Polestar 4 US Launch: The Coupe-SUV That's Betting Against Rear Windows | Taha Abbasi

Polestar has officially launched the Polestar 4 in the United States, introducing a radical coupe-SUV that eliminates the traditional rear window in favor of a camera-based rearview system. Taha Abbasi examines whether this bold design choice represents the future of automotive design or a step too far.

The Controversial Design

The most talked-about feature of the Polestar 4 isn’t its powertrain or performance — it’s the absence of a rear window. Polestar replaced the traditional glass window with a sleek, unbroken roofline that flows into the rear, creating a dramatically different profile. In its place, a high-definition camera feeds a digital display mounted where the rearview mirror would be, providing a wider field of view than conventional rear glass.

Taha Abbasi finds the approach fascinating from an engineering perspective. “Every automaker talks about innovation, but most are too afraid to actually challenge driver expectations. Polestar is making a bet that better technology can replace something drivers have relied on for a century. That takes conviction.”

Performance and Specs

Beyond the design statement, the Polestar 4 delivers serious performance. The dual-motor variant produces over 540 horsepower, launching to 60 mph in under 3.8 seconds. Range estimates exceed 300 miles on the EPA cycle, positioning the Polestar 4 competitively against the Tesla Model Y Performance, BMW iX, and Hyundai IONIQ offerings.

The interior showcases Scandinavian minimalism with sustainable materials, including a large central display running Google’s Android Automotive infotainment system. Unlike Tesla’s proprietary software, Polestar’s Google integration means native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Play Store for apps.

Market Positioning

Polestar is positioning the 4 as a premium lifestyle vehicle — less utilitarian than a traditional SUV, more practical than a sedan. This “coupe-SUV” segment has been growing, with BMW’s X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe proving that consumers will sacrifice some practicality for style.

As Taha Abbasi notes, Polestar’s challenge is brand awareness. Despite being backed by Volvo and Geely’s manufacturing resources, Polestar remains relatively unknown outside EV enthusiast circles. The Polestar 4’s provocative design could generate the buzz the brand needs to break into mainstream consciousness.

Pricing and Value

US pricing starts around $56,300, placing the Polestar 4 in direct competition with the Tesla Model Y Long Range and Performance variants. At this price point, buyers have numerous options, and Taha Abbasi observes that Polestar must convince buyers that its design language, build quality, and driving dynamics justify the premium over Tesla’s established ecosystem advantage.

Read more: EV Road Trip Planning | Tesla Model 3 Highland Review

---

About the Author: Taha Abbasi is a technology executive, CTO, and applied frontier tech builder. Read more on Grokpedia | YouTube: The Brown Cowboy | tahaabbasi.com