Polestar 4 Review: The Chinese Electric Car With Swedish DNA 2026

The Polestar 4 is the latest electric vehicle from the Swedish brand, but it's built in China and represents a bold step for the company. With a focus on long-distance travel and premium comfort, this electric SUV aims to eliminate range anxiety and offer a driving experience that rivals traditional combustion engines.

In 2022, Polestar entered the Spanish market with the Polestar 2, and now the Polestar 4 is set to expand its footprint. This model is not just another electric car; it's a statement of intent from a brand that wants to blend Scandinavian design with cutting-edge Chinese technology.

Design and Dimensions: A New Take on the SUV

The Polestar 4 measures 4,839 mm in length, 2,139 mm in width, and 1,544 mm in height. These dimensions place it in the mid-size SUV segment, but its sleek, coupe-like roofline gives it a sportier appearance than boxy rivals.

The design language is unmistakably Polestar, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. However, the most striking feature is the absence of a rear window. Instead, the car uses a camera-based rearview mirror, which is a first for the brand. This not only improves aerodynamics but also gives the interior a more open feel.

Interior and Technology: A Digital Cockpit

Inside, the Polestar 4 is dominated by screens. The driver gets a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, while a 15.4-inch central touchscreen runs on Android Automotive. This system supports Apple CarPlay and features Google built-in, including Google Assistant and Google Maps.

Rear passengers are not left out; they have their own screen for climate and infotainment controls. The panoramic roof is electrochromic, meaning it can dim at the touch of a button. The interior materials are sustainable and premium, reflecting Polestar's commitment to eco-friendly luxury.

Performance and Range: Power Meets Practicality

The Polestar 4 is available in two versions. The rear-wheel-drive model features a 102 kWh battery and a single motor producing 200 kW (272 hp). The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version delivers a combined 400 kW (544 hp).

Polestar claims that the large battery ensures a range that makes long trips possible without frequent charging stops. The focus is on real-world usability, not just headline figures. The car supports fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups on the go. The longer history behind the story is traced in Chinese Car Manufacturing Cost Advantage: A Threat to Traditional Automakers.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Polestar 4 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It includes adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, twelve cameras, one radar, and twelve ultrasonic sensors. These features work together to provide a high level of safety and convenience. The background to this story is set out in Kia XCeed 2025: The Gasoline and Electric Answer to Chinese PHEVs. A related thread runs through CUPRA Raval: Spain's 100% Electric Car With 440+ km Range. Earlier coverage in Electric Car Charger Installation: How Many Electricians Does It shows how the argument developed.

The camera-based rearview mirror is particularly noteworthy, as it eliminates blind spots and provides a clear view even when the rear seats are occupied or the trunk is full. A closer look at the same subject appears in Electric vehicles now almost quarter of Australia's new car sales. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Bentley Electric Car Launch: Torcal SUV with Fake Engine Sounds. The same theme surfaces in Best Electric Car and Hybrid Car: Vote in the Lexus Partners Verisure 2026, which takes a different angle.

Pricing and Availability

The Polestar 4 starts at €49,900 for the rear-wheel-drive version in Spain. The dual-motor version will command a higher price. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2024, and the car will compete with other premium electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y and the BMW iX. Context on how this played out before sits in Electric Car Charging Fines: Avoid Costly Parking Penalties. A companion piece, Least Recommended Electric Car Brands by Owners in 2026, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways

• Swedish design meets Chinese manufacturing: The Polestar 4 is designed in Sweden but built in China, combining style with cost efficiency.
• Large 102 kWh battery: Offers extended range for long-distance travel, reducing range anxiety.
• Advanced technology: Android Automotive OS, a 15.4-inch central screen, and a camera-based rearview mirror.
• Powerful dual-motor option: Up to 544 hp and all-wheel drive for spirited performance.
• Competitive pricing: Starting at €49,900, it undercuts many premium rivals.

Polestar 4 vs. Key Competitors

FAQ

The Polestar 4 represents a significant step for the brand, blending Swedish design with Chinese technology to create a compelling electric SUV. With its large battery, advanced features, and competitive pricing, it's poised to attract buyers looking for a premium electric vehicle without the premium price tag.