Frank Lloyd Wright knew that looking backwards when driving a car is only a nuisance. “I want to see where I’m going, not where I’m from,” the car-loving American architect is said to have said many decades ago. The right car is now available at Auto China 2023 in Shanghai.
“With Polestar 4, we’ve taken a fundamentally new approach to SUV coupe design. Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV and giving it a shorter roofline, resulting in compromises in headroom and rear-seat comfort, Polestar 4 was designed by Designed from the ground up as a new type of SUV coupe, the comfort and experience of the rear passengers are clearly prioritised,” explains Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath, explaining the absence of a rear window.
(Image: Polestar)
Nomenclature slightly confused
The idea of the closed area behind the rear passengers is not entirely new. For years there have always been studies that use the area as a projection surface or darkened comfort area. However, this can be seen for the first time in a mid-size crossover for series production. The manufacturer sees the new model between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, which confuses the nomenclature a bit.
The technical basis of the 4.84 meter long crossover is the Premium Sustainable Experience Architecture developed by the parent company Geely. With a wheelbase of 3.00 meters and the closed rear wall, the electric car should offer plenty of space for the occupants, especially in the rear, despite its space-consuming wheel housings for 20 to 22 inch wheels (then with tires in size 265/40 ZR 22). The lack of light coming from behind is to be compensated for by variable ambient lighting and the panorama roof that extends far to the rear. A second screen enables media and climate control from the back seat. Appropriate camera systems should ensure the driver’s rear view.
Bidirectional loading
The Polestar 4 is powered by an electric motor on the front and rear axles, which can accelerate the car from a standing start to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with 400 kW and a force of 686 Nm. A version with rear-wheel drive and 200 kW will be available next year. Thanks to its 102 kWh battery in the underbody, ranges of 560 or 600 kilometers should be achievable before the next charging stop.
(Image: Polestar)
The maximum charging power is 200 kW – more could probably be achieved with a higher voltage level, 800 volts is currently the maximum. With the 4, Polestar offers the possibility of bidirectional charging for the first time. It can supply other consumers with electrical energy or be used as storage for a domestic photovoltaic system.
Updates Over-the-Air
It can be operated via Google using voice or a 15.4-inch central screen. The driver sees the instruments on a 10.2-inch display behind the wheel. Updates for the navigation system and operating system can be installed contactless over-the-air. There are sustainable materials in the interior, and a nappa leather package with headrest speakers is available on request.
The Polestar 4 will be produced at the Chinese plant in Hangzhou Bay from November. Launch for other markets including Europe, North America and Asia Pacific is planned for early 2024. Polestar has set the base price at 60,000 euros.
(fpi)
