Polestar 4 review: Is this the best one yet?

Join us as we take a closer look at the Polestar 4, Polestar's latest addition to their all-electric lineup.

The Polestar 4 recently arrived at Carparison HQ, and jaws immediately dropped. It's making quite the impression in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market.

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

With its striking silhouette, impressive range figures, and powerful performance credentials, the Polestar 4 is positioning itself as a compelling option for those seeking a premium electric experience without conforming to the traditional SUV shape.

This sporty coupé-SUV offers something different from its bigger sibling, the Polestar 3 – trading some space for a more agile driving experience and eye-catching design choices.

But does it deliver enough to justify its premium positioning and truly stand out from the crowd?

We took it for a spin, so join us to figure out if this might be the best Polestar yet.

What we drove:

• Model: Polestar 4 200kW 100kWh LR Single Motor Plus [Pilot] 5dr Auto
• Power: Electric
• Battery: 100 kWh
• Range: Up to 385 miles (WLTP Comb)
• Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
• OTR: from £60,000

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Responsive performance with EV personality

The Polestar 4 delivers that characteristic instant EV responsiveness that makes electric driving so addictive. Press the accelerator, and the car leaps forward with impressive eagerness, especially considering we only drove the Single Motor version rather than the more powerful Dual Motor setup.

And it all feels properly refined, too.

The cabin stays nice and quiet even at higher speeds, and the car corners with surprising precision for something of this size. It doesn't pretend to be a sports car, but it's definitely more fun to drive than most SUVs you'll come across.

The braking, however, takes some getting used to. Like many EVs, it's a bit on the harsh side, with that regenerative system kicking in firmly.

It's not a deal-breaker by any means – drivers will adjust to it quickly – but it's worth mentioning for those new to electric driving.

Technology that serves the driver (most of the time)

One area where the Polestar 4 really shines is its infotainment system.

It's noticeably more intuitive than the one in the Polestar 3, making everyday interactions much smoother.

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

The steering wheel features more physical buttons than previous Polestar models, which is a welcome change.

They're user-friendly once you get the hang of them, though there is a slight learning curve. Drivers might find themselves accidentally skipping songs when trying to adjust the wing mirrors, as they share the same buttons – a quirk that can have you fumbling through playlists when all you want is a better view of the traffic behind.

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.

Though it's worth noting that if someone else drives after you, they might find themselves unexpectedly shifted to your settings – squishing those taller drivers right into the steering wheel.

Motorway magic, with some getting used to

Out on the motorway is where the Polestar 4 really comes into its own.

The adaptive cruise control makes long journeys remarkably effortless, maintaining a perfect distance from the car ahead without any input needed.

The lane-keeping assist, however, requires some getting used to. Despite feeling properly positioned, the system occasionally disagrees, locking the steering wheel until it thinks the car is adjusted.

It's a safety feature with good intentions, but the implementation could use some refinement.

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.

But there's definitely an adjustment period – your brain needs time to recalibrate to this new way of seeing what's behind you.

Scandinavian design meets futuristic tech

Polestar's Scandinavian design DNA is evident throughout the Polestar 4. Clean lines, minimalist details, and high-quality materials create an atmosphere that feels both premium and distinctive.

The SUV-coupé silhouette gives the Polestar 4 a sportier stance than its larger sibling, the Polestar 3.

It's sleek and aerodynamic, with flush door handles and smooth surfaces that help maximise range.

The front end maintains the brand's signature look with its "Thor's hammer" headlights, while the rear features a distinctive full-width light bar.

Inside, the cabin continues the minimalist theme with a clean, uncluttered dashboard dominated by the 15.4-inch central touchscreen. The materials feel high-quality, with sustainable options that align with Polestar's environmental ethos.

Add in the CleanZone air system with its optional PM2.5 sensor and filter (part of the Plus pack), and you've got a car that's as good for your lungs (and hayfever!) as it is for your conscience. It actively monitors and filters out dust, pollution and pollen particles down to 2.5 micrometres – that's less than the width of a human hair.

One of the Polestar 4's most distinctive features is its illumination system.

The solar system-inspired interior lighting creates a genuinely unique atmosphere, with the ability to change colours and themes through the central display.

It might sound gimmicky, but in practice, it adds a touch of theatre that makes the car feel truly special.

Spacious and practical, despite the coupé styling

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, despite the car's sporty sloping roofline. No more hunched shoulders for your taller friends.

The boot offers a respectable 526 litres of cargo space, expanding 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.

Range and charging: Going the distance

With a WLTP Comb range of up to 385 miles from its 100kWh battery, the Polestar 4 Single Motor addresses range anxiety head-on.

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.

For home charging, the Plus pack enables up to 22kW AC charging, though most home setups will be limited to 7kW or 11kW depending on your electricity supply.

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 UK drivers facing our unpredictable climate.

Premium features at a premium price

Starting at £60,000, the Polestar 4 positions itself firmly in the premium segment of the electric SUV market.

Our test car came with the Plus and Pilot packs, adding features like a 14.7-inch head-up display, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and additional driver assistance features.

Is it worth the money?

For those who value distinctive design, cutting-edge technology, and a driving experience that balances comfort with engagement, the answer is likely yes.

The Polestar 4 feels special in a way that justifies its premium positioning, offering something different from both mainstream electric SUVs and its more traditional premium rivals.

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

You may be debating whether to get the single motor, or splurge to get the dual motor. Well, here are the main differences so you can decide for yourself.

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 less powerful, the single motor never feels sluggish - it's still quick by conventional standards and plenty capable for everyday driving. However, the dual motor transforms the experience with acceleration that genuinely rivals sports cars.

For most daily commutes and shopping trips, the single motor offers everything you need with better efficiency and a £7,000 saving in your pocket. But if you regularly carry heavy loads, tow trailers, or simply enjoy that push-back-in-your-seat thrill, the dual motor's extra capability makes a compelling case.

The range difference of about 18 miles won't dramatically impact most people's routines. Both versions support identical charging speeds, so you'll spend the same amount of time plugged in either way.

Where the dual motor really shines is in challenging road conditions. In winter weather or on slippery surfaces, the all-wheel drive provides a noticeable advantage in traction and stability that goes beyond just straight-line speed.

For those in rural areas or who frequently tackle more demanding terrain, this alone might justify the upgrade.

The verdict: A compelling addition to the Polestar lineup

The Polestar 4 successfully carves out its own niche in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market.

It's more practical and spacious than traditional coupés, yet more stylish and engaging to drive than conventional SUVs. Add in its impressive range, cutting-edge technology, and distinctive design, and you have a package that actually feels forward-thinking.

Is it the best Polestar yet? That depends on your priorities.

The Polestar 3 offers more space and presence, while the Polestar 2 provides a more accessible entry point to the brand.

But for those seeking a balance of style, performance, and practicality with some genuinely innovative features, the Polestar 4 makes a compelling case for itself.

In a market where so many electric SUVs are starting to blend together, the Polestar 4 stands out – not just for what it does, but for how it does it. And that might just make it the most interesting Polestar to date.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Polestar 4:

1. Impressive range of up to 385 miles (WLTP Comb) eliminates range anxiety
2. Distinctive SUV-coupé styling that stands out from the crowd
3. Innovative rear-view camera system provides enhanced visibility
4. Solar system-inspired interior illumination creates a unique atmosphere
5. Balances performance and practicality with Scandinavian design sensibilities

Would we recommend leasing a Polestar 4? 

Absolutely – especially for those looking for something different from the usual electric SUV suspects.

Its combination of style, technology, and performance makes it a standout option in an increasingly competitive market.