Polestar 4 Challenges Convention with Speed, Technology, and No Rear Window

When it was first introduced back in 2023, the Polestar edition from the Swedish brand stepped in unknown territory with a bold design and state-of-the-art technology, becoming one of the most appreciated models within the company`s lineup.

Speaking of appreciation, the model comes with a long-range dual-motor capable of running the whole 62mph straight line in just 3.8 seconds, and that with an output of 544 horsepower and 686 Nm of torque.

The car rides on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture and shares underlying elements with the Volvo EX30. Buyers choose between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Yet the engineering talking point sits elsewhere. Unlike the EX30, the Polestar 4 abandons the traditional rear window entirely.

In its place sits a solid aluminum panel positioned behind the rear seats. The solution creates additional headroom for passengers and contributes to aerodynamic efficiency. Rearward visibility relies on a roof-mounted camera feeding live images to the interior mirror display. The arrangement breaks from convention, though the adaptation period proves shorter than many people expect.

Beyond the unusual rear design, the vehicle leaves a strong impression on the road. Acceleration arrives instantly, and the Performance Pack’s Pirelli P-Zero tires maintain grip even under aggressive launches. Steering feels light. Ride comfort stays high. Suspension settings are adjustable through the infotainment menus, although the difference between modes feels relatively modest. Soft seats complement the car’s rapid responses.

Dimensions tell another part of the story. Width reaches two metres, or 2.13 metres including the mirrors. In tighter spaces, drivers often find themselves double-checking mirror positions before parking. A three-metre wheelbase contributes to stability at speed and opens up generous passenger room, though the long wheelbase sometimes allows noticeable movement over bumps. The Performance Pack’s 22-inch wheels do little to improve ride compliance.

The package includes continuously controlled active ZF dampers, coil-spring suspension, and Swedish gold Brembo front calipers featuring four pistons and a 44 mm design. Matching gold seatbelts and valve caps tie the appearance together. Outside, styling reflects influences from Geely, Lotus, and Volvo. Details such as the sculpted hood and split “Thor’s Hammer” lighting signature stand out. Despite measuring only 1.53 metres in height, the seating position feels lower and sportier than many utility vehicles.

Inside, Polestar fits fossil-free MicroTech seats finished in a light-blue shade called Mist. Buyers receive a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, while the Nappa package increases the total to 16 speakers. Ambient lighting follows a planetary theme, with each planet linked to a different color. A 15.4-inch Android-based infotainment system integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store.

The camera-based rear-view arrangement brings benefits and compromises. Screen glare disappears without a rear window behind it, although ambient cabin lighting at night sometimes reflects in the display. Drivers retain the ability to switch between camera and mirror modes, and the setup even helps monitor rear passengers. Blind spots still appear larger than desired, especially near sharp intersections. Yet after spending time behind the wheel, the missing rear glass fades into the background, leaving the broader driving experience largely unchanged.