First drive of Polestar’s new Porsche Macan rival (Polestar 4 2024 Review)

[@Andreassssssss-iv3wv]

As a man that droved Porsche’s for almost 10 years. And the macan for the last 2 years I gotta let you all know I upgraded to the Polestar 4 and truly the greatest decision I have done. This is a beast of a car and get way more attention and love especially here in Sweden. We all truly love Volvo and Polestar.

[@faradaycool4058]

Great review, and to me, the most reliable and well-made car reviews because of the length, perfect balance of emotions in their opinions, honesty and clear presentations. Thanks fr Singapore!

[@chasingcars]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@valerieewing3306]

Excellent review, lots of key info with personal anecdotes we needed to hear.

[@justy5944]

Having a camera rather than a rear window and it not being perfect is wild

[@kuribojim3916]

I’m wondering if you drove the problematic pre-production. At rather than the finalised version. A lot of reviewers had to go back and do another drive. Apparently the updated version is significantly better (particularly with the dual motor dynamics).

[@GeneAustinFinancial]

Thank you so much for this very insightful and practical review. I'm looking forward to my next new car, a RWD single motor Polestar 4.

[@Lucky11944]

Will be really keen on the Aus spec review in single motor both for the chassis/suspension differences & also the real-world Aus efficiency/range. Would be awesome to see it achieve 450-500km range on highways; but unsure if it'll get there... Awesome review mate. Probably the best format & mix of comprehensive factual coverage combined with opinion i've seen. Special thanks for all the real-world figures you include!

[@jeremychan6335]

Pretty sure it will. I own a MY22 P2 long range single motor. With a claimed range of 540km I get 450km on a full charge, and just shy of 400km on 80% charge. Mixed use with both highway and urban. With 600km claimed range, I would be surprised if the P4 LRSM struggle to get pass 450km range

[@milesyounghamilton]

Great review, how would you compare the smoothness of the ride on 21s compared to the P2 with 19s? I find P2 dual motor all wheel drive fun to drive and like the handling but find it on the firm side. Is this notably better damped?

[@raiuno90]

I see that other than China the Polestar 4 is still Pre-Production for a number of markets. So I guess that will mean that we can't get a decent test drive review until the non-china market spec is out and on the road. Personally, I'm booked for a test drive in late August 2024 in Europe so looking forward to that. Great review & really enjoyed the measured note of the feedback. :)

[@jocsalmons8569]

Always enjoyable. Great review.

[@GR8Tmate]

Good review P⭐️

[@lurlino]

Great detail and perspective. Thanks.

[@hallvardnss2388]

I do not understand your critics about driving in curves. You mention that the cars have chinese specs, meaning softer suspension. I drove a test car in Norway yesterday, 4WD, and it showed no problems in curves. No tendencies to understeer and very good dampening control.

[@liamporter1137]

It looks awesome.

[@MrDamonLeBeouf]

very nice review!

[@antsgamingvideosn2b]

Cracking reviews, as always, Tom. The Polestar 4 looks groovier than the Porsche!

[@dtpazz]

How is it a competitor of the Macan? It's much cheaper.

[@JeffBrown-vp2rf]

It will be good Tom to see your review in Australia when the dual motor has the tuned suspension for Australia. It might be a different car then. Sounds like Polestar were a little late in getting the Aussie suspension ready and having to utilise the softer sprung chinese market suspension. Also it will be good to see what you can achieve with efficiency in Australia.

[@corkeymonster]

@@wayne5741 Some markets, like China and the USA, like a soft, bouncy ride. But that means the car handles like shit in the twisties and on anything but a smooth, flat road.

[@exil3dlivecom]

Removed the rear window and added no functionality. They should have at least use flexible solar panel on there since there's nothing. That would have been cool

[@richardp965]

Thanks for the review. Not sure if I missed it, apart from the small mentioned at the early part of the video but there was no other reviews about the rear view mirror?

[@kamally]

Just wanted to add that the cost for the Nappa leather upgrade also includes ventilated seats and headrest speakers

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

Leather is a downgrade when compared to the amazing Microtech fiber interior that comes standard.

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

Porsche Macan EV has a WAY bigger flaw than the Polestar 4. No one-pedal driving. Such a miss. I passed on the Macan EV and this is the leader for my next purchase.

