Polestar 4 review: Is it worth upgrading to the Dual Motor?

Single Motor vs Dual Motor in the Polestar 4

Looking for a bit more oomph from your electric SUV-coupé? We've been lucky enough to get our hands on both flavours of the Polestar 4 – and trust us, the dual motor version offers a very different driving experience.

While the single motor Polestar 4 impressed us with its blend of style and substance (you can read all about it in our previous review), the dual motor takes things up a notch in the performance stakes.

But is that extra punch worth sacrificing some range and spending more of your hard-earned cash?

And let's not skip over the obvious – this dual motor version arrived in Electron blue, a colour that's sparked some debate in the Carparison office. Some of us think it's absolutely stunning, while others reckon it gives off strong 2000s vibes.

Either way, it certainly turns heads.

So, if you're torn between the two Polestar 4 options, we're here to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your driveway.

Let's break down the differences and see if this extra performance makes sense for everyday driving, or if it's overkill for British roads.

What we drove:

• Model: Polestar 4 Dual Motor AWD
• Fuel: Electric
• Power: 400 kW
• Battery: 100 kWh
• Range: Up to 367 miles (WLTP Comb)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds
• Torque: 506 lbf-ft
• Colour: Electron
• OTR: from £60,000

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Twice the motors, twice the fun: Does the extra power transform the drive?

In one word – yes!

The difference between the single and dual motor Polestar 4 is quite stark when you get behind the wheel. While the single motor version impressed us with its responsive performance and EV personality, the dual motor takes things to a whole other level.

Let’s look at the figures to prove just how powerful this bad boy is.

The dual motor packs a serious punch with 400 kW (536 bhp) compared to the single motor's more modest 200 kW (268 bhp). That translates to nearly twice the torque too – 506 lbf-ft versus 253 lbf-ft in the single motor.

The result? A significantly quicker 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds in the single motor version. That's sports car territory from what looks like a sophisticated family SUV.

But statistics only tell half the story.

Out on the road, that extra power is immediately noticeable.

Where the single motor delivers that characteristic instant EV responsiveness we loved, the dual motor amplifies the experience with genuinely thrilling acceleration that pushes you back in your seat.

We experienced this first-hand on the motorway, stuck behind a lorry – classic story. But with one foot down, the instant torque kicked in. With our stomachs in our throats, we overtook with ease, leaving the lorry far behind before we could say ‘Wow that’s powerful!’.

The dual motor setup also gives you all-wheel drive capability, significantly improving traction and cornering stability. This transforms how the car feels through the bends, with more confidence-inspiring handling that makes British country lanes a proper joy.

The question remains though, does this extra performance makes sense for everyday driving on British roads?

While you can’t use it to its full potential on most British roads, it still makes for a fun ride. And it's handy in a pinch when you're trying to overtake on a hill (hint, this Polestar does that effortlessly).

Same smart tech: A quick recap

The tech in both the single and dual motor Polestar 4 is identical, so we won't repeat ourselves here – check our original Polestar 4 review for the full details on the intuitive infotainment system, clever driver profiles, and that quirky steering wheel button setup.

To summarise what you're getting:

• Google built-in with Maps, Assistant and Play Store
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Regular over-the-air updates
• Digital key integration with Apple Wallet
• Driver profiles that remember settings for up to six drivers
• Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system (1,320 watts, 12 speakers)
• Available headrest speakers upgrade (bumping to 16 speakers and 1400 watts)

The dual motor version does feature the same occasional quirks we found in the single motor – like accidentally turning the volume up or skipping songs when trying to adjust wing mirrors, thanks to those shared buttons.

Taller drivers might still find themselves unexpectedly squished if someone shorter was the last to drive (as our Tori experienced for herself).

But overall, it's the same clean, intuitive tech experience we loved in the single motor, just with more power under your right foot to play with.

Subtle sophistication and Scandi minimalism

The Electron finish is quite unique, you don't see many cars this colour. They have four other colours to choose from, all of which scream sophistication.

What makes Polestar stand out is their clean, uncluttered approach to design. Both the single and dual motor versions share identical exterior styling, maintaining the brand's commitment to Scandinavian minimalism.

There's no unnecessary visual drama - just purposeful styling with those signature "Thor's hammer" headlights, flush door handles, and an aerodynamic profile that remains consistent across the range.

Inside, the cabin continues the minimalist theme with high-quality sustainable materials. The dashboard remains wonderfully uncluttered, dominated by the 15.4-inch central touchscreen.

