Polestar isn't a household name yet, but it could be soon. The Swedish brand, which started as a performance division of Volvo, is now a standalone electric-vehicle maker with ambitious plans to challenge Tesla and other established players in the EV market. It's latest offering, the Polestar 4, is a sleek and futuristic coupe that promises to deliver stunning performance, cutting-edge technology, and Scandinavian style.
The Polestar 4 is based on the Precept concept that debuted in 2020 and retained much of its striking design. The low-slung body features a long hood, a fastback roofline, and a short rear deck. The front end is dominated by a large grille that houses sensors and cameras for the advanced driver-assistance systems. The headlights are slim and angular, while a full-width LED strip connects the taillights. The wheels are large and aerodynamic, and the doors are frameless for a sleek look.
The interior of the Polestar 4 is equally impressive, with a minimalist and modern aesthetic. The dashboard is dominated by a 15-inch touchscreen that runs on an Android-based operating system with Google services integrated. The driver also gets a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster that can display various information and modes. The seats are made of recycled materials and vegan leather, while the carpets are made of reclaimed fishing nets. The cabin also features a large glass roof that can adjust its tint according to the ambient light.
The Polestar 4 is not just about looks, though. It also packs a serious punch under the hood. The coupe is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce a combined output of 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to propel the car from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds, according to Polestar. The battery pack has a capacity of 78 kWh, which should provide a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. The car also supports fast charging up to 150 kW, which can replenish 80 percent of the battery in about 30 minutes.
The Polestar 4 also boasts some impressive technology features that enhance its performance and safety. The car comes with an adaptive air suspension that can adjust the ride height and damping according to the road conditions and driving modes. The car also has an all-wheel steering system that can turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds for better maneuverability or in the same direction at high speeds for better stability. The car also has a host of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
The Polestar 4 is expected to go into production in 2024, and it will be built at a new factory in China that will use renewable energy sources and carbon-neutral materials. The price of the car has not been announced yet, but it will likely be in the same ballpark as other high-end EVs, such as the Tesla Model S or the Lucid Air. The car will also be available through Polestar's subscription service, which offers a fixed monthly fee that covers insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance.
The Polestar 4 is an exciting addition to the EV landscape, and it could be a serious contender for Tesla's crown. The car combines stunning design, exhilarating performance, advanced technology, and eco-friendly credentials in a package that is hard to resist. If you are looking for an EV that could make you forget about Tesla, you might want to keep an eye on the Polestar 4.