Can removing this controversial feature keep Polestar alive?
Polestar’s rear window-less 4 EV will revert to a more traditional style with rear glass, as the brand looks to turn around its fortunes.
The past few years haven’t been overly kind to Polestar, the former Volvo sub-brand which has now effectively been kicked out of the US, struggles to gain traction in China, and is slugged with tariffs in Europe.
Its current model lineup consists of just three EVs, the Polestar 2 liftback, the 3 large SUV and the 4 medium SUV, the latter of which was tipped to take on the Tesla Model Y, and has indeed been the brand’s best-seller, though many believe it has been held back through the lack of a rear window.
Instead, where a rear window would usually be is just bodywork, while a camera feeds images to the rear-view mirror, a solution to a problem no one asked for.
Polestar is one step closer to fixing its mistake however, confirming the Polestar 4 SUV will launch in September, bringing with it a more traditional SUV shape, and a rear window.
An image of the 4 SUV in camouflage was leaked on Reddit after reportedly being uploaded – and then deleted – from an announcement by Polestar Norway, previewing a design which is slightly sportier than the related Volvo EX60.
The portions of the Polestar 4 SUV are more similar to a wagon than the existing model, which the brand dubs as a ‘coupe’ in the same vein as the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe.
Powertrain specifications are likely to mirror the coupe, while the Polestar 4 SUV should bring with it an extended driving range due to its sleeker shape.
It will also be Polestar’s first vehicle to be built in Busan, South Korea, with the rest of the lineup either made in China or the US (Polestar 3 only).
“Polestar 4 has quickly established itself as a favourite among our customers, and we've seen strong demand from drivers who want distinctive design and performance combined with great practicality,” said CEO Michael Lohscheller.
“With Polestar 4 SUV, we're building on that success by offering even more versatility, while staying true to the Polestar 4 character. Wrapped in a stunning design, this is a car I've been looking forward to sharing with the world.”
As reported earlier this year, the 4 is a part of Polestar’s plan to refresh and expand its lineup in the next few years, with a new 2, the 5 grand tourer, and the 7 small SUV all due to launch by 2028.
Jordan Mulach
