Polestar 4: A Scandinavian Masterpiece in Big Electric SUV

Введение：

The automotive world has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years as traditional car manufacturers embrace electric mobility. Polestar, once renowned as Volvo’s official performance brand, has taken an unexpected turn by venturing into the world of pure electric vehicles. With the introduction of the Polestar 4, the brand aims to make a significant impact on the mid-to-big size electric SUV market. The Volvo will combine Scandinavian design principles with a commitment to sustainability.

A Shift Towards Mass Appeal

Polestar’s earlier models, the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2, emphasized sportiness and performance, but their high price tags and niche positioning limited their sales potential. The Polestar 4, on the other hand, represents a shift towards the mass market. By offering more interior space and a competitive price point, Polestar aims to attract a wider range of consumers.

Bringing Concept to Reality

One of the standout features of the Polestar 4 is its incorporation of elements from the Polestar Precept concept car. This includes the evolution of the rear window design, creating an immersive experience for rear passengers. The distinctive split-blade headlights provide precise illumination and complement the backlit Polestar badge on the front.

Exterior Elegance

Measuring 4845mm in length, 1994mm in width, and 1544mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2999mm, the Polestar 4 falls into the mid-to-big size SUV category. However, its design leans more towards the crossover segment rather than traditional SUV styling. The sleek rear design, accentuated by a black side strip, enhances the vehicle’s visual length. The front headlights, adopting an “L” shape, depart from Volvo’s iconic “Thor’s Hammer” style but maintain harmony with the Polestar emblem. Details like frameless doors, concealed door handles, and frameless side mirrors contribute to the overall clean and streamlined appearance.

Embracing Innovation: The Glass Roof

One of the most innovative features of the Polestar 4 is its distinctive rear window design. It has also another nickname as the “Vollrab” rear windshield. In this design, the rear windshield is entirely removed, and a high-definition camera replaces the rearview mirror to provide rear visibility. According to Polestar’s designers, this design simplifies the rear end, making it visually striking and drawing attention to the continuous taillights.

Spacious Scandinavian Interior

The interior of the Polestar 4 continues the brand’s tradition of minimalistic Scandinavian design. Much like IKEA furniture, which favors muted colors like white and gray, the Polestar 4’s interior adopts a similar approach. A unified center console separates the driver and passenger areas, while low-saturation interior materials exude a distinct Nordic ambiance.

The three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel offers excellent grip, and the 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster boasts a resolution of 1920×532 pixels, providing crisp visuals. In the center console, you’ll find a 15.4-inch touchscreen powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and running the Flyme Auto operating system, known for its user-friendly interface. Notably, Polestar 4 supports Apple CarPlay, a rarity among self-developed infotainment systems. In terms of audio, while the optional Harman/Kardon sound system performs adequately, it falls slightly short of the Bowers & Wilkins system found in Polestar 1 and Volvo S90 models.

Comfort and Convenience

When it comes to comfort, the Polestar 4 offers an available Nappa leather seat package that includes ventilated and massage functions for the front seats. Standard features include heated steering and heated rear seats, ensuring passenger comfort in various climates. The adjustable ambient lighting in the form of a starry sky halo allows for customized cabin atmospheres.

A Healthy Environment

Polestar prioritizes environmental health by using sustainable materials throughout the interior. Materials like Tailored Knit fabric, made from 100% recycled PET. It contributes to a lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) level. It also ensures that the cabin is safe even for sensitive individuals, including babies. The Polestar 4 also includes a Cabin Cleanse system, which monitors and filters the interior air quality in real-time, reminiscent of the pristine air quality in Nordic forests.

Power Choices

The Polestar 4 offers two powertrain options. The single-motor version boasts a rear-mounted motor with a total output of 200 kW (272 hp) and a peak torque of 343 Nm. In contrast, the top-tier dual-motor long-range PLUS version delivers a remarkable 400 kW (544 hp) of combined power and 686 Nm of torque. The official 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 3.8 seconds is impressive. Although in everyday driving, the vehicle exhibits a more relaxed responsiveness.

Charging and Efficiency

In terms of charging efficiency, the Polestar 4 lags slightly behind the mainstream market, offering a fast-charging rate of 200 kW. While this can boost the battery from 30% to 80% in around 32 minutes, the current market trend leans towards 600 kW or even 800 kW fast-charging capabilities. Polestar may need to catch up in this regard to remain competitive.

Handling and Dynamics

The Polestar 4’s handling may surprise some drivers. The Polestar 4 doesn’t significantly differentiate itself from competitors in daily road driving and congested traffic conditions. The steering is on the heavier side, which may pose some inconvenience, particularly during parking maneuvers. However, it’s worth noting that the Polestar 4 aims to provide a sense of stability akin to traditional luxury vehicles.

Ample Passenger Space

In terms of passenger space, the Polestar 4 offers a noticeable improvement over the Polestar 2, particularly in rear legroom. The sloping roofline limits rear headroom, but the standard panoramic glass roof increases the cabin’s brightness, alleviating any feelings of confinement. The cabin layout features typical storage options, but the storage bin’s capacity is moderate, and it lacks dividers for better organization. The rear cargo area is well-organized, with additional storage space beneath the left side and under the cargo floor, enhancing practicality. The cargo capacity starts at 526 liters and expands to 1536 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

Safety and Technology

Polestar 4 offers a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. In terms of active safety, the brand collaborates with leading autonomous driving technology provider Mobileye to implement advanced driver-assistance systems. The Polestar Navigation Pilot intelligent driving package is built on the Mobileye SuperVision™ advanced driver-assistance system, equipped with 25 sensing units, including 12 cameras, a long-range millimeter-wave radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The system also includes a driver monitoring camera to detect driver eye and head movements, enhancing safety by preventing accidents related to fatigue or incapacitation.

Advanced Infotainment

The vehicle comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster that displays essential information such as speed, battery status, and range. When the driving assistance system is active, this screen can simulate a virtual environment, displaying other road participants, current driving assistance functions, and navigation information. To minimize driver distraction, the Polestar 4 has equipped with a 14.7-inch W-HUD (Wide Head-Up Display). That HUD projects calls, navigation, and vital vehicle information onto the windshield. It is to ensure that the driver’s attention remains focused. The intelligent “Snow Mode” of the W-HUD system enhances text visibility in snowy conditions by changing the text display color from white to yellow.

Highways of Autonomy

In the Chinese market, the Polestar 4’s enhanced driver-assistance package includes the NPA (Navigation Pilot Assist) high-speed autonomous navigation feature. This feature is capable of automatically changing lanes on specific highways, providing additional support to the driver. Furthermore, the system guides the vehicle onto and off highways based on the preset route.

As Polestar continues to evolve and refine its offerings, the Polestar 4 serves as an emblematic representation of the brand’s vision for the future of mobility. With its innovative design elements, spacious interior, and commitment to sustainability, the Polestar 4 stands out in the competitive mid-to-big size electric SUV segment. Remember, driving the future starts with a single step, or in this case, a test drive of the Polestar 4.

Conclusion:

In a rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, the Polestar 4 has emerged as a compelling choice in the mid-to-big size SUV segment. Its blend of elegant Scandinavian design, spacious and sustainable interiors, and robust technology make it a worthy contender. Whether you prioritize performance, sustainability, or both, the Polestar 4 offers a refreshing perspective on electric mobility. As Polestar continues to innovate, the Polestar 4 is a testament to their commitment to shaping the future of transportation. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable SUV and be part of the electric revolution.

Polestar 4 Specification Table:

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Polestar 4 Production Starts In China, International Sales In 2024
Polestar 4 production kicks off in China