Polestar 4 Review: The EV That Ditches the Rear Window
The Polestar 4 is not an electric vehicle that begs for attention. It quietly removes a rear window, replaces it with a camera, adds one of the best Dog Mode systems on the market, and then waits to see if you notice.
Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, the Polestar 4 targets buyers who want premium design, modern technology, and everyday usability without excess. It is calm, composed, and refreshingly uninterested in chasing trends.
Why does this matter right now?
Electric vehicles have moved beyond novelty. Buyers now care more about comfort, usability, and how a vehicle fits into daily life. With a 100-kWh battery and up to 310 miles of EPA-estimated range in rear-wheel-drive form, the Polestar 4 meets real-world expectations without overpromising.
Dog Mode maintains cabin temperature, disables alerts, and displays a clear message confirming pets are safe inside. For dog owners, this is not marketing. It is functionality that reduces anxiety and improves daily usability.
The missing rear window matters too. A roof-mounted camera feeding a digital rearview mirror improves aerodynamics and rear headroom while changing how drivers experience visibility.
How does it compare to rivals?
Pricing starts around $56,000, placing the Polestar 4 above a Tesla Model Y and below many German luxury EVs.
Compared to the Model Y, the Polestar 4 feels more refined and thoughtfully designed, with superior materials and calmer ride quality. Against German rivals, it offers strong performance and competitive charging without the same price escalation.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version produces up to 544 horsepower and reaches 60 mph in roughly 3.7 seconds. Fast charging peaks near 200 kW, allowing a 10–80 percent charge in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
Who is this for, and who should skip it?
The Polestar 4 is for buyers who value design, composure, and livability. It suits professionals, small families, and dog owners who want a premium EV that integrates seamlessly into daily routines.
Cargo space measures about 18 cubic feet with seats up, expanding to a flat load floor when folded. Rear legroom is generous thanks to a long wheelbase.
Those who prefer traditional mirrors or physical controls may find the digital rearview mirror takes adjustment, particularly at night.
What is the long-term significance?
The Polestar 4 signals a more mature phase of EV design. Innovation here is subtle, deliberate, and focused on real-world use rather than spectacle.
Features like Dog Mode and the removal of the rear window point toward a future where EVs prioritize livability and efficiency over gimmicks. This is not an EV designed to dominate conversations. It is designed to last.
