On the winding roads west of Austin, Texas, acceleration in the new Polestar 4 dual-motor EV feels zippy and responsive. It looks handsome, as well, with sculpted lines that hint at the brand’s performance-oriented origins. This is the newest offering from Polestar, an electric-vehicle specialist with one other model for sale in the U.S., the Polestar 3.
It’s worth noting that Polestar reported 49 percent revenue growth in the first nine months of 2025, and the company is bullish about its prospects. Headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Polestar’s newest model is a tech-forward EV that offers a a more luxurious cabin and more premium construction materials than the Tesla Model Y.
Tesla loyalists may not make the switch, but those looking for an alternative will find a better-made EV in the Polestar 4. Think of it this way: the difference is like choosing between a big-name ice cream company you’ll find in your grocery store’s freezer section or a local small-batch creamery. The boutique ice cream might cost more, but the experience is exponentially more satisfying. That’s the Polestar 4.
Wait, The Polestar 4 Has No Rear Window?
One of the Polestar 4’s design hallmarks is the omission of a rear window. That may seem alarming, but the automaker says this setup maintains the EV’s structural stiffness and cabin headroom. In the case of a rollover, the additional sheet metal protects the occupants, as well.
Polestar puts a lot of faith into its digital rearview mirror, instead. The roof-mounted rear camera feeds information to the rearview, which displays a wider field of view compared to that in some of its rivals. Plus, the camera pans right or left when you activate your turn signal. As I drove the Polestar 4, I honestly never noticed the absence of a rear window, because the camera system is that good.
Let’s Talk About The Polestar 4 Touchscreen
Polestar is an electric-vehicle specialist with ties to Volvo; the brand started as Volvo’s performance partner and was acquired by the Swedish brand in 2015. However, their paths have diverged in the last few years with Volvo reducing its stake significantly. Polestar makes it clear that it is its own company, and when I asked UX design expert Amil Gasanin if the infotainment system has anything in common with the Volvo EX30, he said no.
For sure, the 15.4-inch landscape-oriented center display is impressive. Icons are laid out logically with the option to customize the screen, and it’s clear Polestar has put in the time to understand how to make it intuitive to use.
Honestly, I wasn’t interested in driving a car with minimal physical controls, and the Polestar 4 just about changed my mine. It’s only big drawback to me was that moving the air vents required digging into the touchscreen. I never felt as though I could get the air flow quite right, and when I was ready to change it I had to dive back into the digital world. Personally, I’d rather just move a lever, in that case.
Space enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate the solar system-inspired graphics. Choose one of the eight planets for different color schemes and fun facts, and it looks gorgeous on the big screen.
Animal Mode, With Animation
Pet owners wanting to keep their furry friends safe and cool can activate “animal mode,” which keeps the climate system at a consistent interior temperature. While Fido or Brutus chills out in the car, the EV’s touchscreen displays a message that lets passersby know the animal is not abandoned.
Polestar did a nice job on the animal animation, which shows a robotic pet that is surprisingly adorable.
Sustainable Materials Inside The Polestar 4
Polestar has taken some great cues from Volvo and its Swedish heritage when it comes to streamlined, minimalist, yet gorgeous interiors. The brand uses a “bio-attributed vinyl” upholstery that uses pine oil instead of crude oil, which means a 70% reduction in its carbon footprint than traditional PVC. Underfoot, the carpets are crafted from discarded fishing nets and other plastic waste, and PET plastic is recycled for the headliner. Also, the automaker says the Polestar 4 is made with 100% renewable energy.
From a looks and functionality perspective, the Polestar 4 checks all the boxes. The optional yellow seat belts are striking, and the back seats recline slightly for a quick road nap. In front, 12-way power seats accommodate a variety of heights. The cabin is where Polestar really leaps ahead, in my opinion. Yes, it’s quick. Yes, it’s modern and on trend. The Polestar 4’s cabin transcends those things with comfort and class, with upholstery and craftsmanship that exponentially outshines Tesla’s. It’s worth the extra cash.