargo space in the Polestar 4, but we doubt it has much more space behind the second row than the Polestar 3's 17.1 cubic feet.