Polestar, the electric performance car brand under Geely ownership, has commenced production of its latest electric vehicle, the Polestar 4, at Geely’s Hangzhou Bay plant in China. The dedicated electric SUV coupé, initially exclusive to the Chinese market, is expected to reach customers in the country by the end of the year, marking it as the “fastest Polestar production car to date,” according to Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
Following its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023, the Polestar 4 is scheduled for global release in early 2024, with launches planned in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The anticipated price point for the electric vehicle is around 60,000 euros or 65,000 dollars.
Polestar’s manufacturing strategy emphasizes an asset-light approach, leveraging the development and manufacturing expertise of its partner and major shareholder, Geely Holding. The Polestar 4 is based on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), featuring permanently excited synchronous motors with a system output of 400 kW and a torque of 686 Nm in the all-wheel-drive version. A single-motor variant with rear-wheel drive, offering 200 kW of power and 343 Nm of torque, is also part of the lineup. The vehicle boasts a 102 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 600 kilometers.
Geely’s Hangzhou Bay factory, where the Polestar 4 is manufactured, is highlighted for its green credentials, significantly contributing to the electric vehicle’s reduced environmental impact. The plant utilizes electricity from hydro and solar power sources, and various eco-friendly practices, such as water-based paint and waste reduction measures, have been implemented in the production process.
Positioned as an SUV coupé in the D-segment, the Polestar 4 fills the gap between the Polestar 2 mid-size saloon and the larger Polestar 3 SUV. With dimensions of 4.84 meters in length, 2.14 meters in width, and a height of 1.54 meters, the Polestar 4 offers a spacious and comfortable interior, emphasizing rear headroom and adjustable rear seats.
Noteworthy is the innovative design choice to forego a traditional rear window, replaced by what Ingenlath describes as a “virtual rear window with a world-class digital rear-view mirror.” This design feature, also expected in the upcoming Polestar 5 saloon, adds a distinctive touch to the Polestar 4’s aesthetics.
Ingenlath expressed pride in the collaborative effort, stating, “The first Polestar 4 rolling off the production line today is the culmination of hard work from countless colleagues and partners,” emphasizing the model’s importance in Polestar’s growing lineup of exclusive performance EVs.
