Polestar unveils new SUV targeting Tesla

As local sales of electric cars take off, this emerging brand is setting its sights on the number one seller, unveiling a sleek new coupe-like SUV.

The new Polestar 4 SUV will take the fight to Tesla. Picture: Supplied.

Polestar has revealed its challenger to the top-selling Tesla Model Y.

The new Polestar 4 SUV “coupe” will slot in between the Polestar 2 sedan and the recently announced Polestar 3 large SUV.

Local pricing hasn’t yet been announced but it is likely to cost roughly $10,000 to $15,000 more than the Polestar 2, which roughly costs between $67,500 and $77,000 drive-away.

The new vehicle has a coupe-like silhouette and a full length glass roof but the brand says the swoopy profile hasn’t come at the expense of rear passenger space.

The Polestar 4 will sit above the 2 sedan in the maker’s range. Picture: Supplied.

“Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV, giving it a faster roofline and as a result, compromising elements like rear headroom and comfort, we have designed Polestar 4 from the ground up as a new breed of SUV coupe that celebrates rear occupant comfort and experience,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

The Polestar is slightly longer than a Hyundai Santa Fe but smaller than a Toyota Kluger.

The electric vehicle architecture has allowed the brand to stretch the wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – to deliver more legroom than traditional petrol and diesel-powered SUVs. It has a longer wheelbase than Toyota’s hulking LandCruiser off-roader.

Despite its svelte looks, the Polestar has a cavernous cabin. Picture: Supplied.

Polestar says the new SUV will debut a number of “low-carbon” materials that are more easily recycled to reduce the total environmental footprint of the 4. They include upholstery made from recycled polyester and other materials made from recycled PET plastic and fishing nets.

Polestar 4 will be the fastest vehicle the company has produced. The twin-motor, all-wheel-drive version puts out 400kW and can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It will be fitted with standard semi-active suspension and ride on 22-inch rubber.

A 200kW single-motor, rear-drive version will also be available. It reaches 100km/h in a more leisurely 7.4 seconds.

The cabin will feature a range of “low-carbon” materials, including recycled fishing line. Picture: Supplied.

Long-range versions will come with a 102kWh battery. The dual-motor version is expected to be good for up to 560km between charges and drivers will be able to select economy or performance modes.

The long-range single motor version will push that range out to 600km.

The Polestar will be able to take up to 200kW of DC charge and 22kW of AC charging. Polestar says it will be capable of recharging from 5 to 80 per cent in 32 minutes at a fast charger and from 0-100 per cent in five and a half hours on a three-phase, 32-amp charger.

It will also have vehicle-to-load ability, allowing laptops, travel fridges and household appliances to be powered by the car.

The Polestar 4 will have vehicle to load ability, allowing you to power appliances from the car. Picture: Supplied.

Polestar will persist with an Android-based operating system for infotainment, although Apple CarPlay will be offered.

On-board crash avoidance systems will use 12 cameras, a radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors to anticipate potential safety risks and mitigate or avoid them. The tech includes a camera pointed at the driver to monitor for fatigue or distraction.

A 10.2 digital driver display is complemented by a big 14.7-inch head-up display that incorporates satnav, speed and voice call information.

Polestar will offer a number of optional packs to add luxury equipment such as an electrochromic roof and “animal welfare-secured” Nappa leather seats with massage and ventilation functions.

A performance-focused pack will add larger wheels, Brembo brakes and chassis tuning.

Sales of electric cars have surged by more than 150 per cent in the first three months of this year.

Australians have bought more EVs this year than hybrid petrol-electric vehicles, with Tesla leading the charge.

The American EV-only brand is the ninth best selling car brand in the country this year, beating big name makers such as Nissan and Volkswagen.

Originally published as Polestar unveils new SUV targeting Tesla