Polestar (Nasdaq: PSNY) introduces Polestar 4, an electric performance SUV coupé and the second SUV in the brand’s line-up. Polestar 4 transforms the aerodynamics of a coupé and the space of an SUV into a new breed of SUV coupé. Design cues first seen on Polestar’s concept cars are brought to production in the fastest Polestar production car to date. Polestar 4 is positioned between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price.
“With Polestar 4 we have taken a fundamental new approach to SUV coupé design. Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV, giving it a faster roofline and as a result, compromising elements like rear headroom and comfort, we have designed Polestar 4 from the ground up as a new breed of SUV coupé that celebrates rear occupant comfort and experience,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.
Design
As a design-driven brand, the design of Polestar 4 sees the continuation of key elements first shown by the Polestar Precept concept car, coming to life. This includes eliminating the rear window which enables a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience, and the separation of the dual blade front lights with unique Polestar light signature – complemented by the Polestar emblem with millimetre-precision lighting from below.
Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, rear aero blades and air flow optimisation around the rear light bar.
Built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely Holding, Polestar 4 is a D-segment SUV coupé with a large body and long, 2,999 mm wheelbase. Overall length is 4,839 mm, width is 2,139 mm and height is 1,544 mm. The resulting generous interior proportions are especially evident in the rear, where occupants are cocooned in an intimate environment, with reclining seats. Adjustable ambient lighting that adds an extra dimension to the interior, inspired by the solar system, allows the driver to customise the driving environment.
The standard full-length glass roof is available with optional electrochromic functionality, allowing for opaque or transparent execution depending on the mood. Thanks to the elimination of the rear window, the glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads, creating a truly unique interior ambience. A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to enable rear occupant control.
The rear-view mirror is replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera – enabling a far wider field of view than what can be experienced in most modern cars. The digital feed can be deactivated to allow drivers to instead see rear occupants if needed.
Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar, says: “With Polestar Precept we previewed a stunning new occupant experience by removing the rear window and pushing the rear header, which plays an integral safety role, further back. This means that now, rear occupants can have a unique experience in our SUV coupé.”
The interior and its materials have been designed around the theme of ‘soft tech’, drawing inspiration from the fashion and sportswear industries. Colour and material choices for Polestar 4 explore new executions for Polestar – including new exterior colours Storm and Electron, and a unique new interior colour, Mist.
Sustainability
In Polestar 4, more circular and low-carbon materials replace traditional solutions. This includes measures for greater supply chain transparency, like blockchain traceability for risk materials in the batteries. A full lifecycle assessment (LCA), showing the true carbon footprint of the car, will be published alongside the Polestar 4 Product Sustainability Declaration in 2024.
A mono-material approach, first presented in the Polestar electric roadster concept in 2022, is applied to interior materials, where all layers of certain components are produced from the same base material. This allows them to be recycled more effectively and efficiently by eliminating the need for incompatible materials to be separated before recycling.
New interior materials include a tailored knit textile which consists of 100% recycled PET, along with bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl and animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholsteries.
The tailored knit upholstery is a new technique for the automotive industry. First shown in the Precept concept car, the textile is made from 100% recycled polyester. The material and the design have been created by Polestar designers together with the Swedish School of Textiles (Borås Textilhögskolan) and further developed with suppliers. It is made to fit, producing no offcuts and reduced overall waste.
Inlay carpets in the interior are made using recycled PET and floor carpets are made using ECONYL, which includes reclaimed fishing nets. Specific door trim panels are made from NFPP (natural fibre polypropylene) which results in up to 50% less virgin plastic and a weight saving of up to 40%. MicroTech, first introduced in Polestar 3, is a bio-attributed vinyl that replaces crude oil with pine oil in its construction and features a recycled textile backing.
Performance
Polestar 4 is the fastest production car the brand has ever developed. The 0-62 mph sprint can be completed in just 3.8 seconds[1] and maximum power output is 400 kW (544 hp). Motors are of a permanent magnet, synchronous design. Driving dynamics are true to the Polestar brand – sharp steering and handling responses result in a thrilling and nimble driving experience for all occupants.
Both dual- and single motor versions will be available, with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive. Despite the high output and performance, control and confidence are always key factors to produce a responsible, everyday-enjoyable EV experience. Semi-active suspension features in the dual-motor version for an additional layer of adjustment between comfort and performance dynamics. Wheels range from 20 to 22-inches in size, depending on the version, with tyres supplied by Pirelli and Michelin.
A 102 kWh battery is fitted to both long-range versions. The Long range Dual motor features 400 kW (544 hp), 686 Nm and a preliminary range target of up to 350 miles WLTP. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency.
Up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging is included for all versions, and the charge lid is motorised. Bi-directional charging is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability at launch providing for external devices to draw power from Polestar 4. A heat pump is fitted as standard, allowing the car to capitalise on ambient heat when preconditioning the cabin and battery.
A new drive optimisation function allows the driver to select between range or performance driving modes in the Long range Dual motor version. Performance mode sharpens up responsiveness from the powertrain and engages both motors at all times for full power delivery and best performance. Range mode prioritises efficiency, adapting the powertrain to a calmer style and forces use of only the rear motor.
The Long range Single motor version features a 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm motor at the rear and preliminary range target of up to 372 miles WLTP[2].
Production, availability and pricing
Polestar 4 launches first in China, with production planned to begin in Hangzhou Bay, China, in November 2023. The state-of-the-art Geely-owned production facility operates on 100% renewable electricity.
A full-scale launch for other markets, including in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, is planned for early 2024 – with sales and production ramping up for these markets through the course of that year. All details for these markets will be presented in 2024. Indicative launch pricing[3] is from EUR 60,000/USD 60,000/GBP55,000. More information can be found at Polestar.com.
*Article Source https://www.polestar.com/uk/
