Polestar 4 Electric SUV Removes Rear Window in Latest Design

Jul 02, 2024 12:21 AM EDT

Polestar 4 at Gotland Ring, Sweden. — (Photo : POLESTAR )

Polestar reveals its number 4 vehicle. Yes, it's fourth. As everyone knows, Polestar names its cars by their numbers. Polestar 4, the brand's fastest SUV, will be available soon. Aside from speed, one thing that would make everyone take another look is the absence of a rear window.

No Rear Window, No Problem

Polestar 4 has been teasing everyone with its images. Taking the attention is its no rear window design. Aside from this unconventional feature, Polestar 4 still takes after the brand's design language.

The latest report by MotorTrend describes this rapid Polestar as a compact SUV with coupe-like features. It notably lacks a traditional rear window and boasts an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. Its electric powertrain fuels its performance, aligning with the brand's commitment to sustainability.

Positioned as the more dynamic choice within the lineup, the 2025 Polestar 4 embraces a sporty driving position, immediate torque delivery, remarkable speed, and the feel akin to piloting a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Noteworthy is the expansive glass roof that sweeps down the rear section, seamlessly integrating into the hatch area without a conventional rear window.

To compensate for this unique design element, the Polestar 4 utilizes advanced technology, including a high-definition camera that projects a clear view of the surroundings behind the vehicle onto a digital rearview display.

Setting a new standard in automotive innovation, the P4 adopts a cutting-edge second-generation rearview system developed by Gentex. This marks a pioneering shift towards a camera-based solution over a traditional rear window configuration.

Polestar explained why it utilizes a no-rear window design. Autoblog shared that the company justifies the no rear view window concept with a strategic design choice aimed at achieving a sleek coupe-like silhouette while maximizing interior space, as explained by Maximilian Missoni, the brand's design chief.

By omitting the traditional rear window, the D-pillar could be repositioned further back, resulting in a more aerodynamic profile and additional inches of room inside.

Missoni highlighted a common issue with coupes where the rear-view mirror often reflects the car's interior elements like headrests and passengers, a concern elegantly addressed through the innovative approach of eliminating the rear window.

More About Polestar 4

Several websites delve into the features and specifications of Polestar 4. According to Autocar, when an individual settles into the driver's position, the impression that this vehicle leans more towards a coupe than an SUV becomes pronounced.

Despite sitting slightly elevated compared to traditional sedans or coupes, the overall feeling is decidedly more coupe-like. The dashboard features bold horizontal design elements, incorporating discreet air vents that are controlled through the screen, which can be a bit bothersome.

However, a straightforward display behind the steering wheel offers essential information, and opting for the Plus package introduces a convenient head-up display feature.

The Polestar 4 has a sophisticated ambiance prevails, with stylish textured textiles or luxurious Nappa leather options for those inclined.

The interior exudes a distinct Scandi-chic essence through its material selection and design. It offers a refreshing departure from the more commonplace aesthetics of its German competitors, presenting a unique appeal to Polestar enthusiasts seeking a car that diverges from the ordinary.

The infotainment system features a customized iteration of the Volvo EX30 software. It boasts user-friendly attributes such as sizable icons and adaptive dynamic functions that illuminate in orange when active, ensuring ease of use and clear visibility of operational statuses.

Additionally, the landscape touchscreen incorporates convenient configurable shortcuts on the homepage, allowing quick access to essential features like lane-keeping assistance and brake regeneration modes, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Notably, the integrated Google Maps functionality further enhances the tech-savvy aspect of the Polestar 4's interior, providing a seamless navigation experience for drivers.

According to Road & Track, the Polestar 4 generated significant buzz upon its unveiling due to its unconventional lack of a rear screen, featuring a continuous solid body from trunk to roof.

Despite this design choice, the vehicle is equipped with a rear-view mirror that fulfills legal requirements but doubles as a screen for a camera system, offering a broad view of the rear surroundings.

Initially, adjusting to the bright video display may seem odd, yet the absence of traditional rear glazing quickly becomes a non-issue from the driver's perspective.

Additionally, while the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 share similarities in branding, electric powertrains, and futuristic aesthetics, they are more akin to cousins than siblings.

Pricing differentiates the models, with the entry-level rear-wheel-drive Polestar 4 starting at $56,300. The fully loaded AWD variant with the Plus and Performance packages comes at $74,300-just $500 less than the base AWD Polestar 3.