Polestar 4 - No looking back.....

Polestar's model assault gathers pace with this, the 4, which is actually smaller than the recently reviewed 3. But it is a car that the company have thrown the rulebook away on, as despite adding a lot of technology, they have removed one rather large thing - the rear window. So how does Polestar's sportiest offering behave here on UK roads? Time to fond out by putting the car through the road test that actual ar buyers trust when it comes to choosing their next electric car - the AutoEV one.
AutoEV - all electric, all independent.
0:00 - Introduction
01:07 - Titles
01:14 - Meet the car
05:36 - Styling
15:39 - Practicality
24:31 - Interior
37:05 - Usability
38:29 - Performance & Handling
48:29 - Pricing
49:04- Competition
50:35 - Pros & Cons
51:29 - Summary
#polestar4 #polestar #newelectriccar #porschemacan #teslamodely #electriccarreview

[@bobsingeton2719]

Obviously I would need to drive one first, but based on this and other reviews, I'd have one if I could afford one. No rear window doesn't bother me... having driven box vans as a roadie in my younger years they didn't have rear windows either! If the camera that feeds the "rear view mirror" has a wider field of view and is hi-def, surely that's a plus not a minus? Like the looks. Like the interior space. As you say, only down side is the over-reliance on menus and the screen to do simple tasks like adjusting the air vents

[@milesyounghamilton]

Can’t agree more about the rear mirror. Most cars have a pigeon hole view that you can barely see out of

[@davidhunternyc1]

... but a car isn't a box van. A car is a car. There is no need to delete the rear window. The "rear view mirror" with the wide field of view can still be installed. What happens when the rear view mirror fails? Then what? All the wires, chips, and computers don't magically work all time and forever. The rear window delete is a solution searching for a problem. This car is a failure.

[@markwarner274]

Single RWD on order due October. This reaffirms my decision. The best EV auto reviews on YT

[@AutoEV]

What a lovely comment, thank you very much. Glad you found it helpful in confirming you’ve made the right decision! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Kellric7]

After having an I-Pace and now a kia EV6 GT, this could be my next one, I love it. Only downside for me is that it’s a really big car, can be difficult to maneuver in carparks. But maybe I’ll have to keep my EV6 as EV’s depreciate so much… Anyway love the car, the review but even more your lovely dog ;)

[@jiikoo2000]

I am driving Volvo C40 and it practically doesn’t have rear window at least you can’t see anything from rear view mirror. Excellent side mirrors is just enough added to that there are 360 cameras. Blind spot warning and cross traffic alerts is really enough. So I don’t need rear window. Vans have been driven without rear windows for years.

[@soccerhaus1542]

I’ve got mine on order for November here in the US. Absolutely can’t wait for the test drive.

[@AutoEV]

Enjoy it. Good car you have bought.

[@AaronRandolphChen]

I love the way Finley looks at you while you are talking and appears to nod in agreement with your proclamations. Perhaps you should invite Finley more often. Would be interesting to hear his views on the Polestar 4. Cheers!

[@AutoEV]

Trained him well......

[@thomaswestin9987]

Great review, and I also like that you bring up the sustainability of the car, which no other brand does as good as Polestar

[@brett2908]

Thanks for the review. I've a Sgle Motor on order due Oct in Australia. Was second guessing but now feel happy with my choice.

[@AutoEV]

Enjoy it. I think the single motor could be the one to have in fairness.

[@achimmentzel5656]

Thank you for this detailed reviewed.

[@AutoEV]

No problem 👍

[@robinhoward6447]

Great review Bryan, thank you. The dog was very well behaved too!

[@AutoEV]

He’s not a bad filming partner to be fair. Never hogs the camera…..! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@thomaseriksson3182]

Thanks !👍 Like it in black rwd standard layout-no options for me 😊

[@Ghent2007]

UNBELIEVABLE! THE BACKSEATS ARE SO SPACIOUS!!!

[@AutoEV]

Oh they really are!

[@nickolassnielsen]

remember the cars lenght 4,84m

[@alexhaddock4554]

Really like it but don’t think putting muddy dogs in that boot would be an option so will have to tap out

[@jayem8981]

Love this car. Have a P2 myself and will definitely consider upgrading to this eventually. My only concern is that carrying a dog in the hatch is likely not possible due to the roofline/lack of rear window. This is where the Macan would have the advantage.

[@AutoEV]

I agree. The space is there, but the lack of window restricts it, and wouldn't be great for the pooch.

