Swedish automaker Polestar just announced its second SUV, and being the brand’s fourth model, it’s aptly named the Polestar 4. And while it is technically an SUV on paper, it’s not just a coupe-style interpretation of the Polestar 3. Instead, this new model pairs a sloping roofline with a lowered stance, a smaller footprint, and the most powerful fully electric powertrain the carmaker has produced to create a performance-focused SUV.
Like its predecessors, the Polestar 4 will be available with either a one or a two-motor configuration, with the latter producing up to 544 horsepower. This allows for a 3.8-second sprint to 60 mph, making this new SUV the brand’s quickest production vehicle. Its single-motor variant sweetens the deal by shooting for an estimated range of over 300 miles and a U.S. starting price of $60,000 without destination.
A Smaller Polestar SUV
While the Polestar 4 may be an SUV like the 3, it is dimensionally smaller, fitting just above the 2 in the carmaker’s lineup. Like its SUV sibling, however, this latest model draws inspiration from the Precept concept car unveiled early last year. With its split headlight design and prominent rear LED lightbar, the concept previewed the design language the carmaker revealed with its first SUV and continues with its second.
However, while the Polestar 4 may wear a familiar face, it also debuts some significant changes. These include its sloping roofline, which will likely become a central selling point, and the omission of a rear window. To compensate for the lack of rear visibility, the 4 ditches a traditional rear-view mirror in favor of a screen displaying a live feed from its rear-facing camera. Since it doesn’t have to account for a rear window, this SUV’s roof is available as one giant sheet of glass with electrochromic dimming functionality.
This latest model rides on the Geely-developed Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), a modular platform that underpins vehicles from Lotus, Zeekr, and Smart. Dimensionally, the Polestar 4 is 190.5 inches long, 84.2 in wide (likely including its folded-out mirrors), and 60.7 in tall with a 118-in wheelbase. For context, this footprint makes it 2.4 in shorter and 3.4 in lower than the 3. These proportions make this newest entrant a mid-size option within the luxury electric SUV space. Think of an SUV sized right in between a Porsche Macan and a Cayenne.
The Quickest Polestar Ever
To back up its position as a performance SUV, the Polestar 4’s electric powertrain packs a hefty punch. This SUV’s range-topping variant produces 544 hp and 506 foot-pounds of torque thanks to two permanent magnet synchronous motors. This output allows it to reach 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, or quicker than the 4.2 seconds the 619-hp Polestar 1 needed to complete the same run. A less powerful single-motor variant will also be available, developing 272 hp and 343 lb-ft.
Dual-motor variants will feature all-wheel drive, while single-motor versions will send power to their rear wheels. However, the range-topping version benefits from semi-active suspension with on the fly adjustability, while the standard version will not. While Polestar has yet to announce whether the Polestar 2’s Öhlins adjustable suspension will be available, it wasn’t for its first SUV and thus likely won’t be for its second.
Regardless of motor count, every Polestar 4 will carry a 102.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack capable of up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging. It’ll also support bi-directional charging to top up other devices. While it was introduced as an optional extra on the Polestar 2, this latest model receives it as standard to better precondition its battery and cabin.
To make the most of its available charge, Polestar now includes drive modes allowing the driver to pick between performance and range optimization. While the Swedish carmaker has yet to publish range figures for its dual-motor variant, this SUV’s single-motor version targets an EPA range of over 300 miles.
A Unique Interior Layout
Inside, the Polestar 4 continues a similar design language to what debuted in the larger 3, albeit with some subtle differences. The first is the inclusion of a new 15.4-in display with a landscape orientation, contrasting the 3’s 14.5-in vertical screen. A second 10.2-in display lives in front of the driver and couples with a heads-up display that can project an area of up to 14.7 in.
Like the carmaker’s other models, the 4 counts on a Google-based infotainment system with direct Google Assistant, Maps, and Play integration. Despite running Android Automotive OS, the system offers Android Auto and Apple Carplay smartphone connectivity. An optional 1,400-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is available with speakers embedded in the seat’s headrests.
While its seat configuration is similar to what the brand debuted for the 3, the 4 adds a textile knit made of recycled polyester alongside the marque’s MicroTech vinyl and Nappa leather options. However, for this latest model, the goal was to utilize as many of the same materials as possible to increase each car’s recyclability. Polestar also does a full lifecycle assessment of each vehicle to track its complete carbon footprint.
On the safety front, the 4 utilizes 12 standard exterior cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors for its driver monitoring and assist systems. Option the available Pilot Pack, which includes Pilot Assist, and the 4 can utilize these sensors for advanced drive assist functionality.
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Pricing & Availability
While Polestar has yet to announce the 4’s full price breakdown, the carmaker did say that its latest SUV will start at $60,000, although that figure likely excludes its destination charge. This entry price places the brand’s latest model between the 2 and 3 that preceded it. Like its siblings, the 4 won’t offer a variety of individual optional extras. Instead, it’ll rely on a handful of packs, including the Plus Pack, Plus Pack Pro, Nappa Pack, Pilot Pack, and Performance Pack.
The Swedish carmaker announced that its latest offering will go on sale first in China, with production slated to begin in November 2023. The brand plans to announce additional U.S.-specific details in 2024, with the SUV expected to officially go on sale sometime later next year.
Sources: Polestar