Polestar brings its distinctive design language to the global market with the Polestar 4 SUV, launching September 2 in international markets. The coupe-SUV arrives with a controversial rear window after years of debate over the model's frameless design approach.
American buyers face a timing problem. The 4 launches just after the 2027 model year cutoff for U.S. dealer ordering, pushing American availability into 2028 at the earliest. This delay leaves a gap in Polestar's lineup stateside, where the brand currently offers the 2 and 3 sedans.
The Polestar 4 follows the coupe-SUV formula popularized by BMW's X6 and Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe. The wagon-like profile slopes downward toward the rear, and Polestar has settled on including an actual rear window rather than the all-glass fastback originally proposed. This concession addresses both structural concerns and market feedback about traditional rear visibility.
Polestar positions the 4 as a lifestyle choice for buyers rejecting boxy SUV conventions. The car sits on Volvo's modular platform shared with the XC90 and other flagships. Dual electric motors and a 111-kWh battery pack power global versions, though U.S. specifications remain unconfirmed.
The timing misstep reflects broader challenges for emerging EV brands. Polestar competes directly against Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV70 Electrified, and the incoming BMW iX M60. All three offer established dealer networks and proven reliability records. Polestar's late 2028 arrival gives competitors another year to lock in customers shopping for premium electric SUVs.
The Polestar 3, which launched in America first, established the brand