[@G82Watts]

I hate one pedal driving. Plus the macan EV is far more luxurious and far more gorgeous and doesnt handle near as good. Imagine caring about one pedal driving more then all that. Just say u can afford the premium price bud

[@vc8160]

If the Macan EV didn’t haven’t a Porsche badge, I can’t guarantee you would say it looked like a Chinese EV like an MG. Porsche used to be a leader because they made fast sports cars, but not any longer. They have no point of difference and just rely on the badge now. But take solace in that the fact fan boys will never be able to hang up the Porsche watch, wrist bands, hat and jacket. It’s not just Porsche but many manufacturers.

[@G82Watts]

@@vc8160 u realize those same Chinese manufactures would literally go to porsche events and measure all of their cars and then directly copy it. That's what the Chinese do. Ofc theirs brands in China that look like porsche because that's what they are going for 😂

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

@@vc8160 I agree on most of your points. But I will say the fit and finish/build quality on the Porsche is a step above the others. but you're right - the whole jacket & watch fanboy thing is irritating,. My girlfriend drives a Volvo C40 (macan size EV) and it's every bit as solid as a Porsche Macan....door closure, dash doesn't rattle, etc...

[@waseemparkarx]

the fact that they didnt aim the price and quality for a price point

[@ApeOnABike]

Really informative review. Looks like a very good but not great car. I was really hoping the Polestar 4 would be the slam dunk the brand needs. Still very curious to get behind the wheel and test drive one of these.

[@ravingmad765]

No rear window...i want to believe, but when you're looking out the rear window you're also checking the left and right passenger window perifery. With this you have to glance back to the mirror...hmmmm

[@thomaswestin9987]

I never do that, I use side mirrors

[@SteYoung]

I've watched a number of YT reviews of this car and have heard the electric Macan being mentioned in the same space as the Polestar 4 and I simply dont get it. Theres only the price that vaguely links them together. If im looking at the Macan its because I know exactly what I want and what to expect and I would not be looking at the Polestar 4 at all. A Macan rival??? it certainly isnt. A nice, smart practical and unique EV. Yes!.

[@barygol]

Don't forget expensive. Few people is going to pay that price tag for a Polestar because is not its segment. Yo can clearly see that when you see that when they are made, in China there's little difference between Model Y price and Polestar 4. Then you come to Europe and there's a 23k difference. Nonse. They announced billions in losses and they will go bankrupt if they don't change their pricing policy

[@LaurenceWalsh-xr2vd]

I think some reviewers get it mixed up with the PS3 which Thomas mentioned as a competitor for Macsn. It is more expensive than the 4 and an SUV whereas the 4 is a coupe

[@ricosun]

I saw both of these cars at the Beijing Auto show. The Macan's disadvantage vs Polestar 4 is, the rear passenger space is like a Macan, its soo small compared to the Polestar 4, which is very long and spacious. Macan's info entainment system feels like an ICE car, Polestar's system is more Tesla like, feels like a proper EV infotainment system. Finally The Top specs Polestar 4 0-100 is 3.8s. For same amount of money (actually about 10k more) you can only get an entry level Macan 4 Electric, and its 5.2s - thats a big difference. Polestar 4 entry level rear wheel drive version is a moot point, with 0-100 in 7.1 secs - I don't care what driving dynamics is like. it barely out dashs a BYD Atto3, who would buy that.

[@barygol]

@@ricosun you can buy Model Y with much more cargo, more space in rear seats, more efficiency, better software...for less money

[@ricosun]

@@barygol More cargo space yes, leg room I think its similar. In terms value, The Model Y performance smashs the Macan and Polestar 4. However I think people that buys a Macan or Polestar 4 probably does not like the Model Y.

[@fleachamberlain1905]

When you say nappa, do you mean suede? Or is it different? I've tried to research this and haven't found anything that is helpful.

[@Joobkl]

Nappa leather general means soft real leather

[@GrumblingForesight]

Yeah plush soft leather with very very fine pores. At least thats how Nappa used to be in old Mercs.

[@corkeymonster]

Try harder. The first Google search result says "Napa leather (often called Nappa leather) is a leather noted for its soft feel, derived as it is from calves, lambs, and kid goats, which have soft hides."

[@faradaycool4058]

When you have experienced Napa leather, everything else will feel bad. I had a Lexus with that, and now I miss it like crazy. Drats!

