We have recently been informed that Polestar 4 is now officially now on sale in Ireland. Following start of production and first deliveries in China at the end of 2023, online sales have commenced with first deliveries expected from August. This is a vehicle set to transform the aerodynamics of a coupé and the space of an SUV into a new breed of SUV coupé. The good news is that the stunning design cues first seen on Polestar’s concept cars have been brought to production in the fastest Polestar production car to date. This first thing you will notice on approach is the dual blade front lights complemented by the Polestar emblem. The coupé side profile gives it a deceivingly low look but in fact it is a vehicle of some proportion. Moving around to the rear is where things get really interesting with the elimination of the rear window. Now the standard full-length glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads, creating a unique interior ambience! To do this, Polestar deleted the rear-view mirror in favour of a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera.
Features
Polestar have opted for new interior materials to include a tailored knit textile which consists of 100% recycled PET, along with bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl, and traced leather from Bridge of Weir where the raw hides are by-products of the food industry and come from Scottish farms that are independently rated by the Animal Protection Index as being of the highest global standard. The tailored knit upholstery is a new technique for the automotive industry. First shown in the Precept concept car, the textile is made from 100% recycled polyester. The material and the design have been created by Polestar designers together with the Swedish School of Textiles and further developed with suppliers. It is made to fit, producing minimal offcuts and reduced overall waste. Inlay carpets in the interior are made using recycled PET and floor carpets are made using ECONYL, which includes reclaimed fishing nets. Specific door trim panels are made from NFPP (natural fibre polypropylene) which results in up to 50% less virgin plastic and a weight saving of up to 40%. MicroTech, first introduced in Polestar 3, is a bio-attributed vinyl that replaces crude oil with pine oil in its construction and features a recycled textile backing.
Power
As mentioned in the intro Polestar 4 is the fastest production car the brand has ever developed. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be completed in just 3.8 seconds and maximum power output is 544 hp. Motors are of a permanent magnet, synchronous design and both dual- and single-motor variants are available, with the single-motor featuring rear-wheel drive. Semi-active suspension features in the dual-motor version for an additional layer of adjustment between comfort and performance dynamics. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22-inches with tyres supplied by Pirelli and Michelin, depending on configuration. A 100 kWh battery is fitted to both long-range versions. The Long range Dual motor features 544 hp, 686 Nm and a preliminary range target of up to 580 km WLTP. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency. The Long range Single motor version features a 272 hp and 343 Nm motor at the rear, and preliminary range target of up to 610 km WLTP.
Up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging is included for both versions, and the charge lid is motorised. Bi-directional charging hardware is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality planned to be made available at a later date, providing for external devices to draw power from Polestar 4. A heat pump is fitted as standard, allowing the car to capitalise on ambient heat when preconditioning the cabin and battery. A new drive optimisation function allows the driver to select between Range or Performance driving modes in the Long range Dual motor version. Performance mode sharpens up responsiveness from the powertrain and engages both motors at all times for full power delivery and best performance. Range mode prioritises efficiency, adapting the powertrain to a calmer style and forces use of only the rear motor.
Safety
Thanks to the connection with Volvo Cars, strong safety genes are built into Polestar 4, which features leading safety technology inside and out and tested to the same exacting standards as all other Polestar cars. Seven airbags are included. SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye brings a total of twelve cameras, one radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors fitted as standard. This includes a driver monitoring camera, which only relays data and does not record video, to monitor the driver’s eyes and head movements to help avoid incidents related to fatigue or incapacitation. Together with hands-on detection in the steering wheel, the driver monitoring system helps to keep the driver actively engaged in driving, as required.
A 10.2-inch driver display is mounted ahead of the steering column and includes speed, battery and range information. When engaged by various assistance systems, a virtual environment can show other road users, current driving assistance functions and navigation information. To reduce distraction, a head-up display (HUD) with 14.7-inch projection area in front of the driver relays key vehicle, telephony and navigation information to the windscreen, further improving driver attentiveness. A clever ‘snow mode’ function for the HUD switches the text colour from white to yellow, improving visibility in snowy environments. The optional Pilot Pack includes enhanced Pilot Assist with lane change assist, initiated by the driver tapping the indicator stalk in the desired direction.
Costs
Pricing is set to kick off from €68,600 for the single motor variant with the Dual motor coming in at €76,200. Standard vehicle specification is high, with additional packages tailored to adding specific options that enhance overall enjoyment. The Plus Pack (€6300) comprises comfort and technology upgrades, with the Pro Pack (€2,200) adding 21-inch wheels and subtle design details. The Nappa upgrade can be specified in addition to the Plus Pack, and includes animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation and massage, additional headrest speakers for the front seats and rear comfort headrests. The Performance Pack on the Dual Motor will set you back an additional €5,000.
Summary
Although we have yet to drive this vehicle we think its safe to say that Polestar 4 is an innovative interpretation of an SUV coupé that will offer Irish buyers great interior space in a futuristic stunning package. With a length of 4,840 mm, width of 2,139 mm and height of 1,544 mm it will feel sizeable on Irish roads with quality materials throughout! It is safe to say Polestar are continuing to push technology towards a more entertaining, connected and an autonomous future in their cars and we are enjoying watching the progress. Can you imagine sitting in the reclining rear seats on a long journey enjoying the optional 12 speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier! Watch this space for a full detailed review towards the back end of the year.
