Last week, I went to Austin, TX to drive the latest from Polestar. The Polestar 4 is finally for sale here in the USA, and from what I saw, it holds a few distinct edges over the competition. Of course, I mean Tesla. Let’s unpack.
What’s The Polestar 4 For, Anyway?
Unlike most automakers, that use their naming conventions and the corresponding numbers to indicate the vehicle’s capabilities or level of luxury, Polestar’s naming is sequential. Thus, this is the company’s fourth vehicle. With the Polestar 1 no longer for sale (moment of silence for that elusive beauty), the 4 is one of three.
In terms of stats, the Polestar 4 is:
- Longer than Polestar 2, Shorter than Polestar 3
- Higher than Polestar 2, Lower than Polestar 3
- Priced between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 (the Polestar 4 starts at $ 56,400 USD)
- And with a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds, the Polestar 4 is Polestar’s fastest car currently in production
- Note: the upcoming Polestar 5 will be even quicker!
What’s New In The Polestar 4?
Here are the three things that Polestar has pulled off that will give it an edge over the Empire of Elon:
#1 Google Live Lane Guidance
As of today, Polestar is the first automaker to integrate Google Maps’ new live lane guidance into its vehicles. The guidance appears on the driver’s display and uses the car’s front-facing camera to read road signs and street markings, then analyzes them with Google’s AI to direct the driver.
#2. A Mirrorless Rear View
The Polestar 4 is the first vehicle to lose a rear window and replace it with a camera for rear vision. I KNOW THIS SOUNDS TERRIFYING. Hear me out: This technology is not new to transportation. Large rigs, tractor/trailers have been using this technology to see what’s not easily visible for a long time now. The camera? Placed in the spot reportedly the cleanest — the top rear of the vehicle, the display is insanely clear.
When I first experienced it, I started with a “God no” attitude. Three minutes later, I forgot it wasn’t a mirror. Will it work for you? Dunno. How big is your phone font? JK, but not really.
#3. Control Animations
I know this sounds basic, but imagine scrolling through your EV’s endless options. You may get some pictures (great), some additional words (nice), but if you’re driving, impatient, or in a hurry, you know what would be even better? A little animation.
Isn’t this a bit cooler?
I Got The Inside Scoop From Polestar’s Art Director!
Watch The Video Here:
Plus, There’s Gold!
So much for Scandinavian restraint. This new metal-inspired tone is a bit bolder than we are used to and thus I’m dying to see it! Sadly, they did not have one on display in Texas.
Yeah, But What About Those Updates?
I’ve heard from many of you, Polestar owners who love your vehicles but are less satisfied with the pace and frequency of software updates. A tech dude told me they are continuing to enhance their software and that we can expect regular updates. Will it be at a Tesla-like pace? That’s less likely. But who wants to drive one of those anyway?