[@JWP2Launch]

There is a flap for the dog to look into the car, saw that on another review

[@thomaswestin9987]

Maybe you can install a led- display and grab the camera feed for your dog :)

[@sdfessexselfdefence4508]

Love the car, Brilliant review Brian as always thank you, will you be reviewing the dual motor?

[@AutoEV]

Thank you very much. I have driven teh dual motor car, and will probably do a review on it later in the year when the cars hit the UK press fleet.

[@clivew772]

It’s beautifully designed and evidently good to drive and travel in. And I might well have bought one. But I’m concerned about all the delays: at the Bicester launch event in April, there were supposed to be test drives available in June. Now it’s July and there are only LHD pre-production cars that are still getting software tweaks in response to reviewers’ comments. UK customer deliveries ‘at the end of 2024’? Maybe, but I bought a BMW instead. I really want Polestar to succeed. The designs are fantastic and the sustainability ethos is exactly right. But they have to show that they can get products to market, and give customers the confidence that those products will be supported over a long service life. I don’t feel enough of that confidence yet.

[@richardp965]

Great in-depth review! Thanks! Any feedback on the read-view camera in the rain and/or night?

[@AutoEV]

The camera works well at night as it dazzles less due to the screen and sensor used. They tested it in the Arctic circle for bad weather with Gentex (the company who makes the camera) and it has proven to be better than a mirror in low light and low temperatures where moisture is present. But obviously it will take real world use to truly see how it fares.

[@coldfire30]

After turning my head and looking out of the rear window for about 30 years, i really had to get used to use a rear view camera some years ago. Now i would not miss a rear window anymore, long ago since i really turned my head to look out of this window.

[@meanderingpilgrim]

No amount of mental gymnastics is going yo make this a sports UTILITY vehicle. Manufacturers are playing a bit fast a loose with these descriptions. Not that it really matters it’s just semantics. I appreciate little things like storage up front, if you are doing a road trip with a full boot it is always nice to have an easy access storage spot for charging cables. I like the styling , but like others have mentioned it is a little on the pricey side compared to competitors.

[@EspenJohan]

The Polestar 4 is a beautiful car.

[@paulhammond5599]

How is the rear view camera at night as with some they are not very good.

[@TonyGoff-Yu]

Great review. How did it feel on those narrow roads? It seems quite wide, or a non issue once you drive it?

[@davidpearn5925]

He seemed to need more than his fair share.

[@AutoEV]

Always tricky in a LHD car through those narrow villages, but I drove it in Spain last month and you don’t notice the size of it.

[@grantrandall1674]

Having looked for any EVs to improve on Kia's EV6, I had my eye on the polestar 4. Having seen your review on the EV6 you were equally impressed by that car over a year over a year ago. Given that a similarly specified polestar 4 is 10+ grand more than the EV6. I can't see how this is any better especially when you bear in mind that the single motor pole star 4 can only tow 1500 kilos whereas the EV6 RWD and AWD can both tow 1600 kilos. I love to know how Auto EV stack piece 2 against each other! I want to tow up to 1600 kilos, there's not much to compete with the EV6! It may be the EV6 refresh that I end up buying this winter!

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

Looks like an iPace with new headlights

[@Stondarr]

Where is the hazard lights control. That should be a physical button I think? Great video, I enjoyed it a lot!

[@CryptoDave]

Maybe I missed it, but how is the efficiency?

[@michaellord2844]

Need to see more Finley! Good to see 'animal mode' and I like the looks personally. Lots of competition in this segment of the market, but can see it holding its own, cant see anyone taking an IPace over this, different generation of tech and cheaper...

[@rosshunter9053]

I think you have convinced Finley to buy one, he was taking in everything you said. My two dogs slept right through your presentation, sorry. I enjoyed it though, pity it’s way out of my price range.

[@juliankamasa4013]

What about the width of the car, is it a critical issue or is that issue mitigated by great maneuvrability? How do you see the turning circle of the 4? In the Polestar 2, the turning circle isn't great, but the car is at least of normal width.

[@AutoEV]

I didn't find it too bad, considering I was driving an LHD car in the UK. As for the turning circle, I didn't try it so can't say with any authority how good/bad it was

[@ellisrochlin2267]

Handsome hatcback , but the popular choice is still a suv with lofty seat heights .

