2025 Polestar 4 review: Car that’s a window to the future

A fascinating approach to design sets this prestige car apart from the crowd.

Car makers usually like talking up how many features they’ve packed into their latest glitzy new arrival. It’s not often they gloat about what they’ve omitted.

But the Polestar 4 is not your average new car.

2025 Polestar 4 electric car. Photo: Supplied

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The all-electric mid-sized SUV from the brand that shares a parent with Volvo does without a rear windscreen, instead replacing it with cameras that project an image on a display that looks like a regular mirror (you can flick a lever to turn it into a mirror and keep an eye on people in the back).

All up there are 11 exterior cameras as part of a tech overload that incorporates some Tesla thinking with slick Swedish design.

Priced from about $86,000 drive-away, the Polestar 4 avoids the brewing battle dominated by the circa-$61,000 Tesla Model Y.

The still-fledgling brand that will soon open new dealerships to increase its Australian footprint says it is not trying to tackle the mainstream but instead position itself as a design-focused premium option.

The Polestar 4 electric car is priced at $86,000 drive-away. Photo: Supplied

The entry level Long Range Single Motor gets a sizeable 100kWh battery claimed to take it up to 620km on a charge.

Opt for the Long Range Dual Motor – which doubles outputs from 200kW/343Nm to 400kW/686Nm and costs about $10,000 more – and that range drops to a still impressing 590km.

Charging can be done at up to 200kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes.

Opt for the 22kW on-board AC charge – doubling the regular home charging capacity – and a full charge takes about 5.5 hours. Sourced from China, the Polestar 4 gets an infotainment system that uses the Android Automotive operating system with in-built Google apps and incorporates a 15.4-inch central touchscreen and 10.2-inch instrument cluster. And there’s a third screen to display the images of what’s going on behind.

The infotainment system uses Andriod Automotive operating system and incorporates a 15.4-inch central touchscreen. Photo: Supplied

The Polestar 4 has an intense focus on sustainability, which includes a range of innovative materials that create a classy and up-market cabin.

While leather is available for $7000 – also bringing massaging and ventilated front seats as well but also requiring the fitment of the $8000 Plus Pack that includes a bunch of goodies, including a powered tailgate and heated steering wheel – it’s the 3D printed cloth trim and available MicroTech that creates a more modern flavour in the cabin.

Those in the rear get limousine-like legroom, though the high-ish floor means tall legs may be a tad higher than is typically comfortable.

There’s a Scandinavian flavour throughout and attention to detail is immaculate, right down to ambient lighting with starlike patterns on the doors.

The galactic theme continues with various colour options aligned to planets in our solar system. it’s a cute touch and reinforces the emphasis on software, which receives regular updates over the air.

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100km/h in 3.8 seconds. Photo: Supplied

Like all electric SUVs there’s an effortlessness to the way the Polestar 4 surges off the line.

Even in Single Motor rear-drive guise there’s respectable pull and the Dual Motor variant leaps enthusiastically, with all-wheel drive easily harnessing the grunt.

Able to top 100km/h in 3.8 seconds it’s the fastest car yet from the brand.

Rear-drive variants get passive suspension that is taut but delivers with good everyday control.

Dual Motor models get adjustable dampers that allow you to soften the ride for more cushiness.

Choose the Performance Pack that’s only available on Dual Motor models and you get 22-inch wheels that add sharpness over short bumps while stepping up the already excellent grip levels.

Steering is lively and light but lacks finesse, even in its firmest setting.

The 100kWh battery claims to achieve 620km on a full charge. Photo: Supplied

Overall, though, the Polestar 4 delivers an engaging driving experience – and the lack of a rear window is not a hang-up.

While it’s not about to rewrite the electric SUV rule book, the Polestar 4 brings design pizzazz and interesting tech to a segment that’s embracing electric options.

Pricing that allows it to take advantage of the government’s fringe benefits tax exemption adds to its appeal against luxury alternatives.

Verdict

4.5 stars

Premium electric SUV delivers interesting design and tech flair in a great driving five-door with generous rear occupant space.

Even in Single Motor rear-drive guise there’s respectable pull. Photo: Supplied

POLESTAR 4 LONG RANGE SINGLE MOTOR

Price: From about $86,000 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 5 yrs/unlimited km, free for 5 yrs

Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear auto braking, driver monitoring, safe exit assist, speed sign recognition, child presence detection

Power: Single electric motor, 200kW/343Nm

Range: 620km

Spare: Repair kit

Boot: 526L