Design review Polestar 4: ‘Detailed down to the last detail and a deserved design prize winner’

The fastback Polestar 4 is a special design on many different levels. This is one of the first passenger cars without a rear window. Obviously that is a newsworthy fact, but the why behind this choice is much more interesting. During the development of the 4, a strong focus was placed on the rear passengers. Headroom for the people in the rear seats was a high priority. But unfortunately a beautiful roofline and people in the back don’t go well together. Think of the horrible first generation Porsche Panamera, where the forced roofline, which had to provide sufficient headroom for tall Germans, ruined the entire design.

How is it possible that the so strongly drawn roofline on the Polestar 4 is possible? Especially because there is much more space available than in the above-mentioned Panamera? Well, because Polestar designers have lowered the structure, the placement of the crossbar that is normally located above the rear window. Actually in the middle of the rear window. Since visibility in the rearview mirror through that beam would have been suboptimal at best, the window made way for a digital mirror, using a rear camera. You can read how this works out in practice in this test that we made with the Polestar 4. To create a proportionately strong whole with a lot of character, the required roof space was further extracted from a glass roof, which is much thinner and also provides a pleasant experience for the occupants, compared to a regular closed roof.

The very spacious rear seat, which was created partly thanks to the long wheelbase and the relocated cross beam, has unprecedented headroom in combination with a beautiful roofline. The side view is very balanced, proportionally strong and overflowing with character.

Headlights with a Dual Blade shape are located at the front. The daytime running lights are housed in the blades. Below it is the actual headlight, as we see more often these days.

Furthermore, the illuminated logo on the nose is worth seeing. This element looks just as refined as the entire design of the 4. Not the entire emblem is flashily illuminated, as the German competition does. No, a halo effect has been applied much more subtly. The outside of the logo, actually the thickness of the emblem, has signature lighting. The finish of the logo in body color – again surprisingly without fake chrome – remains unique for Polestar in paint color, while an illuminated logo has been applied.

Everything about Polestar 4 has practical significance

While the competition that builds premium electric cars sees a lot of tinsel chrome and fake grilles, at Polestar everything has a practical meaning that goes beyond just the search for pure beauty. In addition to the pure, elegant and futuristic style, Polestar designs also demonstrate care for the planet and sustainability. The design team has found a distinctive and compelling personality within the premium electrified car market, thanks to a consistent and attractive design language.

The Car Design News awards are presented by a panel of leading automotive designers and are one of the most prestigious design awards in the industry. It is clear that Polestar takes a less obvious, more intellectual approach. The Polestar 4 has therefore become truly distinctive. This is a statement of intent for making cars better, not just styling yet another one. The 4 has rightly been awarded, it is a very tasteful design that has been thought through down to the finest detail.