Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Polestar 4 Twin Motor
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: South Korea
Colour: Stratus
Miles pushed: 178
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gasoline Economic system | A |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 544-horsepower |
| Engine Sort | Motors |
| Transmission | Automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capability: 100 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 85
Producer-estimated driving vary: 280
Most Cost Charge: 200 kW
Client Information vary estimate (splendid situations): 300+ miles
Cost Port Location: Rear driver-side fender
Charging Commonplace: CCS
Frunk Capability: .5 cubic toes
Base worth: $62,900 (not together with $1400 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Physique Painted Decrease Mouldings ($1000), Electrochromatic Glass Roof ($1500), 21-inch alloy wheels ($1800), Nappa Leather-based ($3700), Plus Bundle ($5500), particular paint ($1300)
Worth as examined: $79,100
Snow Efficiency
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Audio-System Model
Harman Kardon
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Execs and Cons
The good: Fashionable tackle luxurious and efficiency, enjoyable to drive
The nice: Good vary, comfy and roomy cabin, excellent audio system
The not so good: Costly leather-based choice not well worth the cash
Evaluate
The Polestar lineup is frustratingly named in quantity by the order of a mannequin’s look. This implies there may be nothing significant to be gleaned from a Polestar’s single-digit mannequin identify however its order within the maker’s household album. Thus…
Polestar Lineup
- The 1 was a plug-in hybrid sports activities coupe (and the one non-EV Polestar)
- The two was a compact 4-door hatchback
- The three is a midsize crossover
- The 4 (seen right here) is a rakish compact crossover
- The 5 will probably be a premium massive sedan
- The 6 will probably be a convertible sports activities automobile
If you happen to had been paying consideration, you took observe of the was/is/will-be interaction on the listing above. Although Polestar has been within the U.S. for 9 years, and although solely 19 U.S. states can declare a dealership, the maker has already shed two fashions—and has plans for 2 extra.
Nation of Origin
However extra complicated than Polestar’s naming conference is its nation of origin.
Although a by-product of Swedish carmaker Volvo, and although sustaining headquarters in Torslanda, Sweden, Polestar isn’t actually all that Swedish. Right here’s the story:
Return far sufficient, and Polestar was a Volvo efficiency sub-brand—one thing akin to AMG at Mercedes-Benz. Borrowing the Polestar moniker for a brand new, premium, electric-car model appeared like a good suggestion, as any affiliation with Volvo possible added to the brand new carmaker’s credibility.
Polestar is Chinese language
However is Polestar actually Swedish? Arguably, no. Volvo has been a completely owned subsidiary of Chinese language father or mother firm Geely since 2010, when it was buy from Ford. Geely owns such well-known manufacturers as Lotus, Good, and Zeekr.
Polestar 4 is Chinese language
Although the company chain of possession is complicated, with subsidiary Volvo proudly owning a chunk of the corporate, Polestar is ostensibly totally owned by Geely, and its merchandise comprised of each Volvo and home-grown Geely expertise. The Polestar 4 is, actually, largely Chinese language—in the absolute best approach.
The Polestar 4 was initially to be inbuilt China, however U.S. tariffs on Chinese language-built EVs pressured a producing venue change to South Korea, making the “4” a really worldwide automobile.
For 2026, the Polestar 4 is obtainable in three trim ranges, ranging in worth from underneath $60,000 to nearly $75,000. The lineup:
- Single Motor ($57,800)
- Twin Motor ($64,300)
- Twin Motor Efficiency ($74,300)
Battery Capability and Vary
All Polestar 4 fashions characteristic a 94-kWh battery. Single-motor fashions are rear drive, and rated at 268 horsepower, and 310 miles of vary. Twin Motor and Twin Motor Efficiency examples boast a wholesome 544 horsepower and both 280 (Twin Motor) or 255 miles (Twin Motor Efficiency) of vary.
It’s price noting that on different Polestar fashions, the Efficiency improve features a bump in horsepower, which isn’t the case on the 4. As an alternative, the highest trim-level Polestar 4 advantages from simply bigger performance-oriented wheels and tires, and sport-suspension tuning.
Check Automotive
Client Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Polestar 4 in Twin Motor trim in Stratus (colour) and outfitted with the Nappa leather-based inside, and Plus Pack. All instructed, our check automobile got here to $79,100, together with vacation spot cost.
No Rear Glass
Let’s get the massive information right here out of the way in which: The Polestar 4 is just not fitted with rear glass. And as surprising as this appears, the glassless aft view of the Polestar 4 is particularly glossy and uncomplicated. To compensate, a rear view picture is projected onto the within mirror—which we suppose is not really a mirror. The picture is shiny, clear, and enhanced throughout darkish hours. The system works nicely, although we discovered ourselves hesitating to vary lanes to the best, one thing we assume we might get used to after extra time within the 4. Trusting the mirror alone is one thing of a leap of religion, this even though the mirror does provide a usefully wide-angle view of the site visitors behind.
Cabin and Controls
The Polestar 4 cabin is shiny, ethereal, and surprisingly roomy. We’re unsure the non-obligatory $3700 leather-based package deal presents nicely sufficient for the worth, however there’s no denying the 4’s premium-car bona fides. And, meeting high quality is prime notch.
Like most premium EVs, the Polestar 4’s controls are largely confined to the central touchscreen, although fast entry to most capabilities comes by the use of well-organized icons discovered alongside the aspect and backside of the display. That mentioned, adjusting the skin mirrors by way of the middle display—or steering-wheel controls—is needlessly difficult.
Room and Consolation
Although it sits decrease than many small crossovers, the 4 gives loads of grownup area in each the entrance and rear seating rows. Entry is made simple by vast opening doorways and beneficiant portholes. And although the view rearward is obscured by, nicely, the shortage of a window, outward visibility ahead and to the aspect is superb.
Journey and Dealing with
Underway, the Polestar crossover is, frankly, a dream to drive. Journey and dealing with are prime notch, and although the steering is a little bit gentle, it feels strong and reassuring. Likewise, the 4 hustles round corners and cloverleaf on-ramps with sprightly confidence. Not solely is there loads of energy on faucet, however spectacular grip as nicely. The Polestar 4 made us want that our weekly drive routes included time on curvy mountain roads, or the Autobahn.
Vary
In what amounted to delicate winter climate, our check automobile turned in vary efficiency no less than consistent with EPA estimates, and would possible exceed these numbers by a great margin throughout hotter months.
We did, nevertheless, endure a sluggish charging session, with peak a peak power-transfer charge of simply 30kW. That is nicely beneath the Polestar 4’s rated 200 kW charge. As disappointing as this efficiency was, we can’t rule out a potential concern with the charger itself.
Zeeker 001
As for a way Chinese language the Polestar 4 is, we’re unsure it issues, however right here’s the lowdown: Each the Polestar 4 and Zeekr 001 are constructed on Geely’s Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA). The 2 autos are related in measurement, and Chinese language-market examples are constructed alongside one another in the identical manufacturing unit. Whereas different Polestar merchandise have relied closely on Volvo expertise, the Polestar 4 is the model’s first home-grown mannequin, and it’s, frankly, spectacularly good.
Worth
We actually couldn’t be extra impressed by the Polestar 4. From its glossy and trendy design, roomy cabin, sporty angle, and top-notch cabin quietness and experience high quality, this compact Polestar leaves an enduring—and overwhelmingly constructive—impression. And, being selective with the choices, you may put collectively a Polestar 4 that doesn’t price all that rather more than a loaded typical luxurious crossover.
If the Polestar 4 is a harbinger of Chinese language electrical autos to come back, different carmakers want start bracing for some very severe competitors.
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