The electric vehicle landscape just welcomed an intriguing new player that challenges conventional automotive wisdom. The 2026 Polestar 4 has officially launched in the United States with a starting price of $56,400, marking a significant milestone for the Swedish-designed, Chinese-owned brand that’s been steadily building its presence in North America.
What makes this launch particularly fascinating isn’t just the vehicle itself, but the complex global manufacturing story behind it. After initially planning Chinese production, the 2026 Polestar 4 will instead be manufactured in Busan, South Korea, demonstrating how modern automakers navigate geopolitical challenges while maintaining competitive pricing.
A Design Philosophy That Dares to be Different
The Polestar 4 represents more than just another electric SUV entering an increasingly crowded market. This vehicle embodies a design philosophy that prioritizes innovation over convention, most notably demonstrated by its complete absence of a rear window. Instead of traditional glass, the Polestar 4 uses a high-definition camera mounted on the roof that feeds live video to the rear-view mirror.
This bold design choice isn’t just for aesthetics. The elimination of the rear window allows for improved aerodynamics, enhanced structural rigidity, and creates additional interior space that passengers can actually use. The result is a vehicle that sits somewhere between a coupe and an SUV, offering the aerodynamics of a coupe and the space of an SUV in what Polestar calls a new breed of SUV coupe.
The exterior design draws heavily from Polestar’s concept vehicles, bringing futuristic elements into production reality. Clean lines, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics, and carefully considered proportions create a vehicle that stands out in parking lots filled with increasingly similar-looking electric crossovers.
Manufacturing Evolution: From China to Korea
The journey to American dealerships hasn’t been straightforward for the Polestar 4. Originally, Polestar planned to build the first model year of Polestar 4s in China before production would move to Busan, South Korea. However, evolving trade relationships and tariff considerations prompted a strategic pivot.
This manufacturing change actually benefits American consumers in several ways. First, it helps Polestar avoid potential tariff complications that have affected other Chinese-manufactured vehicles. Second, the Korean facility represents a partnership between multiple automotive giants, combining Geely’s ownership, Polestar’s design expertise, and Renault’s manufacturing capabilities.
The South Korean production facility in Busan is scheduled to begin volume production this summer, with the first customer deliveries expected in fall 2025. This timeline demonstrates the complexity of modern automotive manufacturing, where global supply chains, trade policies, and manufacturing capabilities must all align perfectly.
Performance Specifications That Impress
Under the sleek exterior lies impressive engineering that positions the Polestar 4 as a serious performance contender. The vehicle offers two distinct powertrain configurations, each designed to serve different driving preferences and needs.
The entry-level configuration features a rear-mounted drive unit producing 272 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. This single-motor setup can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds while delivering an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. For many drivers, this combination of performance and efficiency will prove more than adequate for daily driving needs.
However, those seeking maximum performance can opt for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration. This setup doubles the power output to 544 horsepower, enabling what Polestar claims is the fastest production Polestar to date. The all-wheel-drive version can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, putting it in serious sports car territory.
Both configurations utilize the same 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kilowatts. This charging capability means drivers can add significant range during brief stops, making long-distance travel more practical than ever before.
Pricing Strategy and Market Positioning
The $56,400 starting price positions the Polestar 4 strategically within the premium electric vehicle market. However, understanding the actual transaction price requires examining the complete pricing structure, which includes destination fees and optional packages.
The base price of $56,400 becomes $57,800 when including the mandatory $1,400 destination charge. While this represents a slight increase from originally announced pricing, the apparent price increase is offset by the inclusion of the previously optional $1,500 Pilot Pack as standard equipment.
This pricing strategy makes the Polestar 4 particularly significant within Polestar’s American lineup. With the Polestar 2 sedan no longer available in the United States due to tariff considerations, the Polestar 4 becomes the cheapest new Polestar in North America, carrying significant responsibility for the brand’s volume aspirations.
Technology Integration and Features
Modern electric vehicles succeed or fail based on their technology integration, and the Polestar 4 appears well-equipped for contemporary expectations. The standard equipment list includes Android Automotive OS infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking cameras, and Polestar’s Pilot Assist system with lane change capabilities.
The optional Plus Pack, available for $5,500, significantly enhances the technology and comfort quotient. This package adds features like a head-up display, automatically dimming exterior mirrors, 12-way adjustable seats, three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
For buyers seeking maximum performance credentials, the Performance Pack adds 22-inch forged wheels, performance-tuned suspension, and distinctive Swedish gold brake calipers. These enhancements not only improve driving dynamics but also provide visual differentiation for enthusiasts.
Market Impact and Competition
The arrival of the Polestar 4 occurs during a particularly dynamic period in the electric vehicle market. Traditional luxury brands are expanding their electric offerings while new entrants continue challenging established players. The Polestar 4 must compete against vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, and upcoming offerings from Genesis and other premium brands.
What sets the Polestar 4 apart isn’t just its unique design elements like the missing rear window, but its combination of Scandinavian design philosophy, competitive pricing, and impressive performance specifications. The vehicle represents Polestar’s attempt to carve out a distinct identity in a market where differentiation becomes increasingly challenging.
The timing of this launch also coincides with Polestar’s broader expansion strategy. As the brand works to establish a stronger dealer network and service infrastructure across America, the Polestar 4 serves as a crucial volume model that can help achieve economies of scale.
Pricing and Specifications Table
| Trim Level | Power | Range (EPA) | 0-60 mph | Price (Including Destination) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range Single Motor | 272 hp | 300 miles | 6.9 seconds | $57,800 |
| Long Range Single Motor + Plus Pack | 272 hp | 300 miles | 6.9 seconds | $63,300 |
| Long Range Dual Motor AWD | 544 hp | 270 miles | 3.7 seconds | $64,300 |
| Long Range Dual Motor AWD + Plus Pack | 544 hp | 270 miles | 3.7 seconds | $69,800 |
| Long Range Dual Motor AWD + Plus + Performance Pack | 544 hp | 270 miles | 3.7 seconds | $74,300 |
Implications for the EV Market
The successful launch of the 2026 Polestar 4 could signal broader trends within the electric vehicle industry. Its Korean manufacturing demonstrates how automakers are diversifying production to maintain global competitiveness while navigating complex trade relationships.
The vehicle’s design philosophy, particularly the controversial rear window elimination, represents the kind of bold thinking that could differentiate electric vehicles from their internal combustion predecessors. As the novelty of electric powertrains becomes commonplace, manufacturers must find new ways to capture consumer attention and justify premium pricing.
For American consumers, the Polestar 4 represents an intriguing alternative to the increasingly common Tesla Model Y. While Tesla continues dominating electric vehicle sales, vehicles like the Polestar 4 provide options for buyers seeking different design languages, feature sets, or brand experiences.
The fall 2025 delivery timeline gives potential buyers several months to consider their options while providing Polestar time to establish proper service infrastructure and dealer training. Success in the American market requires more than just compelling products; it demands comprehensive support networks that can maintain customer satisfaction throughout the ownership experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why doesn’t the Polestar 4 have a rear window?
A: The rear window elimination improves aerodynamics, structural rigidity, and interior space. A high-definition camera provides the rear view through the rearview mirror.
Q: Where is the 2026 Polestar 4 manufactured?
A: All North American Polestar 4 vehicles will be manufactured in Busan, South Korea, starting summer 2025.
Q: When will deliveries begin in the United States?
A: First customer deliveries are expected to begin in fall 2025.
Q: What’s the difference between RWD and AWD versions?
A: The RWD version produces 272 hp with 300 miles range, while the AWD version delivers 544 hp with 270 miles range and much faster acceleration.