[@RichardHilditch]

I test-drove an EV car that had a switchable digital rear view mirror last year, the Subaru Solterra. I straight away realised that because I wear varifocal glassed I would need to look through the bottom of my glasses to focus on the digital mirror and so look above the mirror, of course with a glass mirror the focus is to infinity and I use the top of the glasses. Since I only had 10 minutes with the car I gave up on the digital mirror. Brian, I see that you wear glasses, are they varifocal? Did you find that you could overcome this? A possible (radical) option would be to have the rear view "mirror/camera" someone on the dashboard so you are looking down to overcome this issue.

[@izo77]

Electronic rear-view mirrors are not a problem, if calibrated properly. I did appreciate the one in the Honda e, even if it can sometimes give you discomfort before your brain gets used to it. However, the Honda e has a rear-window, so you can use the camera or the normal mirror. Which brings us to the big question mark: what happens if the camera in the rear of the PS4 is damaged, or worse, malfunctions while you are driving? That is my problem with Polestar in general. I do like the brand and I was considering buying the PS2 when it came out. What stopped me was the lack of infrastructure for maintenance and repair. Polestar has only showrooms and no workshops. If something goes wrong, you are supposed to go to a Volvo dealer, if Polestar has a partnership with one near you. However, the Volvo personnel knows very little of Polestar. Moreover, since the two brands have split up, I am not even sure Volvo will still accept maintenance or repair on a Polestar.

[@Molishious]

Haven’t met a rear mirror camera that I’ve liked. Requires your eyes to adjust each time. Might get used to it but on this car if you find the mirror is a problem you are stuck. Too expensive a gamble for me.

[@davidpearn5925]

Interesting. (Deep breaths included).

[@cbotten106]

Looks nice and more like a wagon/hatchback than SUV

[@thomaswestin9987]

yeah but the space inside is more like a SUV, so you get lot of space with a smaller environmental footprint

[@lordfluxington]

This shape to me looks like a hybrid of a hatch and an estate.

[@AutoEV]

It’s a weird one to pigeon hole for sure. That’s why I reference the Jaguar I-Pace, because that’s the closest I can come to a most direct comparison.

[@spl1011]

Looks firm and bouncy. This is something I despise of the Polestar 2 with the standard suspension.

[@AutoEV]

The Single Motor car I drive here is on passive dampers which, having driven the Dual Motor car, was a bit better albeit it’s in the firm side of average. Think BMW MSport versus SE model and that’s how the Polestar 4 rides. Would’ve been good to have had longer with the car, but time constraints meant I didn’t, and although I drove the car in Spain on the Polestar 3 launch, it wasn’t the final specification on the chassis, so would be unfair to have used that video (as many have done). It isn’t as firm as my long term BMW iX2, but I wouldn’t say the ride quality was its best asset. I’d wait to try it for yourself before passing judgement.

[@milesyounghamilton]

@@AutoEVhow does it compare to P2 and P4? I have a P2 with 19” wheels and would like a softer ride. I have heard very good things about the P4, is this in between?

[@kelRGo]

I think the real reason that they are having different handles isn’t because they’re doing something different. It’s because they’re pulling from different Geely brands in their Chinese conglomerate. The underpinnings of these vehicles are being pulled from different Chinese products and they’re slapping a polestar badge on it. That’s what’s happening. 😮😮😮

[@AutoEV]

Not exactly. Some components will obviously be shared, but Polestar isn’t pains to point out that its designs are all theirs and come from their Swedish design department. I’ve interviewed their head of Design and he is adamant that the company must be their own masters, as does their CEO, who happens to be an ex-car designer. This is a very different company to a lot of legacy car brands.

[@davidpearn5925]

I like our cluttered BYD Seal.

[@JetsetDruid]

Agreed, putting too many controls in the infotainment screen is a step back ergonomically

[@AutoEV]

It is quite infuriating, I have to say. It's nice and easy to see at a glance and use, but too many controls in the screen isn't a great safety feature in my book.

[@ellisrochlin2267]

Saloon shape isnt trending when it comes to a family carriage

[@justininfrance]

Every Polestar 4 should come with a Findlay.

[@AutoEV]

Unfortunately they can't......he's unique!

[@rstarkey01]

Is this colour Storm or Magnesium?

[@AutoEV]

Zinc

[@rstarkey01]

@@AutoEV thanks! I don't see a zinc option on the uk configurator but I'm going assume it is closer to magnesium than storm

[@JWP2Launch]

Its just the price of it that holds me back, i love my P2 but is this really 20k more of a car

[@grahamarnold2591]

Before folks rush in , time to take a moment , this brand could be the next "FISKER".

