Ford Capri vs Polestar 4

The coupe-SUV showdown we’ve all been waiting for: Who will win?

Big, boxy SUVs are taking a back seat. 

Sleek, stylish, and, dare we say, sexy, coupe-SUVs are firmly in the driving seat of automotive fashion – and for good reason.

SUVs initially accelerated in popularity thanks to their imposing presence and practical versatility. The coupe-SUV, however, keeps all that family-friendly space while wrapping it in a much more head-turning package.

But those swooping rooflines aren't just about looking good in the car park. They significantly reduce drag, boosting range and efficiency – essential qualities when you're going electric.

Meet two of our favourite coupe-SUVs charging onto the scene: the revived Ford Capri and the premium Polestar 4. Both put a fresh spin on the electric revolution, but with very different approaches.

So, let's put these two distinctive electric coupe-SUVs through their paces and see which one crosses the finish line first.

Will it be Ford's reimagined classic or Polestar's Scandinavian sophistication that deserves your next lease deal?

Buckle up – this comparison is going to be a close race.

Ford Capri

No, not the Ford Capri that gained popularity in the '80s. This is the new, reimagined, all-electric Ford Capri.

But it still carries the soul of the classic coupe, bringing that sporty DNA into a sleek, high-tech crossover with enough space to tackle modern life.

With advanced technology and an iconic look that pays homage to its heritage, it redefines what a coupe-crossover can be without forgetting where it came from.

Looks that turn heads

The new Capri gives a respectful nod to its past, with a sleek coupe-like silhouette, while modern design cues make it a genuine head-turner.

The Matrix LED headlights cut through the night glare-free, while signature LED taillights give a bold salute to the OG Capri.

Step inside, and it's all about comfort and tech, with 12-way adjustable heated sports seats complete with lumbar support and massage function to keep you refreshed on long drives.

Performance and driving experience

Get behind the wheel of the Ford Capri, and you'll quickly notice how smooth it feels. The accelerator gives you plenty of power without being too jumpy, making it easy to drive around town or cruise on the motorway.

The brakes are spot on too. 

Unlike some electric cars where you're constantly jabbing at the brake pedal trying not to throw your passengers forward, the Capri's brakes feel natural and predictable. You can bring the car to a gentle stop without that awkward head-nodding moment.

What's really handy is how you can set up the car to suit your driving style. With four different driving modes and the ability to adjust how responsive the steering and brakes are, you can make the Capri feel just right for you.

It's not trying to be the fastest or most dramatic electric car out there - instead, it focuses on being comfortable and easy to live with day-to-day. 

Perfect if you want the benefits of electric driving without having to completely change how you drive.

Range and charging capabilities

The Extended Range version delivers an impressive WLTP Comb range of up to 389 miles – plenty for road trips without range anxiety.

Charging the Capri is effortless, whether using a dedicated EV charger or standard home socket. While it may take longer than a rapid charger, the convenience and affordability is unmatched.

You'll also have access to the BlueOval Charge Network and IONITY high-power DC chargers as part of that – that’s over 800,000 chargers across 36 European countries.

Tech and connectivity

The Capri is packed with smart features to enhance your driving experience:

• 14.6" SYNC Move touchscreen that adjusts to your driving position
• Hidden compartment behind the screen when moved down
• B&O 10-speaker sound system with integrated subwoofer and soundbar
• Pre-condition your cabin through the FordPass app
• EV Trip Planner maps out the best charging stops
• Cloud-connected satellite navigation for real-time information

Space and practicality

Despite its sleek coupe styling, the Ford Capri doesn't compromise on practicality. 

With a generous 572 litres of boot space, there's plenty of room for family luggage, shopping trips, or weekend getaways.

The clever removable compartments in the boot are perfect for muddy shoes or sports gear—pop them in, take the compartment out when you're home, clean it up, and slot it back in with no mess or fuss.

Rear passengers haven't been forgotten either. The clever design means there's decent headroom despite that sloping roofline, and ample legroom makes longer journeys comfortable for everyone on board.

Throughout the cabin, you'll find thoughtful storage solutions for everyday items, from spacious door bins to a hidden compartment behind the movable touchscreen—perfect for valuables you'd rather keep out of sight.

For a car that looks this sporty, the Capri is surprisingly practical and family-friendly, proving you don't need to sacrifice style for space.

Polestar 4

While smaller and more affordable than the Polestar 3, this coupe-SUV is not to be underestimated.

Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in price, this sleek SUV-coupe represents another step in Polestar's journey from Volvo's performance division to a standalone premium electric brand.

Sustainable, thoughtful, and minimalist designs can be seen throughout. But, unlike the Polestar 3, it's both intuitive and user-friendly thanks to a couple more physical buttons thrown into the mix.

The Polestar 4 offers something genuinely different in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market, combining Scandinavian design principles with cutting-edge technology.

Looks that turn heads

The Polestar 4 is a proper head-turner with its distinctive coupe-SUV shape. 

Sitting between the Polestar 2 and the larger Polestar 3, it manages to stand out in a sea of same-same electric SUVs.

It's all clean lines and smooth surfaces – no unnecessary creases or fussy details here. The flush door handles and sleek profile aren't just for show either; they help the car slip through the air more efficiently.