[@fleachamberlain1905]

Acceleration is definitely my idea of fun when driving.

[@thomaswestin9987]

sure but handling is more important

[@reecet7679]

will never be a porsche rival

[@thomaswestin9987]

it is, for the price

[@martintokinaga5261]

It seems that you always like the rear wheel driving dynamics. I like that too. Probably no or very few manufacturer will make a high performance rear drive only EV.

[@michaelvella8511]

Great review. my plans for buying an EV car has changed....

[@andysingh2977]

How does this car make sense when EV prices are falling like crazy? It'll probably loose half the value in under 2 years.

[@SonderZensei]

It's a conundrum isn't it. I feel as though there are quite a few early adopters out there who have been shocked by the degree to which their vehicles have depreciated. Perhaps this has dampened the market for the pricier end of the EV market. Perhaps this will be good news and encourage EV manufacturers to shift their focus to the affordable end of the market. I hope to see more cars like the Hyundai Inster\Casper. This polestar is gorgeous but my bank account is an ugly mess.

[@kamally]

That's why I'll be looking to buy it in 2~4 years 😂

[@Haz3Nation]

I’ll just buy a test drive car or something used from a sucker who bought it new and didn’t like the rear view camera after all. 🫠.

[@michaelwalsh7753]

You lease them

[@ravingmad765]

Let's face it AWD creates great stats for straight-line speed. RWD is more satisfying. In fact I'll take the spirit of FWD torque steer over soulless AWD.

[@LegacyGS]

I’ll buy it once the company is in a better place, I don’t need another fisker!!

[@MAM-x3s]

The company is in a good place. It’s owned by the giant Geely.

[@thomaswestin9987]

Polestar Publishes Results for the First Quarter and Reports 80% Growth in Global Deliveries for the Second Quarter

[@Ianmundo]

I know what you mean, but Geely are making BANK, they know Polestar will take years to be considered a luxury marque and they can afford it

[@Patricio-1994]

Exactly what people said about Tesla 10 years ago lol. I'm on my 3rd Polestar now and love every minute of it.

[@ItsSeals]

Haha you’re hilarious. Nothing close to Fisker.

[@hugofleming3439]

Flawed? Over egging a phrase that in your detail didn’t deliver. Headline grabbing journalism at its best. Whilst your advice on which motor set up is useful, describing the P4 as flawed needs re thinking.

[@Hienric]

He detailed quite a few flaws. What’s the problem exactly?

[@thomaswestin9987]

⁠@@Hienricall cars are flawed but by saying that in the title makes you think it is more flawed which I dont think he says in the video. The title should reflect the content better, which is a good review.

[@Kevin-ud2bk]

Polestar 4 is basically a rebadged Zeekr 001 but sportier. Personally I recommend waiting for 001 to arrive coz it’s better value with way more standard equipments.

[@tzetv]

P4 design inside and out etc is far better

[@Kevin-ud2bk]

@@tzetv That's true for sure. But Polestar definitely had their heads in the clouds in terms of the price.

[@giorgiol4902]

001 has a 800volt system not a thing to ignore

[@Kevin-ud2bk]

@@giorgiol4902 Yea the new gen is equipped with some top tech. Imagine you even need to pay extra for faster charging in Polestar 4🤡

[@thomaswestin9987]

@@giorgiol4902will come to P4 and P3 too; right now very few can use 800V in practice anyway

[@casey6933]

Absolutely last place in the JD Power Survey. And the EX30 removed from sale in the UK due to a barrage of software issues. They've got a hard sell IMO

[@thomaswestin9987]

ex30 is a very different car and JD powers is quite alone of their view.

[@christiandufour4152]

JD Power... US only survey = no credibility.

[@ricosun]

Polestar 4 entry level rear wheel drive is a moot point, with 0-100 in 7.1 secs - I don't care what driving dynamics is like. it barely out dashs a BYD Atto3, who would buy that.

[@1meen1]

I agree here. It's a pretty wide gap from the dual motor, and a bit odd for an EV in general. It's about as quick as a standard ICE car.

[@thomaswestin9987]

@@1meen17 sec is faster than you ever need except on a racing track; handling though is always present so focus on that is better

[@Rog6765]

Those light coloured fabric seats are going to get filthy very quickly

[@thomaswestin9987]

choose a different style then

[@bananabear009]

An good EV doesn't need to be equipped with tech go too far. But this seems to be the case for Polstar 4 unfortunately.