[@AutoEV]

You know that it is owned by Geely? It’s now standing on its own two feet. Fisker (unfortunately) hasn’t had the stability of a parent company.

[@grahamarnold2591]

Bryan you have the contacts in the trade..see what they can tell you..I think the cars are great.. i wish the firm every success.. your review as always just great.

[@Neil2022]

Polestar4 vs Ionic 5 N? Know what I would go far..

[@AutoEV]

What would you choose?

[@Neil2022]

@@AutoEV N

[@daveykay4503]

@@AutoEVI choose the Zeekr 001 Privilege

[@RayNLA]

The first one was a 20 year old Volvo!

[@AnthonyOvery]

Nice but not great for dog owners like myself who puts the dog in the boot so wouldn’t work for me. Nice design though.

[@AutoEV]

Yeah I agree. Mine goes on the back seat, but the boot would be a no-go. But then, you probably wouldn’t buy a Coupe-SUV anyway. A full size SUV would be the better option.

[@Nodontbuymeportal]

looks Jaguar I pace esk!

[@AutoEV]

Exactly.

[@Nodontbuymeportal]

@@AutoEV No bad thing though, as you say the I pace has had its day. Now can I afford one of the Volvos EV`s/Polstars? Hope there is a good lease deal next year.

[@glideman]

Hate advertising in videos when I pay KZbin to remove advertising 🤬

[@davidpearn5925]

Uncorrupted steering by being RWD.

[@Wankidy]

Who designs these things?😢😮

[@XENONEZZ2]

Would prefer to spend that kind of money for an EV brand not owned by a Chinese company...also worth bearing in mind Polestar appear to be in some sort of financial trouble at the moment.

[@YICHEN1949]

Too expensive for tuned down version of Zeekr 001

[@AutoEV]

If that's what you think the car is then you are very sadly mistaken.

[@KeyhanHadjari]

Have a tesla model 3 and I would rather have no back windows and a camera instead like in polestar than the shitty Window that it has.

[@davidpearn5925]

It's just a pity that Volvo doesn't want to be affordable.

[@OptimumSlinky]

Volvo sold all but 18% of its ownership in Polestar, so Volvo isn’t calling any shots on the brand or its pricing.

[@davidpearn5925]

@@OptimumSlinky I had the impression that Gothenburg was still the design centre..........and maintained/influenced European pricing for some reason . Either way, it's odd that a Chinese OWNED company is pricing as non-Chinese.

[@OptimumSlinky]

@@davidpearn5925 Polestar’s HQ and design studio is still in Gothenburg, but it’s fully independent from Volvo at this point. And Geely does own Polestar, but all of the company’s leadership and operations are in Sweden. Geely cuts the cheques, but is largely hands off and lets the Swedish HQ do its thing.

[@jayem8981]

@@davidpearn5925Do you also find it odd that a German owned car (Lamborghini) is priced like a non-German car? You sound like a confused man.

[@davidpearn5925]

@@OptimumSlinky.......... including not getting down n dirty in an affordable sense.

[@sIightIybored]

Can't even keep the high-vis in the front thing. French law requires they be in the cabin.

[@AutoEV]

Is that true? I didn’t know that! I’m off to France in August and always keep them in my spare tyre well of my Jeep, which *technically* isn’t a separate boot from the cabin as it’s behind the rear seats, albeit under the floor. Would that be illegal? (Genuine question)

[@sIightIybored]

@@AutoEV I'm not sure, just most of the advice says they must be easily accessible inside the cabin. But practically I've never heard of anyone get checked.

[@clivew772]

@@AutoEVI think the idea is that you should be able to put the vest on before getting out of the car. The unused fire extinguisher compartment in my Mercedes estates was the perfect spot but les flics never asked me about it. Incidentally, are we still required to carry a set of spare bulbs in France now that everything is LED? I don’t know the answer to that one!

[@AutoEV]

That does make sense I suppose. I do carry bulbs, but you are correct that with LED technology, it’s now superfluous. I do have my disposable breathalysers though!

