2026 Polestar 4 Review: Brilliant Performance, But Can You Live Without a Rear Window?
The 2026 Polestar 4 is an electric crossover that makes a statement. It’s fast, stylish, and packed with tech. But its most talked-about feature is one that’s missing: a rear window. This single design choice defines the car, for better and for worse.
The Quick Verdict
The Polestar 4 is a fantastic electric car that delivers on style, performance, and interior quality. The Dual-Motor version is blisteringly quick, and the cabin is a quiet, comfortable place to be. However, its reliance on a digital rearview mirror and a massive touchscreen for nearly all controls won't be for everyone. It’s a car that forces you to adapt, rewarding you with a unique experience if you’re willing to make the trade-offs.
The Elephant in the Room: No Rear Window
Let's address it head-on. Polestar deleted the rear window, replacing it with a high-definition screen that displays a live feed from a roof-mounted camera. The company claims this provides a wider, unobstructed field of view. In practice, it’s a mixed bag.
Living with a Digital Rearview Mirror
During nighttime driving, the system is brilliant, eliminating headlight glare from trailing cars. However, your eyes need to refocus from the road to a screen, which can take some getting used to. It also renders the classic "glance in the mirror to check on the kids" obsolete, though you can flip a switch to turn the screen into a conventional mirror to see the back seat. The biggest potential issue is weather; road grime or snow can obscure the camera lens, a problem a traditional window with a wiper doesn't have.
Performance: A Supercar in Crossover Clothing
While the base single-motor model is perfectly adequate, the Dual-Motor all-wheel-drive variant is the star of the show. With a combined 544 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque, it's the quickest vehicle in Polestar's lineup.
- MPH: A blistering 3.7 seconds.
- Power: 544 hp (400 kW) and 506 lb-ft of torque.
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive with a rear-wheel bias.
This level of acceleration is genuinely thrilling, pushing you back in your seat and rivaling dedicated sports cars. Despite its considerable weight, the Polestar 4 handles with composure, and the steering is impressively sharp and well-weighted.
Range, Battery, and Charging
All Polestar 4 models come equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack. Range varies depending on the powertrain.
| Model | EPA-Estimated Range | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Long Range Single-Motor | Up to 300 miles | 272 hp, RWD |
| Long Range Dual-Motor | Up to 272 miles | 544 hp, AWD |
When it's time to recharge, the Polestar 4 supports DC fast-charging up to 200 kW, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions. For home charging, it comes with an 11 kW onboard AC charger, with a 22 kW upgrade available.
Inside the Cabin: Minimalist Luxury and Tech Overload
The interior is a highlight, featuring a clean, minimalist Scandinavian design and high-quality materials. It’s exceptionally quiet and refined, with a spacious back seat that benefits from the extra headroom created by removing the rear window structure.
However, the minimalism comes at a cost. Nearly every function, from adjusting the mirrors to opening the glove box, is controlled through the massive 15.4-inch central touchscreen. While the Google-based infotainment system is responsive, this screen-centric approach can be distracting for simple tasks that would be easier with physical buttons.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Stunning and distinctive exterior design
- Incredible acceleration in the Dual-Motor model.
- Quiet, high-quality, and spacious interior.
- Sharp handling and a comfortable ride.
What We Don't
- The lack of a rear window is a major adjustment.
- Over-reliance on the touchscreen for basic controls.
- Digital mirror can be affected by weather.
- Average range and charging speeds compared to some rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Polestar 4's lack of a rear window safe?
The car is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a high-definition digital mirror and a 360-degree camera system. While it meets safety standards, personal comfort and adjustment time will vary. The main concern is potential camera obstruction from dirt or weather.
How fast is the 2026 Polestar 4?
The Long Range Dual-Motor model is the fastest Polestar to date, capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The single-motor version does the same sprint in a more modest 6.9 seconds.
What is the range of the Polestar 4?
The single-motor RWD model has an EPA-estimated range of up to 300 miles. The more powerful dual-motor AWD model has an estimated range of 272 miles.
How much does the 2026 Polestar 4 cost?
The 2026 Polestar 4 starts at $54,900 for the Long-Range Single-Motor model. The Long-Range Dual-Motor variant begins at $62,900, before options and destination fees.
