Driven: 2026 Polestar 4
Carving out a fresh space in the Swedish automaker’s performance EV line, the Polestar 4 doesn’t just have a sleek fastback profile; it ditches the rear window entirely. That change might sound odd, but it brings real benefits in passenger space. With a modern, comfy cabin, top-tier tech, a robust powertrain and great handling, it’s a unique and compelling vehicle.
On the surface, the Polestar 4 delivers exactly the kind of sleek aesthetic we expect from Polestar and its birth mother, Volvo. Smoothly curved surfaces, split Thor’s Hammer headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and a raked roofline give it a futuristic yet approachable vibe. The vehicle stretches 190.5 inches long and sits low and wide on 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels depending on configuration. The result is less SUV and more long, lean 5-door sedan. Inside, that modernist approach continues.
You can get the Polestar 4 in two main configurations: a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model with 272 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, or the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version that cranks out a potent 544 hp and 506 lb-ft. The latter rockets from 0 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds, making it the fastest production Polestar yet. The RWD model needs 6.9 seconds to hit 60, but still feels quick off the line thanks to its instant torque. No matter which model you get, power comes from a 100 kWh battery. The the vehicle uses a 400-volt architecture and supports DC fast charging up to 200 kW. That means a 10 to 80 percent charge can be done in about 30 minutes. Polestar has wisely included a NACS adapter for Tesla Superchargers, so you're not locked into one network. The single-motor version manages an impressive 310 miles of range, while the dual-motor version is rated at 280 miles EPA.
Where the Polestar 4 really shines, though, is in how it drives. Even the base rear-drive model has enough torque to be entertaining, and it's easier to get its tail end to hang out in corners. The dual-motor configuration is genuinely fast off the line. The low center of gravity from the underfloor battery and the wide stance help it feel planted and poised. Turn-in is sharp and predictable, and the car remains flat through corners without feeling harsh or disconnected. The Performance Pack-equipped models benefit from Brembo brakes, stiffer anti-roll bars, and specially tuned active dampers that give the car a taut, responsive feel.
The suspension deserves special praise. Standard dual-motor models come with continuously controlled ZF dampers that allow the ride to be tailored across three distinct modes. In Comfort mode, the car glides over rough pavement with an almost luxury sedan-like composure, absorbing imperfections while maintaining excellent body control. Switch into the Firm setting, and the dampers tighten noticeably. Road feel becomes sharper, weight transfer is more immediate, and the car communicates more directly with the driver without punishing your spine. This duality gives the Polestar 4 an unusually wide bandwidth between comfortable grand tourer and confident backroad carver.
Now about that absent rear window. We didn't miss the glass at all once we saw the crisp video from the high-def camera mirror. It provides a crystal-clear, wide-angle view that's uninterrupted by passengers or cargo. The camera is well protected from the elements too, thanks to its location on the roof and a small shelter that helps to keep it clean. The only place where we found visibility to be lacking was behind our front passenger's head due to a wide B pillar.
Slide inside, and the Polestar 4 quickly communicates its modernist and sustainable intentions. Virtually every surface in the car is covered in soft-touch textile. Cheap, hard plastics have been banished from the cabin. The interior also skips more traditional luxury materials like wood and metal for a "soft tech" aesthetic. Panels are softly lit from behind, textures are clean and uniform, and where possible, materials are derived from recycled sources, including 3D-knitted PET upholstery inspired by sportswear. There’s a floating center console with storage underneath, suede-like headliners, and speakers hidden behind illuminated panels.
The seats are firm yet supportive, trimmed in Nappa leather, a uniquely-tailored fabric knit, or sportswear-inspired MicroTech. Front passengers are treated to power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. Leg extensions help taller drivers find an ideal seating position.
The rear seats are equally compelling, offering abundant legroom and headroom thanks to the missing rear window and a forward-shifted cabin layout. Reclining seatbacks and their own touchscreen climate controls make the back row feel closer to a lounge than a penalty box.
Tech is central to the Polestar 4 experience. A 15.4-inch landscape touchscreen running a re-skinned version of Android Automotive OS dominates the dash, joined by a minimal 10.2-inch digital cluster ahead of the driver. There’s also an optional head-up display. The interface is sharp, responsive, and thoughtfully organized. Debuting on the Polestar 4 is Google Maps with Live Lane Guidance, which combines real-time camera input and mapping data to highlight which lane you should be in, and should roll out soon via OTA update. The optional Pilot pack bestows the car wth adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and lane change assist features. It's not a hands-free system, but it does help reduce highway driving fatigue.
The climate controls, media, and other frequently used features are easily accessible on the touchscreen. There's a customizable layout with widgets and spots to save your favorite apps and functions. Note that almost every control is performed via the touchscreen or steering wheel buttons. There's just a single knob in the console for controlling volume and audio playback. In the interest of clean lines, Polestar replaced manual vent adjustments for the climate system with electromechanical ones, so adjusting the position of vents is done using a graphical interface on the touchscreen. It's a neat party trick, but we have some concerns about the complexity and longevity of motorized vents. Apple CarPlay comes standard, and you get perks like a Pet Mode and Car Wash Mode for everyday usability
Audio comes from a Harman Kardon system that offers crisp and clean sound, though it lacks the immersion and dynamic range of the Bowers & Wilkins systems we've heard in other Polestar and Volvo models. Headrest speakers and configurable sound zones help fine-tune the experience. There’s also a digital key option using your phone, a glovebox release via touchscreen, and a planetary-themed ambient lighting system with an amusing Easter egg of a Polestar 6 Roadster zooming into space.
Cargo space isn't as voluminous as an SUV, but it's better than a sedan, with up to 75 inches of floor length when the second row seats are folded. In addition, there's a small frunk and a variety of cleverly designed underfloor compartments in the rear for stashing smaller items. The cargo area also gets a security benefit from the missing rear window, since cargo is completely hidden from prying eyes. While the Polestar 4's cargo area doesn't have the height of a boxy SUV, its layout is thoughtfully optimized for real-world use.
Polestar has always leaned into innovative thinking, and the Polestar 4 is the most ambitious expression of that philosophy yet. It's quick, comfortable, luxurious, and unmistakably modern without sacrificing usability or performance. It's also a car that encourages you to drive — not just because it's fast, but because it feels so refined. Prices start at $56,300 for the single-motor model and $62,900 for the dual-motor version. The well-equipped Performance Pack pushes the price into the mid-$70Ks, which still feels like fair value given the power, design, and tech on display. SUV Coupé or whatever you call it, the Polestar 4 is an exceptional vehicle and a pleasure to drive.
