The Polestar 4: A Bold Rear-Windowless Leap Into Electric Performance

The 2026 Polestar 4 has officially touched down in Australia, and it is arguably the most provocative vehicle in the brand's growing lineup. Positioned between the Polestar 2 sedan and the flagship Polestar 3 SUV, the "4" is a high performance SUV coupé that challenges automotive conventions most notably by completely eliminating the rear window. For 2026, Polestar has introduced key updates based on early feedback, including the return of physical steering wheel buttons to replace touch sensitive pads. Built on the premium SEA architecture, it is the fastest production Polestar to date, offering a sophisticated blend of Swedish minimalism and explosive electric power.

The Verdict: The Most Advanced "Digital" Driver's Car

The Polestar 4 is a tech-lover's dream. By removing the rear glass, designers have moved the rear header rail further back, creating a cavernous, "cocoon like" experience for rear passengers that feels more like a private jet than a car. The driver relies on a high-definition digital rear-view mirror fed by a roof-mounted camera, offering a wider field of vision than a traditional mirror ever could. It is a car that prioritises aerodynamics and interior volume without the typical compromises of a sloping coupe roofline. For those in the suburbs, it represents an avant-garde alternative to the ubiquitous Tesla Model Y.

Quick Take:

• The Hook: A windowless rear design, 0–100km/h in 3.8s, and a massive 94kWh battery.Price: From $78,500 RRP (Single Motor) to $88,350 RRP (Dual Motor).

• Key Tech: 15.4-inch landscape infotainment and a 10.2-inch driver display.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Breathtaking Performance: The Dual Motor variant delivers a staggering 400kW and 686Nm of torque.	The "No Window" Factor: Relying entirely on a camera for rear vision can take time to get used to.
Premium Cabin: High-quality sustainable materials and "solar system" inspired ambient lighting.	Option Complexity: Desirable features like the Head-Up Display are bundled in expensive packs.
Charging Speed: 200kW DC charging allows for a 10–80% top-up in just 30 minutes.	Sizeable Footprint: At over 2.1 metres wide, it can be a handful in narrow inner-city parking spots.
Physical Buttons: The MY26 update restores tactile steering wheel controls for better usability.	Limited Service Points: Servicing is handled through select Volvo/Polestar hubs.

Range & Real-World Driving: City vs. Highway

Both Australian variants utilize a substantial 94kWh (usable) battery pack, providing some of the best range figures in the premium segment.

• City Driving: The Long Range Single Motor is the efficiency champion, boasting a 620km (WLTP) range. Its rear-wheel-drive setup feels balanced and light on its feet during suburban commutes.

• Highway Driving: The Dual Motor variant prioritises grip and speed, with a range of 590km (WLTP). A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front motor when cruising to save energy. Actual Travel Distance: In real world Australian conditions, expect approximately 480km–520km of range depending on your driving style.

Interior, Infotainment & Connectivity

• Android Automotive: The 15.4-inch screen runs Google built-in, meaning Google Maps and Spotify work natively without needing a phone.

• Smartphone Integration: Features Wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.

• Rear Comfort: Because there is no rear window, the rear seats can recline electrically (with the Plus Pack), creating a truly unique lounge atmosphere.

• Luggage Capacity: Offers a flexible 526 litres of boot space with the seats up (including underfloor storage), expanding to 1,536 litres with the rear seats folded. There is also a 15-litre "frunk" for charging cables.

Safety

• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Tested 2024/2025 standards).

• Safety Features: Includes 7 airbags (including a front-centre airbag), Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction, and Head-On), Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Information System with steer assist, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and a high-definition digital rear-view mirror system.

2026 Pricing & Specifications (Australia)

Variant	Drivetrain	Range (WLTP)	0–100km/h	RRP (MSRP)*
Long Range Single Motor	RWD (200kW)	620km	7.1s	$78,500
Long Range Dual Motor	AWD (400kW)	590km	3.8s	$88,350

Buyer's Note: A base model can quickly increase in price once you start adding desirable extras. For instance, the essential Plus Pack ($8,000) adds the Head-Up Display and premium Harman Kardon audio, while the Performance Pack ($7,200) is required for the fastest chassis settings.

For more product details and specific state ORC, head to: polestar.com/au/polestar-4

• Warranty: 5 Years / Unlimited KM (8 Years / 160,000km for the battery).

• Service Intervals: 24 months / 30,000km.

• Roadside Assistance: 5 years of complimentary support.

• Special offers: Polestar Australia currently offers significant incentives for the Polestar 4, including a $10,000 customer saving on select models and special leasing rates from $249 per week. These offers are available on qualifying models ordered before June 30, 2026, alongside a $200 discount on a home charger

Who should buy it?

The Polestar 4 is for the buyer who wants a vehicle that looks and feels like it arrived from five years in the future. It is ideal for tech enthusiasts and those who appreciate architectural design. While the lack of a rear window is a talking point, the sheer performance, five-star safety, and interior "wow factor" make it a formidable rival to the German luxury establishment.