SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: Polestar 4 targets Tesla Model Y

The 2024 Polestar 4 has been revealed in all its high-riding coupe-like goodness ahead of the all-new mid-size electric SUV’s global release – including Australia – next year.

Aimed squarely at Australia’s top-selling selling electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y, the Polestar 4 casts a 4839mm shadow on the ground and measures 2139mm wide and 1544mm tall, making it both longer and wider than the Tesla, although the Model Y stands 80mm taller.

Polestar designers specifically describe the 4 as an ‘SUV coupe’ positioned between the pioneering Polestar 2 fastback and the upcoming Polestar 3 large SUV in terms of size and price.

The Geely-owned Swedish brand has also revealed an “indicative” launch price of €60,000 ($A98,310), which is about mid-way between the starting prices of the Polestar 2 ($63,900) and Polestar 3 ($132,900), but a lot more than the Model Y ($69,300).

Borrowing design cues first seen on the Polestar Precept concept and brandishing a drag coefficient of just 0.269Cd, the Polestar 4 flaunts the brand’s signature dual-blade headlights and sports a sweeping cab-back silhouette with a full-width lighting signature across its rear-end.

Odds are the Polestar 4 will be the most crucial new model launched within Polestar’s expanding model range over the next few years, given it will square up against higher end variants of the Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 variants – three of the most in-demand EVs globally right now.

Just like its rivals, the Polestar 4 will be offered with the choice of a single- or dual-motor drivetrain, each powered by a big 102kWh lithium-ion battery.

The two different combinations yield two different variants – the Long Range Single Motor and Long Range Dual Motor, the former of which will cover up to 600km on a single charge, says Polestar.

The single permanent magnet synchronous motor is mounted to the rear axle and outputs an even 200kW of power and a modest 343Nm of torque, resulting in a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h.

Most of those numbers are either doubled or halved when referring to the dual-motor powertrain because the front motor is identical to the rear, meaning the flagship Polestar 4 produces 400kW/686Nm and stops the 0-100km/h clock in 3.8 seconds, making it about as quick as the Model Y Performance.

With the extra power comes more mechanical drag, however, lowering the driving range to a still-decent 560km (WLTP), although that’s offset somewhat by the added comfort of adaptive dampers as standard.

The 400V electrical architecture of the SEA platform lurking under the Polestar 4’s slinky body means it can only be charged at up to 200kW when hooked up to a DC fast-charger, however, engineers claim that’s still enough to take the battery from five to 80 per cent of capacity in 32 minutes.

Vehicle occupants are greeted first and foremost by a new-age 15.4-inch (landscape) infotainment interface, while drivers are met with a multi-function steering wheel, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.7-inch head-up display.

Other highlights at least on some variants will include a virtual rear-view mirror, full glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, eco-friendly cabin materials, a 15-litre frunk, Pirelli P Zero tyres, Apple CarPlay, over-the-air updates, reclining rear seats, rear entertainment and HVAC controls and adjustable ambient lighting. Full specifications will be revealed closer to launch.

Being an SUV, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to find there’s 500 litres of cargo volume behind the Polestar 4’s rear seats and up to 1536L with second row folded flat.

Braked towing capacities are rated at 1500kg for the single-motor version and 2000kg for the dual-motor, but each has a tow ball limit of 100kg.

A dozen cameras, one radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors are fitted to the Polestar 4 as standard, along with a driver monitoring system featuring eye-tracking and attention warning.

“With Polestar 4 we have taken a fundamental new approach to SUV coupe design,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

“Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV, giving it a faster roofline and as a result, compromising elements like rear headroom and comfort, we have designed Polestar 4 from the ground up as a new breed of SUV coupé that celebrates rear occupant comfort and experience.”

Even more style, gear and driver aids will be available via optional Plus, Performance, Pilot and Nappa equipment packs.

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