[@thomaswestin9987]

tech is fun and I cant see where it has gone too far

[@jasondickens9003]

Sounds like it will be just another middle of the pack EV and not serious enough to outpace/ out do a Macan EV. This is not that different than where a lot of other manufacturers have failed. They market towards a lofty offering but the hardware and components fall short of delivering that experience.

[@jayem8981]

It definitely outdoes the base Macan in many ways, which is the price-point that this competes with. Obviously this is the value play over a Macan.

[@PsychicOracle]

Are you saying the $80k car isn’t comparable to the $130k car

[@thomaswestin9987]

it already outpace macan if you compare specs and price

[@ron_zrl]

great review as always Tom, but I don't think there'd be too many people getting polestars esp cuz of their reliabiltiy, cost and tanking sales.

[@thomaswestin9987]

my P2 is a tank, the P4 is a bargain and sales are going well

[@hndflights]

This car makes a Porsche look like its stuck back in the 80s. It's crazy how German brands have brainwashed the world into thinking their overpriced cars are the best.

[@LaurenceWalsh-xr2vd]

I thought the PS3 was the vehicle that was supposed to take on the Macan?

[@suvann540i]

the ps3 is a whole segment above the macan in size. it would be best compared to a future porsche cayenne EV.

[@latuya8388]

This could be a rival for tesla, but for porsche? No Fway

[@kamally]

Except that it is closer to the Porsche price than Tesla

[@fleachamberlain1905]

Is there a 2024 or 2025 Polestar 2 that you could review? I'm a die hard sedan person.

[@Natak222]

Looks like a model 3/Y competitor. Doesn’t look big enough to compete within the $100k+ SUV market (Range rover, Model X, Rivion etc) This will hurt sales

[@thomaswestin9987]

it is really big on the inside, sporty on the outside

[@jayem8981]

Model Y is an economy car, not a luxury car. I guess you also think people are cross-shopping WRXs with C300s?

[@Natak222]

@@jayem8981 Didn’t say 3/Y is a luxury car 🤷 - Y’s are considered Premium which is the same category i’d place the Polestar 4 in. The issue is Polestar are charging $94k + for this, which directly competes with actual luxury SUV’s which this definitely isn’t

[@thomaswestin9987]

@@Natak222 I dont think Tesla has premium quality, they do good volume cars though

[@Natak222]

@@thomaswestin9987 Quality is questionable for sure but Tesla as a brand is definitely classed as premium

[@julianwhitta1114]

Cracking review, Tom! And a cracking car. Definitely on my “I want one” list. Contrary to another commenter’s unsubstantiated concern about reliability, after all the reports I’ve read about the Polestar electrics, I’d have no concern being an early adopter.

[@thomaswestin9987]

I have a P2, more than 3 years, 86000 km, still rock solid

[@AKA001]

94kwh and 400km…

[@Cruelaid]

Australian cars don't need solar heating via that glass roof, I'll never buy one.

[@thomaswestin9987]

it has electrochromatic roof so dont worry mate :)

[@hdvoice]

I’m not sure this reviewer is familiar with electric vehicles. When he mentioned the power consumption per 100km, he made no mention about the speed….😮

[@NinaJerry]

he mentioned the terrain and Spain has speed limit on their highways...

[@hdvoice]

@@NinaJerry So everyone should assume he was driving at what speed? lol.

[@PsychicOracle]

This is a first drive, other channels have range tests but this isn’t meant to be that

[@TassieEV]

As we know the rated WLTP range is never real world range. If they listed EPA instead that is far closer to real world otherwise ev-database. Like the light interior. Will be out of my price range but always love Polestar for their sustainability via block chain technology and they can prove it all unlike Porsche(at this stage anyway).

[@allanchapman6250]

Forget it,it’s too much money for so little .

[@thomaswestin9987]

based on what, a Nissan Leaf?

[@sjh4803]

400 klm ? In Australia ? No thanks.

[@TedMellin]

Test drove the rwd and got 17kw per 100km, which would be quite close to the wltp

[@lassale5895]

What a nonsense he's talking. All the others who tested the 4 love the dual motor and the way this car drives in corners.