The driver's display shows your map directly in your line of sight, meaning less time looking away from the road. Add in the head-up display that projects your speed and upcoming directions onto the windscreen, and it's a properly focused driving experience.

One feature we weren't keen on was the option to have the wing mirrors tilt downward when reversing - sounds helpful in theory, but in practice we couldn't see a thing. 

It's one of those tech touches that looks better on the spec sheet than it works in real life.

Single vs dual motor: The real-world trade-offs you'll notice daily

Let's talk about the real differences you'll notice day-to-day between the single and dual motor Polestar 4:

Power and performance

• 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds (single) vs 3.7 seconds (dual) - a genuinely dramatic difference
• Same top speed for both versions
• Single is front-wheel drive only, while dual gives you all-wheel drive traction

Price

• Single Motor: From £60,000
• Dual Motor: From £67,000
• £7,000 premium for the extra performance and capability

Range and efficiency

• Single Motor: Up to 385 miles (WLTP Comb)
• Dual Motor: Up to 367 miles (WLTP Comb)
• Energy consumption: 28.6-29.6 kWh/100 mi (single) vs 30.5-34.9 kWh/100 mi (dual)
• Both use the same 100 kWh battery with identical charging capabilities

Weight and practicality

• Dual Motor weighs 125kg more (2,355kg vs 2,230kg)
• Towing capacity: 1,500kg (single) vs 2,000kg (dual) - a significant advantage if you need to tow

Although it’s technically weaker, the single motor Polestar never feels underpowered - it's still quick by conventional standards. However, the dual motor transforms the experience with properly impressive acceleration that rivals sports cars.

For most daily commutes and shopping runs, the single motor offers everything you need with better efficiency and a £7,000 saving.

But if you regularly carry heavy loads, tow trailers, or simply enjoy that push-back-in-your-seat acceleration, the dual motor's extra capability is genuinely worth considering.

The range difference of about 18 miles won't dramatically impact most people's routines. Both versions support identical charging speeds (up to 200kW DC), allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes at a rapid charger.

In winter conditions or on slippery surfaces, the dual motor's all-wheel drive provides a noticeable advantage in traction and stability that goes beyond just straight-line speed.

Going the distance: How the dual motor affects your charging routine

With the dual motor Polestar 4 offering such impressive performance, you might wonder if it comes with a significant charging compromise. The good news? Not really.

Both versions share identical charging hardware:

• Same 100 kWh battery capacity
• DC fast charging up to 200kW (10-80% in 30 minutes)
• Standard 11kW AC charging (0-100% in 11 hours)
• Optional 22kW AC charging with Plus pack (0-100% in 5.5 hours)

Where you'll notice the difference is in day-to-day efficiency. That extra motor and performance comes with slightly increased energy consumption:

• Single Motor: 28.6-29.6 kWh/100 mi
• Dual Motor: 30.5-34.9 kWh/100 mi

In practice, this means the dual motor's 367-mile maximum range (vs 385 miles in the single motor) might be more noticeable if you regularly enjoy putting your foot down to enjoy that extra power.

For most drivers, this won't dramatically change your charging routine.

You'll still comfortably manage a week of average UK driving (about 20-30 miles per day) between home charges. On longer journeys, you might just need one charging stop either way.

Both versions benefit from the standard heat pump, which helps preserve range in colder conditions - particularly valuable during British winters when EVs typically lose more range.

If charging efficiency is your absolute priority, the single motor wins by a small margin. But the dual motor's slightly increased consumption is a small price to pay for the performance upgrade, and certainly won't revolutionise how often you need to plug in.

The verdict: Is more power worth the premium?

You may be debating whether to get the single motor, or splurge to get the dual motor. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Choose the Polestar 4 Single Motor if:

• You want to save £7,000 on the purchase price
• Maximum range is your priority (385 miles vs 367 miles)
• You primarily drive in urban or motorway environments
• You're looking for the most efficient option for daily commuting
• You don't regularly tow heavy loads
• You're satisfied with "quick enough" rather than "sports car quick" acceleration

Choose the Polestar 4 Dual Motor if:

• You value that thrilling 3.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration
• You regularly drive in challenging weather or road conditions
• You need all-wheel drive traction for peace of mind
• You'll be towing up to 2,000kg (versus 1,500kg for the single motor)
• You're willing to sacrifice a little range (18 miles) for significantly more power
• You want the most capable version for tackling hills and carrying heavy loads

The good news? 

Both versions share identical charging capabilities and the same premium interior experience, so your decision really comes down to how much you value that extra performance and capability versus the additional cost.