2026 Polestar 4 Performance Review: A Zen EV Masterpiece Unleashed

The unique look Polestar gave the Polestar 4 is no accident, redefining a segment in the process. Is it a hatchback? Is it an SUV? Is it a coupé? Is it a supercar? Yes.

You almost forget the EV drivetrain because for years being electric meant being frumpy. The thoroughly unlovable Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model Y and Model 3 do nothing to make the EV aura shine. Instead, Tesla polarises opinion, attracting more than its fair share of bad press with owners reporting vandalism and abuse.

Polestar 2 started the EV line-up prior to the split from Geely’s Volvo. While Polestar 4 is on a fresh platform also worn under Lynk & Co Z10, Ji Yue 01 and 07, Volvo EM90 and Zeekr 001 and 009’s frocks, Polestar 4 wears it with a dash more panache. Polestar’s light is further enhanced by an umbilical that still binds the brand inextricably to Volvo, long held as a chic yet ferociously safe choice over many decades for those wanting quality and innovation.

I recall my experience during the drive experience this time last year. Both drives left a faint feeling that something was not quite right. While generally fabulous, the bongs and gongs were off-putting and the steering control was wayward at times when it really ought not to have been. This time was a different glass of Aquavit altogether.

The gongs had been banished and steering was altogether more cooperative. The suspension is adjustable but has been fettled and is now compliant without the washing-machine sensation over repeated undulations. Large speed bumps were once the cause of sea-sickness but are now just a minor inconvenience.

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ABOVE: Polestar 4

Specification	Long Range Single Motor	Long Range Dual Motor	Tesla Model Y (RWD)
Price (MRLP)	$78,500	$88,350	$55,900
Battery (Usable)	94.0 kWh	94.0 kWh	57.5 kWh
Range (WLTP)	620 km	590 km	455 km
Power / Torque	200 kW / 343 Nm	400 kW / 686 Nm	220 kW / 350 Nm
0–100 km/h	7.1 Seconds	3.8 Seconds	6.9 Seconds
Max DC Charging	200 kW	200 kW	170 kW
Wheelbase	2,999 mm	2,999 mm	2,890 mm
Boot (Rear/Max)	526 L / 1,536 L	526 L / 1,536 L	854 L / 2,158 L
Panache Level	Supreme	Supercar Territory	Limp Leftovers

Steering wheel touch-sliders have been replaced with proper buttons so no more brushes with changing radio stations during spirited cornering. 400v architecture still limits fast charging to 200kW DC, but left to gently suck down AC electrons overnight at no more than 1.1kW, it hardly makes a difference. Like the sudden realisation that having home charging transforms the lives of PHEV owners, a garage socket for EV drivers is a similar “road to Damascus” moment.

EVs continue to be flummoxed by the whims of public charging policy but let’s not forget that EVs were among the very first to hit those early roads. Cars with petrol engines had to be replenished with cans of juice purchased from chemists—yes, chemists. Petrol powered vehicles may be able to top up quicker, but they can’t top up at home.

Also at home, EV drivers can get updates from HQ. Sure, ICE cars have that in some cases too, but only EVs will get increased range and faster charging capabilities among other modern marvels. While the 2026 updates have been subtle, the steering wheel buttons made life much easier.

The electrochromic roof is a revelation. The smart glass becomes translucent at the touch of a (virtual) button. Although almost clear when switched, the translucent mode significantly cuts heat as well as light and is probably the most useful gadget ever offered, even at a pricey $2,200.

We were also treated to 1,340 watts of sound, heated and cooled seats that also gently rub your nub in the nicest possible way, and gorgeous gold seatbelts and brake callipers. It also brings the luxury of naturally treated Nappa leather that is the byproduct of meat production rather than being ripped from a discarded carcass then treated with carcinogenic toxins.

Remember all Polestars make use of blockchain thingies to ensure only the most environmentally sensitive products are used. The CO2 is also tracked from cradle to grave, and many of the fixtures and fittings are made with the same ingredients meaning recycling is done more easily.

Before we move to the rear seat we must mention the utterly unfathomable placement of the micro-SD slot for the dashcam. You have to open the glovebox (with a virtual button), reach for the upper surface searching for a tiny indentation with a rubber cover on its back edge. You then have to open the rubber with one hand and insert the SD with the other all by feel.

You might think the rear seat is a bit of a mausoleum but not a bit of it. The deletion of the rear window is countered by the electronic driver mirror (which is also auto-dimming for some strange reason). The smart glass roof floods the back seat passengers in an eerie twilight and the almost 3-metre wheelbase gives enough legroom for a truly regal club-lounge transit, aided by a mini infotainment screen for climate and audio excellence. Unlike almost every other GT 4-door coupé, the removal of the rear window allowed the support beam to be moved rearward making headroom astounding. Even the biggest beehive do could be accommodated with room to spare.

Finally, the Polestar 4 gives an insight into a future where driving means comfort, economy and luxury where the environment is a consideration rather than an inconvenience.

#Polestar4, #EVPerformance, #ZenMasterpiece, #ElectricLuxury, #SustainableStyle, #VolvoPedigree, #CarReview2026, #ScandiDesign, #ElectricSUV, #FutureMobility

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