Polestar likes to break with convention: The new Polestar 4 dispenses with a rear window—possibly a technical advance, but in any case a design statement. While other manufacturers rely on familiar design patterns, the Swedish EV brand is consistently driving forward the idea of a futuristic driving experience—with extravagant solutions in both the exterior and interior.
Polestar has clearly emancipated itself. Founded as a performance offshoot of Volvo, the headlights of the first Polestar models still shone clearly »Thor’s hammer«—a typical design feature of the parent brand. In the new Polestar 4, the Volvo-typical light signature is now cleanly split, as if by an axe blow—the headlights now consist of two independent, L-shaped elements. The Volvo split-off is even more visible at the rear: anyone reaching for the rear-view mirror in the Polestar 4 to adjust it quickly realizes that this is not necessary. Neither the rear seat headrests nor the sloping rear window obstruct the view. Instead, there is a clear monitor view, as the rear window has been replaced by a camera, so to speak. This creates a completely new feeling of space in the rear seat, a feeling of outer space.
The glass roof extends all the way behind the rear seat headrests and makes the interior feel as spacious as it is. Even the rear seats can be electrically tilted forwards or backwards and the closed rear gives a feeling of safety. As a passenger in the rear seat, you almost feel like you’re in a space capsule—this atmosphere is further enhanced in the dark.
Small stars twinkle in the door trim and the ambient lighting is inspired by the color of the planets in our solar system. Minus 65 degrees Celsius is displayed on the central touchscreen. Fortunately, this has no effect on the exterior or interior temperature. Only the lighting now shimmers reddish and Mars rotates on the screen. If you swipe your finger to the left, you land on planets such as Jupiter or Saturn. Even the sun is possible. The Polestar 4 adjusts the light color of the ambient lighting to the respective planet. There’s even more of a space capsule feeling with the traffic light start.
Three, two, one, lift-off. The acceleration feels like a rocket launch. On a dry road, in the more expensive all-wheel drive version and with the right tires, this space capsule on wheels reaches 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and only stops at 200 kilometers per hour. Those who prefer relaxed gliding and rear-wheel drive can drive up to 620 kilometers without stopping to recharge. The reason for this long range is the aerodynamic design of the body. The drag coefficient is 0.261, making the Polestar 4 better than any of the brand’s previous models. Together with its futuristic design, this makes it an exceptional electric car.
The design of the Polestar 4 also appeals directly—an elegantly flowing, sporty silhouette with a gently sloping roof. Flush door handles, frameless windows, broad shoulders and powerful proportions give the vehicle a dynamic presence. Slim, continuous LED tail lights extend across the entire width of the windowless rear of the vehicle. Such design elements are also available from other manufacturers, but the closed rear end without a window and the spaceship interior design of the Polestar 4 are unique to date. The Polestar-typical lettering behind the wheel arches, on the seats and floor mats is also special. They provide information on the materials used or the technical data. Many parts in the Polestar 4 are made from just one material, so-called mono-materials, and are therefore easier to recycle later on. Some elements are already made from recycled polyester, PET or nylon (ECONYL). The brand is also proud of the vehicle’s small carbon footprint.
According to the manufacturer, production in Hangzhou Bay, China, only emits between 19.9 and 21.4 tons of CO₂ per vehicle. If you drive with green electricity, you won’t emit any more CO₂ while driving. Nevertheless, the Polestar 4 could be more economical: On an initial test drive on country roads and freeways, consumption was almost 23 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers. This would still make it possible to drive over 400 kilometers in one go, i.e. a road trip from Munich to Frankfurt without a break to recharge. By comparison, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 can cover a similar distance, but with a battery that is almost 25 percent smaller. Nevertheless, the Polestar 4 has one thing over it: it transports the occupants to Mars with just one finger movement on the touchscreen. Nobody will be asking for a rear window, because it is clear to everyone that this electric car is only looking ahead, into the future. [FJS]
