Polestar has launched the Polestar 4, its latest all-electric SUV-coupe, for sales in Europe and Australia – starting at €63,200 ($68,312) and AU$81,500 ($53,095). The EV’s launch in these new markets follows its initial rollout in China at the end of 2023. Production on the Europe- and Australia-bound models is expected to begin in the middle of 2024, with the first models to be delivered from August. At launch, customers will able to choose from single and dual-motor variants of the EV, with the single motor version offering rear-wheel drive.
A key feature of the new EV is a design concept that can be traced back to Polestar’s Percept concept EV, in which the rear window was removed to enable a more immersive experience for the rear occupants. In the Polestar 4, this window has been removed, allowing for the standard full-length glass roof to stretch beyond the rear occupants and creating a heightened interior ambience. Removing the window also enables a new rear-view mirror concept, in which the mirror is replaced by an HD screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted camera positioned at the rear of the vehicle. Polestar has said that, compared to contemporary solutions, this camera offers a wider field of view and is designed to enhance the driver’s perception of their surroundings. If necessary, this digital camera feed can be deactivated so that the driver can see the rear occupants.
The Polestar 4 is the OEM’s fastest production car to date, capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, while providing a maximum power output of 544 hp (400 kW). While sharing the same 100 kWh battery, the performance specifications of the EV’s two variants differ – with the Long range Dual motor version offering the full 554 hp (400 kW) output, 505 lb-ft (686 Nm) of torque, and an estimated range of 360 miles (580 km), and the Long range Single motor version delivering 272 hp (200 kW), 252 lb-ft (343 Nm) of torque, and an estimated range of 379 miles (610 km).
The battery itself enables a maximum charging capacity of 200 kW on DC, and 22 kW on AC, bi-directional charging (using included hardware), and V2L capabilities that will, at a later date, allow the battery to charge external devices. A standard heat pump similarly enables the EV to precondition both its cabin and battery before entry. On the road, a drive optimization function allows the driver to switch between two driving modes, Range and Performance. The Range mode prioritizes efficiency, engaging only the rear motor to adapt the powertrain to a calmer driving style that helps maximize range, while Performance enhances the powertrain’s responsiveness, engaging both motors at all times for maximum power delivery.
Inside, the Polestar 4 offers an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform that is presented on a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented central display. The system offers native, Google built-in, services including automotive-specific versions of the tech giant’s Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play applications. Mounted between the front seats is a secondary media screen that provides rear occupants the opportunity to control select vehicle functions. In addition to these services, wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay is provided as standard alongside regular OTA updates for new features and enhancements. An available premium audio system from Harman Kardon offers 12 speakers and a 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier, while the optional Nappa Pack adds a further two headrest speakers to the front seats, raising the total up to 16.
At the core of the new EV’s standard safety offering is Mobileye’s SuperVision ADAS, which consists of twelve cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and a radar sensor. Within this suite, a driver monitoring camera monitors the driver’s head movements to help prevent incidents, and works with a hands-on detection system inside the steering wheel to ensure that the driver remains attentive of the road ahead. Ahead of the steering column, a 10.2-inch driver display shows information on the EV’s speed, battery, and range. A head-up display with a 14.7-inch projection area ahead of the driver works similarly, projecting this information in front of them to improve attentiveness. An optional Pilot Pack extends the scope of the EV’s ADAS further, offering an enhanced Pilot Assist which, itself, provides a lane change assist.
Following its rollout in China, Europe, and Australia, Polestar plans to launch the Polestar 4 in other Asia Pacific and Middle East markets during the first half of 2024, before launching it in North America and South Korea in the middle of 2024. Pricing for all remaining markets will be confirmed by Polestar as sales begin.
