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By Jonathan Crouch

The Polestar 4 brings something different to the premium section of the EV Coupe-SUV market. Jonathan Crouch drives the top Dual motor Performance version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 20

The Polestar 4 claims to be a really creditably dynamic mid-sized EV. Particularly in this top Dual motor Performance form.

Backgroundword count: 82

For this test, we're going to get a bit beyond all the mild controversy surrounding the lack of a rear window in the Polestar 4. And concentrate on how creditable its dynamic aspirations really are. We didn't feel those too keenly in the Rear motor version we first tried. But the AWD Dual motor variant seems a more promising prospect with its adaptive suspension. And a Dual motor version fitted with the brand's optional Performance Pack ought to be better still ...

Driving Experienceword count: 332

This top Performance version of the Dual motor Polestar 4 doesn't actually come with any more power; but then, with 536bhp and 686Nm of torque already on offer from the standard Dual motor model, it doesn't really need it. what it does get is a package of 'Polestar Engineered chassis tuning', which also includes bigger Brembo brakes. Add this to the chassis, suspension and steering updates visited upon the Polestar 4 as part of a general update in Summer 2026 and what you should have is a much more agile, rewarding kind of Coupe-SUV. Adaptive damoping is standard and there's no doubt that this Polestar hides its prodigious 2,230kg kerb weight exceptionally well on twistier roads at speed. The 62mph sprint time takes just 3.8s, without too much cost to EV range - a class-respectable 367 miles. Maximum speed is limited to a quite un-EV-like 124mph. As for drive impressions, well we'll start with this Polestar's party piece first; you might wonder how you're going to adjust to manoeuvring about a car without a rear window. It actually doesn't take long at all. You won't want to stare at the 8.9-inch digital rear view mirror you get instead for very long, but then you shouldn't be anyway and it works well - with a 121-degree field of view. It can pan left and right when indicating, you can adjust the display's brightness and view to make it look reasonably natural and there's a standard surround view camera system for tight car parks. The brakes feel natural too, which isn't always a given in a segment where rivals often struggle to combine regen force with friction retardation. Two screen-selectable 'One Pedal Drive' brake regen options are offered, 'low' and stronger 'standard', which are all you really need. There are three steering weight options too but Polestar doesn't think you need any fake drivetrain sound effects. Unlike on the rear-driven version, you get drive modes - 'Range' and 'Performance' settings, plus Launch Control too.

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