As Korea's electric vehicle market shows signs of recovery, sales of Polestar, a Swedish brand specializing in EVs, are also rising. Polestar sold 1,609 vehicles from January through July this year, up 301% from the same period a year earlier. We test-drove Polestar's coupe-style sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Polestar 4, on the Autobahn near Munich, Germany.
The Polestar 4 has a low, sleek body that does not look like a typical SUV. At 1,545 millimeters tall and 4,840 millimeters long, it is lower and longer than Tesla's flagship SUV, the Model Y (1,625 millimeters tall, 4,790 millimeters long).
The exterior strips away clutter as much as possible. The front headlights have sharp, thin lines with vertical symmetry, giving an energetic impression. The rear lamp stretches the full width of the back in a similarly thin, long bar for a clean look. Side mirrors are usually wrapped in a thick bezel to protect the glass, but the Polestar 4 eliminates this for simplicity.
When you approach the Polestar 4 with the smart key, the headlights start flashing from about a 5-meter radius. The smart key has no physical buttons for unlocking, locking, or opening the trunk. Lightly placing your hand on the handle makes the hidden handle pop out. There is no start button; once the driver sits in the seat, the ignition turns on automatically. The driver only needs to shift out of P (park).
The interior is also plain, with no unnecessary ornamentation. A screen slightly larger than an adult woman's palm (10.2 inches) displays driving information. While driving, only key information—speed, map, and remaining battery—can be checked. The center screen is a relatively large 15.4 inches. Between the driver's and front passenger's seats are only a round button to control media playback and volume, and cup holders. The hazard lights can be activated via the center screen or a physical button near the rearview mirror.
What feels most unusual when you get in the Polestar 4 is the absence of a rear window. There is no rear glass, but an HD camera mounted at the back of the vehicle shows the rear view. It rained that day, but the view was clear enough that visibility was not an issue, and with most of the roof made of a panoramic glass panel, it did not feel claustrophobic.
The Polestar 4's driving performance was good. The test car was the top-tier Long Range Dual Motor, and speed surged quickly with only a light press of the accelerator. The model's zero-to-62 mph (0-100 kilometers per hour) time is 3.8 seconds. After setting the steering and suspension to a stiffer feel, we drove up to 190 kilometers per hour on the no-speed-limit Autobahn and found it relatively stable. Top speed is limited to 200 kilometers per hour.
However, because road feedback is transmitted clearly, opinions may be split depending on preference. As an EV, it is quiet, so wind noise sounds relatively loud at high speeds. Creep mode, which decelerates slowly when you lift off the brake, is useful for first-time EV drivers. On a single charge, the dual-motor version can travel up to 511 kilometers, and the single-motor version up to 455 kilometers. The battery is supplied by China's CATL.
It also comes with all the basic safety and assistance features. Twelve ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle make parking easy even without checking the side mirrors. Driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning are installed. A round sensor on the driver's side detects eyelid movement and sends persistent alerts when a break is needed. Cargo capacity is 15 liters in front and 526 liters in back.
Polestar kept prices unchanged with the launch of the 2026 Polestar 4. The single-motor model starts at 66.9 million won, and the dual-motor at 71.9 million won. The Pilot Pack, which provides driving assistance features, is standard on both models. The Plus Pack, which includes features such as a Harman Kardon audio system and second-row power reclining, costs 6 million won, and the Performance Pack, which enhances driving performance with 22-inch exclusive wheels and four-piston Brembo brakes, also costs 6 million won.