Polestar 4 adds coupe-SUV to growing line-up

SINO-SWEDISH specialist BEV maker Polestar has announced details of its next SUV model, the Polestar 4, at the Shanghai Motor Show.

It launches first in China, with production planned to begin in Hangzhou Bay, China, in November 2023. Launches in other markets, including in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, are planned for early 2024, with indicative launch pricing from $A100,000.

Billed as an electric performance coupe-SUV, the 4 will sit between the Polestar 2 sedan/hatch and the larger Polestar 3 SUV on price and size and utilises the company’s dedicated new Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) ‘roller skate’ BEV platform.

Polestar owner, China’s Geely Holding, developed the SEA platform for use on various premium models in the pipeline from Polestar and other brands within the group.

The Polestar 4 is a D-segment coupe-SUV with a large body and 2999 mm wheelbase. Overall length is 4839 mm, width is 2139 mm and height is 1544 mm.

Key design elements have been derived from the Polestar Precept concept car including eliminating the rear window which enables a new kind of ‘immersive’ rear occupant experience, and the separation of the dual blade front lights with a unique Polestar light signature – complemented by the Polestar emblem with highlight lighting from below.

The overall design and size gives the ‘4’ what could be considered generous interior proportions with a focus on rear seat space where occupants are afforded reclining seats.

Adjustable ambient lighting that the driver can customise adds an extra dimension to the interior.

Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, rear aero blades, and air flow optimisation around the rear light bar.

Because of hot Australian climatic conditions, a potential issue with the 4 is its standard full-length glass roof available with optional electrochromic functionality, allowing for opaque or transparent light transmission. The glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads, creating what Polestar describes as “a truly unique interior ambience”.

A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to facilitate rear occupant control.

Providing a wide field of vision is a high-definition screen that replaces the conventional rear-view mirror complete with a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera. The digital feed can be deactivated to allow drivers to see rear occupants if needed.

The Polestar 4 is the fastest production car from the brand to date capable of clocking a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds thanks in part to a maximum power output of 400kW. Motors used are a permanent magnet, synchronous design.

Both dual- and single motor versions will be available, with single-motor versions configured as rear-wheel drive. Semi-active suspension features in the dual-motor version for an additional layer of adjustment between comfort and performance dynamics. Wheels range from 20 to 22-inches in size, depending on the version, with Pirelli or Michelin tyres.

Both long range versions run a 102kWh battery with the dual motor version (400kW/686Nm) capable of a preliminary range target of up to 560km WLTP. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency.

A motorised recharge lid opens to recharging facilities that take up to 200kW DC and 22kW AC on all versions. V2L (vehicle to load) bi-directional charging is included providing for external devices to draw power from the vehicle.

A heat pump is fitted as standard, allowing the car to capitalise on ambient heat when preconditioning the cabin and battery.

The Polestar 4 has a new drive optimisation function that 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 while range mode prioritises efficiency, adapting the powertrain to a calmer style and forces use of only the rear motor. 

The long-range, single-motor version runs a 200kW/ 343Nm motor at the rear and preliminary range target of up to 600km WLTP.

Polestar says the 4’s driving dynamics are true to the Polestar brand which has earned a reputation for being something of a driver’s car. The 4 is said to deliver sharp steering and handling responses that result in “a thrilling and nimble driving experience for all occupants”.

The Polestar 4 embodies more circular (reusable) and low-carbon materials to replace traditional solutions. This includes measures for greater supply chain transparency, like blockchain traceability for risk materials in the batteries. A full lifecycle assessment (LCA), showing the true carbon footprint of the car, will be published alongside the Polestar 4 Product Sustainability Declaration in 2024.

The car-maker uses a mono-material approach, first presented in the Polestar electric roadster concept in 2022, to interior materials, where all layers of certain components are produced from the same base material. This allows them to be recycled more effectively and efficiently by eliminating the need for incompatible materials to be separated before recycling.

New interior materials include a tailored knit textile which consists of 100 per cent recycled PET, along with bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl and animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholsteries.

Inlay carpets in the interior are made using recycled PET and floor carpets are made using Econyl, which includes reclaimed fishing nets. 

Inside, the new model is replete with more technology aimed at providing an entertaining, connected and autonomous drive experience. The 4’s infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive OS and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform now utilises a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

With Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Polestar 4 offers a high end connected experience.

A harman/kardon audio system is available as an option with 12 speakers and 1400-watt channel-hybrid amplifier. An additional two headrest speakers are added to each front seat with the optional Nappa Pack– raising the total to 16 and Apple CarPlay is included.

Regular over-the-air (OTA) updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to the vehicle.

Polestar’s intimate links with Volvo determine the new 4 has strong safety ‘genes’ built in.

These include up to nine airbags and the newly developed intelligent safety technology called SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye. A total of 12 cameras, one radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors are fitted as standard.

A 10.2-inch driver display is mounted ahead of the steering column and includes speed, battery and range information. Reducing the chance for distraction is a head-up display (HUD) with 14.7-inch projection area in front of the driver relaying key vehicle, telephony and navigation information.

Various equipment packs will be available.

Head of design at Polestar, Maximilian Missoni, says: “With Polestar Precept we previewed a stunning new occupant experience by removing the rear window and pushing the rear header, which plays an integral safety role, further back. This means that now, rear occupants can have a unique experience in our SUV coupe.”

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath added: “With Polestar 4 we have taken a fundamental new approach to SUV coupe design”.

“Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV, giving it a faster roofline and as a result, compromising elements like rear headroom and comfort, we have designed Polestar 4 from the ground up as a new breed of SUV coupe that celebrates rear occupant comfort and experience.”