[@panameradan6860]

Who would buy the polestar 3 or 4 over the Macan 4? Seriously…. Exteriors of polestars look better, but nothing about the interiors are better - and most of it is much worse

[@jayem8981]

The infotainment and route planning is better in the P4 and with Nappa leather and everything else fully spec’d, you’re paying what you’d pay for a base Macan. This is obviously a value play relative to Porsche. Personally I much prefer the layout of the P4. The Macan does have a lot of customizability, but that comes at a severe cost premium. A lot of people will likely consider a fully-loaded P4 over a poverty-spec Macan, similar to how they often chose a nicely optioned X3 over an ICE Macan.

[@TedMellin]

Macan is way more expensive, im going to be paying 580€/month for my PS4 financing thanks to their interest rates

[@alastairhatt360]

Too expensive, needs a rear window, overweight and battery size there to compensate. Can buy a M3 performance for this price and have change… insane as not going to be a big seller anywhere. Niche buyer which means expect bankruptcy very soon!

[@madshansen4790]

Ev is not the future... When will people learn

[@madshansen4790]

It's like buying a laptop.. after a couple of years it's worth nothing because something better has come around.. battery and tech

[@thomaswestin9987]

so what is the future? enlighten us!

[@jayem8981]

@@madshansen4790That’s a terrible comparison. It’s more akin to a cell phone, where we saw elements of what you highlight early on, we now see relative stability as the technological leaps have diminished. The same happened with combustion vehicles and the same will happen with EVs. There’s little doubt EVs are the future. Keep in mind, in China, they have 500kw charging-capable vehicles (e.g. Zeekr 001) and chargers already in consumers’ hands. 400-500 mile range and 10-80% charge in 10 mins will be commonplace 5 years from now, along with reduced susceptibility to cold etc. You’re problem is you are a small-minded thinker and are therefore thinking of the now, instead of projecting where things will be in the (near) future.

[@madshansen4790]

@@jayem8981 well I will wait till Batteries are better 5 years or so.. And then have a look at it then.. not using my hard earned money on somethingike.what we have now..

[@Kruse1]

I would rather have a rear window than ridiculous rear leg room.

[@aletajonas5357]

Are you really going to purchase a very expensive car from a Chinese (let's all drop the pretense of it being Swedish) company with no certainty of being cashflow positive, and with the US and EU about to introduce tariff rates which effectively close off their markets? Has your (fully paid for - I assume) trip to Barcelona given you rose tinted glasses? Polestar stockmarket statement; Outlook (from 1st Quarter 2024) "Sales momentum seen in the second quarter had a positive impact on inventory levels and cash flow. Polestar remains confident of an even stronger uptick in deliveries through the second half of the year, as sales of the two premium SUVs build. Though the business has increasing momentum, there are short-term impacts from the introduction of import duties, alongside continued pricing pressure in global EV markets, including China. In light of these factors and to meet its target of cash-flow breakeven towards the end of 2025, Polestar is adapting its business plan, including implementing additional mitigating actions, and expects to provide updated guidance later in the year."

[@TedMellin]

Geely is cashflow positive?

[@eddiespeaks]

looks like an iPace ripoff

[@yslee1401]

Lots of little pinks posting praises when Chinese branded cars are reviewed

[@marstralia]

Do you guys have a new video editor? It was difficult to watch the video to the end. I just did cause I respect the channel. The biggest issue was the normally, concise, clear to understand moderation was not present. Many repeats, of the same text and not coherent order of text. Very confusing and unpleasant to listen to.

[@PsychicOracle]

You gotta keep in mind this was a press day and not a local loaner, a couple hours with a preprod car is not a lot of time to form impressions, outline a narrative etc

[@szk1396]

Very likely this will be a semi flop.

[@thomaswestin9987]

based on what?

[@karlfarrugia1204]

Gee, how much of an expense account did you get for promoting a brand that won't be around in ten, no 3 years time. What a wank report.

[@thomaswestin9987]

based on what? Main owner is car giant Geely, plus they got 1 billion USD external investment recently, and now have 3 cars with great reviews, on 27 markets, 7 more markets this year, manufacturing starting in USA this summer, in South Korea next year.

[@One-Two_swift-kickbox]

I thought a pole star was an exotic dancer

[@thomaswestin9987]

that comment says what your references are

[@originaloffical]

Y'all beta testers... 😂.

[@jayem8981]

Ya’ll beta men.