Polestar 4 Dual Motor Review – You won’t look back . . .

There are cars that evolve, and then there are cars that leap forward. The Polestar 4 belongs firmly in the latter camp. It’s an SUV coupé that rethinks almost everything about the genre — including whether you really need a rear window.

Polestar 4 Long range Dual motor in Storm

When Mrs. B and I took a trip down to the Kelpies in it, the Polestar 4 turned nearly as many heads as the 30-metre horse sculptures themselves. People in the car park were genuinely interested – and impressed. That’s when you realise the Polestar 4 isn’t just another premium EV – it’s a conversation starter.

Sitting neatly (price-wise) between the Polestar 2 and 3, the 4 is a D-segment SUV coupé pitched squarely against the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX3/X4, and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé.

The Dual Motor Long Range version tested here produces 400 kW (536 hp) and 686 Nm of torque, firing it from 0–62 mph in 3.8 seconds — only beaten by the performance-focused Polestar 5 (click here for an amusing ‘Murder Bot’ walkaround) which will start appearing on our roads this spring.

With its 100 kWh battery, the official WLTP range hovers around 360 miles, and 200 kW DC fast-charging gets you from 10–80 per cent in roughly half an hour. Prices start from £50,750 for the Single Motor model (seasonal offer, usually £55,750), while the Dual Motor Long ranger tested here is available from £62,750 (usually £67,750)

Design

The Polestar 4 looks like it was designed in the future and accidentally sent back in time. Its long, low stance and beautifully clean surfaces make it feel less like an SUV and more like a concept car that somehow made it past the accountants.

And then there’s that missing rear window. Polestar says it improves aerodynamics and frees up rear headroom. It does — but it’s still odd. In place of glass sits a solid panel, with a digital rear-view mirror fed by a roof-mounted camera. The image is sharp and wide, yet at first the lack of depth feels unnatural.

On our way to Falkirk, I caught myself glancing for natural-depth reflections that weren’t there, and after half an hour, I’ll admit I felt slightly queasy. You’d probably adapt after a few days, but I’d still like the option of a bit of old-fashioned glass.

From the outside, though, the Polestar 4 is stunning. The “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, sleek silhouette, and continuous rear light bar combine to create one of the cleanest, most distinctive shapes on the road. It’s a wide car — you feel it on single-track roads — yet it never looks bulky. It has genuine concept-car presence and I like it – a lot.

Interior

Open the door and it feels like stepping into a Star Wars prop: minimalist, softly lit and quietly high-tech. Recycled plastics, vegan textiles and Polestar’s Tailored Knit upholstery (made from 100 per cent recycled PET bottles) make the cabin both sustainable and premium.

The main touchscreen and slim digital cluster are crisp and responsive, powered by Google’s Android Automotive system. Everything from climate to drive modes is just a swipe away, yet it’s intuitive rather than overwhelming.

Visibility forward is excellent through the vast windscreen, and reflections are virtually non-existent. Side visibility is fine, but that camera mirror takes some getting used to — although at night it has a distinct advantage as images are somehow brighter.

In the back, the missing glass pays dividends: rear headroom and legroom are superb. The seats recline, the ambience feels business-class, and there’s even a proper sense of occasion.

Isofix points on the outer seats make it easy to install child seats, and the flat floor makes life simpler for family use.

On our drive to the Kelpies, Mrs. B commented on how airy it felt despite the high beltline.

Driving Experience

Performance is explosive but controlled. The Polestar 4 surges forward on a wave of torque, the power delivered so smoothly it’s almost deceptive. With 536 bhp on tap, overtakes happen almost telepathically.

Our route mixed motorway miles with tight Scottish B-roads. Despite its width, the 4 feels remarkably nimble — the low centre of gravity and precise steering mean it corners with poise. The active dampers constantly adjust to surface changes, keeping things level even over poor tarmac.

In Comfort mode, it glides along effortlessly, isolating bumps and wind noise. Switch to Performance, and it tightens up instantly — throttle sharper, suspension firmer, the whole car more alert. It’s not as playful as a Macan EV, but it’s quicker, quieter, and less tiring over long distances.

At one point, heavy rain swept in on the return leg, yet traction remained impeccable. The car’s stability systems work seamlessly in the background, and the 4-piston Brembo brakes give confident, fade-free stopping.

Yes, it’s wide — parking bays feel narrower than ever — but on the move you forget it. It shrinks around you, flowing from corner to corner with uncanny balance.

Technology & Safety

Tech integration is pure Polestar: clean, unfussy and genuinely useful. Android Automotive OS brings Google Maps, voice-activated Assistant, and Play Store apps. Over-the-air updates keep the system current.

Driver aids include adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and a very good 360-degree camera. The digital rear-view mirror is clever but divisive: you either love the panoramic view or crave real-world depth. I suspect if you’ll often have older kids in the rear, the camera will be a boon as the rear view will always be unrestricted.

Trim Levels & Pricing

UK buyers can choose from (seasonal offer):

Single Motor Long Range (rear-wheel drive, ~£50,750)

Dual Motor Long Range (all-wheel drive, £62,750)

Option packs tailor the experience: the Plus Pack adds luxury touches, Pro Pack introduces larger wheels and trim upgrades, and the Performance Pack sharpens handling with chassis tuning,uprated brakes, 22in wheels and gold detailing. Even without ticking boxes, standard spec feels generous, though the configurator can tempt you north of £70k fast.

Rivals

The Porsche Macan EV remains the keen driver’s pick, sharper in corners but less practical and pricier. The BMW iX3/X4 offer refinement but conservative styling, while the Mercedes GLC Coupé majors on comfort.

The Polestar 4 blends all these qualities: as stylish as the Porsche, as serene as the Mercedes, and arguably more innovative than either. It’s the thinking driver’s choice — futuristic yet practical.

Verdict

The Polestar 4 Dual Motor isn’t merely another electric SUV; it’s a confident step forward in design and execution. It’s fast, beautifully built, and feels genuinely different. The missing rear window will divide opinion, and its width can be intimidating, but it’s hard not to admire the vision behind it.