[@paddylogan13]

If it's Nappa leather no cattle will have been harmed in its manufacture. 🐑🐑🐑

[@stephen4518]

Tesla Model 2? Not seen that yet. Have we? Transcript: 1:52 and that was a car that really sort like competed with cars and still does In fairness with cars such as the Tesla 1:58 Model 2 and obviously BMW I4 Hyundai onx6 and so forth it's their midsize

[@AutoEV]

Yes, I fluffed that one, didn’t I? Wondered if I’d get away with it, but clearly not!🤣

[@ISuperTed]

@@AutoEVShhhh, I’m sure you’re secretly on the product team 😂

[@AutoEV]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MJB9559]

Your problem with the screen isn’t an issue for me (being a Tesla Model 3 owner) and the car looks brilliant. I thought it was a great review but you went and ruined it for me by mentioning the bloody F-Pace which you adore and can’t stop talking about. 🙄

[@AutoEV]

Whoops…..soz.😞😉

[@SP79GB]

🫡

[@sevesellors2831]

The range is overpriced for me plenty of real premium brands that offer more in my humble view. No rear window doesn’t sell it for me.

[@lt6532]

Dont know but the rest of the world but t starts from 700K SEK here In Sweden while the perhaps closest competitor, the Audi Q6, starts from 825K. Once you add options the difference is even greater. Since SUVs are stupid the real competitor is the A6 but we have to wait and see how that is priced. Guess it will be similar to the Q6. The i5 Touring starts from 834K as another example. So over here it is reasonable priced compared to other premium cars.

[@tmyrdal]

Lol the person in vidro dont know the names if the Tesla cars even hi says Tesla Model 2 lol well well, not nessesery to be a car expert to make a video about a car. Its ok. But you cant call yourself an expert then.

[@AutoEV]

And your spelling and grammar is diabolical, so perhaps take a look at yourself before criticising others.

[@tmyrdal]

@@AutoEV lol yes that is more important. Beeing a idiot and trashing someones grama insted yes oo, you was good boy now. Dident you find anything els? So you decided to be a Baby insted.

[@tmyrdal]

@@AutoEV lol yes you are so perfect guy. But the behavement you showing is ust stupid and babyish.

[@AutoEV]

No, I’m pointing out that someone who uses a public forum to criticise others should perhaps take a little more care and attention when doing so to realise that they themselves are not infallible. I made an error in a video, which I’m happy to admit to, but yet you see it as an opportunity to troll someone when you yourself aren’t showing signs of being perfect. My point is exemplified by your continued abuse when I return the point that you are making errors. And yet your defence is to continue to attack - and still make errors in your grammar and spelling. And here was me thinking that school didn’t break up for holidays until later this month. Please stop with your insults and find a different outlet for your obvious trolling.

[@tmyrdal]

@@AutoEV Comment field whats that for you think? For people to comment something about the video and what people think about it. It was you that started the Trolling and got personal atacked on my comment not I. I commented the Video not you. Grown up man. Its you that need to check what you doing in comment fields.

[@davidhunternyc1]

No amount of excuses is going to justify no rear window. Polestar is already underwater and the Polestar 4 car is going to bury this company. Imagine too how much this car is going to cost once the warranty ends and the computers start to fail. The problems will be endless and do you think your car insurance is going cover the costs of fixing them? If so, I've got a bridge to sell you. This EV will be heading straight to the junkyard. It's a shame, because the automotive designers made a beautiful looking car. Sadly, the Polestar 4 is an albatross in swan's clothing. The resale value will be 50% of what you paid within a year.

[@AutoEV]

Not sure why you think that. It's no more complicated than many EVs out there, and Polestar have the backing of the huge Geely corporation, and they use proven technology from tech companies such as Google, Qualcomm, LiDar and Gentex, so it isn't as if they are trying to develop their own software. That is one of the things that I admire about the likes of Polestar (as many other manufacturers) they use outside people to do the bits they are good at, and they concentrate on the hard engineering of the car.

[@honesty_-no9he]

Maybe you should learn something about ZEEKR.

[@gandri]

Informative and well explained. Really like your down to earth commentary. Yes… just cudos for how you’ve grown into this extremely over saturated market of Clarkson and Hammond wanna bees. This you have done with your calm presence, Scottish accent an clearly one or two half bad jokes combined with, great knowledge of the subject at hand…Might find a fast breathing or two when starting a sentence explaining the numbered options… of whom where some Take a little less in or cut out in post. Hell, I even like this masculin income - makes you remember line five…🥸 But overall, really really like your channel and try follow your regular new material - Cudos / 2ell done

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for your very kind comment. Much appreciated, and I’m glad you enjoy the channel.