The following article was produced in partnership with Polestar.
The Polestar 4 redefines what a premium performance SUV can be, delivering engaging dynamics, cutting-edge tech, and a distinctive design. It’s fast, sophisticated, and accomplished—and just so happens to be electric.
A Benchmark-Breaker
Benchmarks exist for a reason, but there’s something deeply satisfying about a car that challenges it while charting its own course. The Polestar 4 does exactly that, blending Swedish design intelligence with state-of-the-art technology and driving dynamics sharp enough to make iconic sports car brands nervous.
Positioned between the Polestar 2 fastback and the luxury-focused Polestar 3, the 4 injects genuine sporting credentials into the premium SUV segment. With 400kW of power and a chassis tuned by engineers who understand the difference between merely fast and truly engaging, it’s aimed at drivers who have outgrown traditional German SUVs but refuse to compromise on performance.
Beyond First Impressions
You won’t mistake the Polestar 4 for anything else. In an era of generic, jelly-mould SUVs, this five-door stands out with bold proportions—wider and lower than expected, with a stance that telegraphs intent.
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Much has been said about its solid rear liftgate, which replaces the traditional back window. Polestar insists this isn’t just a design quirk but a functional improvement, allowing for increased rear headroom and cargo space while creating a distinctive profile. Could they have achieved the same effect while retaining some glass? Perhaps. But with a smart camera-driven rear-view mirror, the debate becomes largely irrelevant.
A Driver’s SUV
Behind the wheel, the Polestar 4 immediately feels like a car developed by a brand with motorsport in its DNA. From Swedish Touring Car Championships to Volvo’s Supercars heritage, that pedigree is evident in the way this SUV drives.
It handles with the poise of something lower and lighter, a rare trait in this segment. That wasn’t always the case—early versions had a slightly wayward character, but following feedback, Polestar refined the setup. The result? One of the best-handling SUVs on the market today, delivering genuine engagement without sacrificing comfort.
Performance That Matters
In straight-line terms, the numbers impress: 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds, making this the fastest Polestar yet. But what’s more important is how that performance is delivered in real-world driving.
The dual-motor setup produces 686Nm of torque almost instantly, making overtaking effortless and corner exits addictive. Our test car came equipped with the $7,200 Performance Pack, adding 22-inch forged alloys, Brembo brakes, and sports-tuned suspension. The result? A car that feels genuinely alive on winding roads—balanced, precise, and confidence-inspiring. The steering is direct and communicative, while the chassis provides feedback that builds trust with every turn.
Technology That Enhances
Inside, the Polestar 4 is a masterclass in how technology should serve the driver rather than overwhelm them. The 15.4-inch landscape display isn’t just a tablet slapped onto the dash—it’s a thoughtfully integrated command centre running Polestar’s own version of Google’s Android Automotive OS.
The interface is clean, responsive, and logical, with an intuitive depth-on-demand approach that keeps essential functions accessible while concealing complexity until needed. Some quirks remain—adjusting air vents requires diving into the screen—but overall, it avoids the trap of trying to be too clever for its own good.
The digital rear-view mirror, necessitated by the solid rear panel, quickly becomes second nature. In fact, the high-definition camera often provides better visibility than a traditional mirror, particularly at night or in poor weather conditions.
Luxury With Purpose
Polestar is setting new benchmarks in interior design. The Polestar 3 impressed with its Scandinavian minimalism, and the 4 follows suit, balancing clean aesthetics with premium materials.
The optional Nappa leather upgrade ($7,000 AUD) adds ventilated, massaging seats, but even the standard interior feels well-considered, with sustainable materials and meticulous attention to detail. The photochromatic glass roof enhances the sense of space, effortlessly shifting from tinted to clear for a bespoke interior—though Australian buyers will likely want to invest in the optional sunshade for further sun protection.
Thoughtful touches abound: ambient lighting modes inspired by planets, always-accessible climate controls, and six driver profiles that save individual preferences. These aren’t gimmicks—they make the Polestar 4 an effortless, enjoyable companion.
On The Road
A true performance car is defined by how it handles when pushed. Having driven the Polestar 4 on three separate occasions, it’s clear this is a car that’s evolved.
Early European test drives revealed some component and assembly missteps. By the time I revisited it on Swedish backroads, it had improved considerably. More recently, tackling my favourite twisties northeast of Melbourne confirmed that the final product is the real deal.
This is a lively, powerful, and entertaining car that remains composed even when driven hard. Body control is tight without being harsh, and the way it changes direction belies its size. The dual-motor system, featuring a front motor disconnect, offers efficiency when cruising and all-wheel-drive grip when needed. Engage Performance mode with launch control, and it’s properly quick—the kind of speed that reshapes expectations of what a premium SUV can do.
The Verdict
Starting at under $90K for the dual-motor variant (before on-road costs), the Polestar 4 positions itself firmly in premium territory. Option it up with the Performance Pack and other upgrades, and you’re looking at a six-figure investment. But for those considering the upcoming electric Macan or similar European rivals, the Polestar 4 presents a compelling alternative.
It understands its target market—buyers who demand performance without compromise, technology that enhances rather than intrudes, and design that makes a statement without shouting. It’s a mature, refined choice that never forgets to be exciting.
The 4 represents another major step forward for Polestar, a genuine challenger in the premium performance SUV space. It delivers the driving dynamics enthusiasts crave, the sophistication luxury buyers expect, and the individuality so often lacking in this segment.
It’s a performance car first, a luxury vehicle second… and, oh, did we mention it’s electric?