Inside, Polestar has kept things refreshingly simple. 

The dashboard is uncluttered, with a whopping 15.4-inch touchscreen taking centre stage. Everything feels properly premium, with sustainable materials that don't compromise on quality.

The ambient lighting deserves a special mention too. Inspired by the solar system, it creates a genuinely cool atmosphere in the cabin at night. You can even change the colours and themes through the main screen – it might sound a bit gimmicky, but it really does make the car feel that bit more special.

Performance and driving experience

Press the accelerator in the Polestar 4, and you get that instant electric torque that makes EVs so fun to drive. Even in the Single Motor version, there's plenty of punch when you need it.

It's a properly refined car too. The cabin stays nice and quiet even when you're pushing on, and it glides around corners better than you'd expect for something of this size.

It's no sports car, but it's definitely more fun than your average family SUV.

The brakes, though? They take a bit of getting used to.

Like many EVs, they're on the grabby side when the regenerative braking kicks in. You'll adjust to them after a while, but they're not as smooth as the Capri's right from the get-go.

Where the Polestar 4 really shines is on the motorway. 

The adaptive cruise control is brilliant for long trips – it keeps you perfectly distanced from the car in front without you having to do a thing. Perfect for those boring stretches of the M5.

Range and charging capabilities

With a WLTP Comb range of up to 385 miles, the Polestar 4 makes range anxiety a thing of the past.

Even with real-world conditions reducing that somewhat, most drivers will find they can comfortably cover several days of typical driving before needing a charge.

When it's time to top up, the Polestar 4 supports DC fast charging at up to 200kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes at a rapid charger.

The car also features a heat pump as standard, which helps preserve range in colder conditions by using waste heat from the electric motors and battery to warm the cabin – a thoughtful touch for us UK drivers.

Tech and connectivity

The infotainment system in the Polestar 4 was noticeably more intuitive than the one in the Polestar 3, making everyday interactions much smoother.

The steering wheel features more physical buttons than previous Polestar models, which is a welcome change in an era where many manufacturers are removing physical buttons.

These buttons are user-friendly once you get the hang of them, though there is a slight learning curve.

Connecting a phone and setting up Apple CarPlay is refreshingly straightforward – no digging through complicated menus or waiting for the system to recognise devices.

Perhaps the most striking difference for drivers used to conventional cars is the rear-view camera system. Instead of a traditional mirror, you're looking at a screen showing a live feed from a camera mounted at the rear.

The clarity is excellent, and you actually get a wider field of view than a standard mirror would provide.

The driver profiles feature is a nice touch, especially for shorter drivers. It remembers your preferred seating position and automatically adjusts when you get in.

Space and practicality

Despite its sleek coupé roofline, the Polestar 4 manages to offer impressive interior space. Thanks to ditching the rear window, backseat passengers get surprisingly good headroom and plenty of legroom.

The boot offers a whopping 526 litres of space in the boot. This increases to 1,536 litres with the rear seats folded down. There's also a small front trunk ("frunk") that's perfect for storing charging cables.

One clever feature is the adjustable boot floor, which can be raised or lowered depending on your needs. Raise it for a flat loading area when the seats are folded, or lower it to maximise space for taller items.

Throughout the cabin, the clean Scandinavian design approach means storage is thoughtfully integrated rather than just tacked on, keeping the interior feeling calm and uncluttered.

The verdict: Which electric coupe-SUV wins?

After putting these two cutting-edge electric coupe-SUVs through their paces, it's time to decide which one deserves your hard-earned cash.

Ford Capri: Everyday excellence

• Brings a winning blend of practicality and user-friendliness to the electric coupe-SUV segment
• Customisable driving modes and smooth experience make it immediately comfortable for drivers transitioning from conventional cars
• Massive 572-litre boot and clever practical touches like removable compartments tick the practicality box
• Adjustable touchscreen with hidden compartment shows attention to detail
• Wins through approachability – focuses on making electric driving familiar and comfortable

Polestar 4: Scandinavian sophistication

• Brings premium flair and cutting-edge tech with minimalist design and sustainable materials
• Improved infotainment system compared to the Polestar 3 is a welcome evolution
• Addition of more physical buttons makes day-to-day operation much more intuitive
• Camera rear-view mirror system provides excellent visibility, though requires adjustment
• Brakes are on the sensitive side, but the car delivers refined driving with impressive cornering ability

Our recommendation

In this coupe-SUV showdown, there's no definitive winner – and that's actually good news for you as a customer. 

Both cars excel in different areas, meaning your ideal choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.

If you value practicality, familiar driving dynamics and clever everyday features, the Ford Capri makes a compelling case. Its smoother brakes and massive boot space make it particularly family-friendly.

If premium materials, cutting-edge design and technological innovation top your list, the Polestar 4 might be more your cup of tea. Its sustainable approach and distinctive cabin create a special atmosphere.

Both vehicles offer impressive range figures, rapid charging capabilities, and striking coupe-SUV styling. 

Your decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.

The beauty of leasing is that you can experience either of these impressive electric coupe-SUVs without the long-term commitment of ownership.

Whichever you choose, you'll be driving one of the most exciting new entries in the electric vehicle market.