Gridly
Overview
The Polestar 4 generates more conversation per specification item than any other EV in its category, primarily because of its most visible decision: the complete removal of the rear window, replaced by a panoramic glass roof and a wide-angle camera that feeds the interior rearview mirror display. It is a deliberate design statement - the brand believes the structural requirements of a conventional rear window compromise both the roofline and the interior headroom for rear passengers, and has eliminated both constraints simultaneously.
Whether the camera mirror is superior to a conventional window is a matter of adaptation. Most drivers who use it for a week find the adjustment complete. The practical benefit - improved rear headroom, uninterrupted roofline - is real. The panoramic glass roof floods the interior with light that a conventional rear window could not replicate.
The 4 is a coupe-SUV - the format pioneered by BMW’s X6 and now common across most segments. It sits on a dedicated platform and shares no significant components with the Polestar 2, despite the visual family resemblance through Polestar’s design language.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | WLTP Range | Drive | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Long Range SM | 94 kWh | ~610 km | RWD | ~$89,900 |
| 4 Long Range AWD | 94 kWh | ~560 km | AWD | ~$105,000+ |
Performance
Single rear motor. System output: approximately 200 kW. 0-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds (per vehicle data). Top speed: 200 km/h. The single motor configuration prioritises range and efficiency; the AWD variant offers quicker acceleration.
Suspension tuning reflects Polestar’s commitment to driving character - the 4 SM has a noticeably more composed and sporty handling balance than equivalent SUV-oriented competitors at the price.
Range and Charging
WLTP range: 610 km (per vehicle data). Real-world highway range at 110 km/h: approximately 490–530 km. Urban and mixed: 550–580 km.
DC fast charging: 200 kW peak. 10–80%: approximately 28–32 minutes. AC: 11 kW three-phase. Full charge from 11 kW AC: approximately 10 hours.
Running cost at $0.30/kWh: (94 / 610) × 100 × 0.30 = $4.62/100 km.
Interior and Technology
Google Automotive on a 15.4-inch central display. Physical rotary volume and dedicated climate controls are retained - a deliberate decision that differentiates Polestar from full-touch rivals. The large screen handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings; the physical controls manage the functions drivers adjust most frequently.
Rear passengers benefit significantly from the eliminated rear window: headroom is noticeably better than coupe-SUV rivals with conventional glass. The panoramic roof extends over both front and rear passengers, creating an unusually airy cabin for a coupe-SUV body style.
Boot: approximately 526 L. The absence of the rear window structural element allows a more usable boot opening angle.
Practicality
Five seats. Rear headroom: class-leading for a coupe-SUV format, because the roofline is not constrained by rear window glass requirements. Towing capacity: 0 kg - the Polestar 4 is not rated for towing. No V2L or V2H.
The frunk provides additional storage for charging cables, keeping the boot clear.
Safety
Five-star Euro NCAP (anticipated). Standard Polestar/Volvo safety suite: City Safety with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Pilot Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Information, Run-off Road Protection. The rear-facing camera system that replaces the rear window provides a wider field of view than a conventional mirror, potentially improving reversing safety.
Running Costs and Ownership
Running cost: approximately $4.62/100 km at $0.30/kWh. Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (per vehicle data). Service through Volvo dealer partners in Australia. Over-the-air updates supported.
Verdict
The Polestar 4 is for buyers who find the no-rear-window concept compelling rather than concerning, and who want a distinctively designed EV with competitive range and Polestar’s design and technology credentials. At $89,900, it competes with the BMW iX3, Genesis GV60, and Volvo EX40 - all of which have conventional rear windows and fewer talking points.
For those who can adapt to the camera mirror - which most do within a week - the interior benefit is tangible: better rear headroom and a more light-filled cabin than the segment otherwise offers. The 610 km WLTP range and competitive running costs round out a coherent, if unconventional, package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to adapt to driving without a rear window?
Most drivers adapt to the wide-angle rear camera mirror within 3–7 days. The camera provides a wider field of view than a conventional mirror - approximately 140 degrees - which can actually make lane changes easier. Parking sensors and a reversing camera supplement the system. The adjustment is real but typically not difficult.
Does the Polestar 4 have a sunroof?
The panoramic fixed glass roof is standard. It does not open. The glass extends over both front and rear passengers, replacing the visual and light benefit that a rear window would otherwise provide.
How does the Polestar 4 SM compare to the Volvo EX40?
The Volvo EX40 Single (~$69,990) is smaller, cheaper, and has a conventional rear window. The Polestar 4 offers more range (610 vs ~460 km), a more distinctive design, and the no-rear-window feature. The choice reflects design ambition versus practicality preference at a significant price premium.
