Polestar 4: The inaugural test drive

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Upon first encounter, Polestar 4 captivated media with its striking design and sleek proportions. Described as lower and more streamlined than traditional SUVs, it embodies the essence of a coupé while offering the practicality of an SUV.

Byron Mathioudakis from CarsGuide.com.au says, “On first acquaintance, the Polestar 4 has the performance, luxury, refinement and dynamics to make a very convincing premium SUV coupé. And one with design flair to boot.”

John Carey of News.com.au agrees, stating, “Polestar 4 looks great from the outside. The company calls it an SUV coupé, but it’s lower and lovelier than anything else in the category, whether electric or internal-combustion powered.”

The clean lines, frameless doors, and sloping roofline of Polestar 4 set it apart in terms of aesthetics, but more important to know was how the car would handle once in the driver’s seat.

ON-ROAD

From behind the wheel, Polestar 4 delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Notably, its responsive handling and precise steering aided the car’s agility and cornering prowess.

Configured as both Single motor and Dual motor, each variant is tailored to different driving preferences. Mathioudakis praised the Single motor variant for its engaging and comfortable ride, while the Dual motor with Performance Pack impressed him with its muscular acceleration and sporty handling characteristics.

Rob Margeit of Drive.com.au spoke on the Single motor variant, stating, “... its supple suspension tune on passive dampers demonstrated that Polestar’s engineers have ride comfort and compliance well sorted...”.

Matt Brogan from GoAuto highlights the versatility of Polestar 4 in different driving scenarios, with the car’s ability to adjust the damping and steering response based on the where the car would be driven. "There’s a setting for comfortable around-town driving (Standard), one for winding mountain roads (Nimble), and even one for fast-lane cruising (Firm),” he said.

DESIGN AND INTERIOR

Externally, Polestar 4 combines functionality with style. The low, sleek front; rear side aero blades; flush door handles and air curtains below the headlights not only make the car look great, but all act together to help minimise drag and maximise range and performance.

Margeit echoed this sentiment, praising the car’s look and design. “It’s a great-looking SUV from just about any angle, with sharp creases, frameless doors, flush-fitting retractable door handles, and a sloping roofline that are the hallmarks of an SUV coupe,” he says.

Inside, Polestar 4 continues to impress with its Scandinavian-inspired interior design and attention to detail. Margeit continues, praising the elegance of the cabin’s design and execution, which blends Polestar’s signature minimalist aesthetics with premium, sustainable materials.

The absence of Polestar 4’s rear window was also a talking point among the critics, with this unique design allowing for the rear seats to sit further back granting extra room for passengers. Carey calls this out, observing the ample amount of rear headroom despite the car’s low roofline. Nathan Ponchard from Wheels felt the same way, likening the experience to sitting in a luxury limousine. “Occupants enjoy a deep cushion and adjustable backrest rake, as well as loads of leg and foot room,” he said.

AUDIO AND TECHNOLOGY

Technological innovation continues to be a key feature of Polestar’s cars, with the Polestar 4 integrating a high-tech infotainment system, optional state of the art Harman Kardon sound system, and a customisable interior cabin lighting system that allows the occupant to make themselves at home in the car.

Brogan commends the advanced infotainment system as one of the best in its class, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal seamlessly. Ponchard highlights future-proof features like optional Luminar LiDAR autonomous functionality, which will give the car autonomous driving capabilities once available.

Ponchard says “...if your idea of a style-focused Swedish EV is one dripping with boast-worthy equipment – including optional Luminar LiDAR autonomous functionality in the future – then the Polestar 4 provides you with the potential to go massive.”

But perhaps one of the biggest talking points was the absence of the rear window, and subsequently the quality of the car’s HD rear camera to replace it.

Carey praises its functionality and quality, stating, “The camera is mounted high, and has a wide, unobstructed view. The crisp image in the rear view mirror is excellent. The camera copes better than the human eye with changes in light levels, as when driving into in dimly lit tunnels and car parks.”

SAFETY

Safety remains a top priority for Polestar, with Polestar 4 incorporating a suite of advanced safety features. Carey points out the innovative use of cameras to enhance visibility, particularly in low-light conditions such as tunnels and parking garages. This technology ensures a clear view of the surroundings, contributing to overall driver confidence and safety.

Yet safety is more than technology, it begins with well resolved passive safety through a well-balanced, responsive and dynamic chassis. Sinclair points out how happy the car is to “turn into corners and, when necessary, change direction quickly, all the time delivering decent ride and an impressive level of refinement.” He continues that the “co-operative chassis makes the rest of the package shine”.

It’s clear that Australian journalists were impressed with their time behind the wheel in Madrid. In the fiercely competitive landscape of premium electric SUVs, Polestar 4 has emerged as a frontrunner in the race for best-in-class. Impressions certainly were consistent, with the drive program in Madrid the entrée for first Australian drives on local roads later this year.Learn more about Polestar 4Build your own Polestar 4