The Polestar 4 takes EV minimalism to the next level

Since launching the Polestar 2 sedan in 2021, Swedish electric car maker Polestar has launched two additional models: the roomy 3 compact SUV, and now the 4, a more compact crossover SUV. Size 4 Between 2 and 3 may confuse some consumers, but one of its features – or lack thereof – may confuse them even more. It does not have a rear windshield.

Starting at $57,800, the 2026 Polestar 4 may have some mildly brain-twisting traits, but I found it to be one of the most compelling and fun-to-drive electric cars this year. It took a little getting used to.

Its main feature is its simple and very Swedish exterior design. The muscular shape, unique headlights and interesting body lines give it a powerful presence. But the real elephant in the room isn’t the glass on the rear hatch, which undoubtedly makes it stand out on the road. However, the logic is fairly straightforward: It’s the only way Polestar can give a compact SUV such a sleek shape without sacrificing the passenger’s head or back-seat legroom.

Mission accomplished; My slender stature accommodates surprisingly well with the seat reclined slightly, and cargo volume is 19 cubic feet, with a high floor for easy loading and unloading that extends to 54 with the rear seats down. Front, head, leg and shoulder room were excellent.

When it comes to technology and materials, there’s a horizontally placed 15.4-inch central touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital display, and a single physical knob on the center console for play/pause and volume control. It may seem contradictory, but Swedish minimalism is truly at its peak. Additionally, material quality is solid, with highly textured solid surfaces, minimal use of metal, and two types of plush synthetic woven materials making up a large proportion of the surface area. Finally, the infotainment software is logically designed and easy to get used to, and sports custom lighting themes based on our solar system – this could be a subtle strategy to convert Tesla Model Y owners.

The Polestar 4 comes in two drivetrain configurations: single rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive (an additional $6,500 for this setup), with the former producing 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, while the latter produces 544 and 506, respectively, and clocks 0-60 in 6.9 and 3.7 seconds. The only battery available is a 400-volt lithium-ion pack with a usable capacity of 100 kWh, which can be charged at speeds of up to 200 kW DC. The range is up to 310 miles for a single motor, while the range for a dual motor is up to 280 miles.

In standard two-motor form, the four’s ride quality was comfortable and the steering was well weighted, though chassis response was a little too sluggish for something marketed as a performance-oriented crossover. However, with Polestar’s $4,500 Performance Package, the addition of performance-focused chassis tuning, Pirelli summer tires, and massive Brembo brake calipers, every input is nicely optimized and without sacrificing ride quality.

Finally, what’s surprising about the Polestar 4 driving experience is the lack of a rear window. Normally, I’m not a fan of having a rear camera mounted on a screen in the rearview mirror, but the 4 wasn’t too bad. The camera moves slightly to the left or right as the corresponding turn signal swipes, and the side mirrors do a good job of reducing blind spots.

However, it was strange that I looked over my right shoulder before changing lanes and, well, didn’t see anything. While the Polestar folks were particularly proud of the rear camera’s accuracy and low-light performance in wet/wintry conditions, consumers’ mileage may vary depending on how icy and snowy their climates are.

Overall, the 2026 Polestar 4 is a unique and compelling luxury compact crossover with enough driving fun to get anyone excited about driving. But with the federal government ending tax credits for electric vehicles, is this the best time to launch a more specialized sporty crossover?

I asked Dean Shaw, director of public relations and communications for Polestar North America, about the company’s plan. “We equate that to the sales boost in December. Sales then slow down in January, but then they slowly start to rise again,” he said. “We expect this month to be a complete reset, but after that we expect sales to start growing.”

He also pointed out that there are very few electric-only car brands; With other automakers backing away from their electric vehicle plans, he sees this as an opportunity for Polestar to really secure its place in the market. And with its sporty four-wheeler character that’s fun to drive, a keen focus on design, and intuitive features all around, it might be on to something. Even if there is no glass behind the rear seats.

Photography by Peter Nelson