"Fastest Polestar production car to date:" Polestar 4 debuts at Shanghai auto show

Sweden-based electric vehicle specialist Polestar has revealed its second all-electric SUV, the Polestar 4 at the Shanghai auto show in China on Tuesday, hailing it as its fastest production car to date.

Polestar says the Polestar 4, which it describes as an “SUV coupé” will come in two variants, both with a 102kWh battery.

A single motor version will deliver a range of up to 560kms, while a dual motor version will feature a 400 kW (544 hp) electric motor and will be able to get from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

“Polestar 4 is not simply a modified version of our first SUV. Instead, we reconsidered the entire design to create a new breed of SUV coupé,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

The Polestar 4, includes an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and now utilises a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

Built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely Holdings, 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 2,139mm and height is 1,544 mm.

Both long-range versions come with a 102kWh battery. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency. Wheels range from 20 to 22- inches in size, depending on the version, with tyres supplied by Pirelli and Michelin.

The full-length glass roof is available with optional electrochromic functionality, allowing for opaque or transparent execution. Thanks to the elimination of the rear window, the glass roof now stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads.

A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to enable rear occupant control.

Polestar says the rear-view mirror has been replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera which enables a far wider field of view than can be experienced in most modern cars.

The digital feed from the rear view screen can be deactivated to allow drivers to see rear seat occupants if needed.

Up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging is included for all versions. Bi-directional charging is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability at launch providing for external devices to draw power from Polestar 4.

The Swedish performance EV brand says it’s determined to improve society by using design and technology to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. Polestas cars are now available in 27 markets globally, including Australia. The company plans on developing a “truly climate-neutral” production car without offsetting by 2030.

Polestar says that more circular and low-carbon materials replace traditional solutions in the Polestar 4 including greater supply chain transparency like blockchain traceability for risk materials in the batteries.

Polestar says that 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.

The Polestar 4 will launch first in China, with production planned to begin in November 2023. The Polestar 4 will be made at the Geely-owned state-of-the-art production facility which 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.

Polestar says indicative launch pricing is from €60,000, or around $A98,000.

*Preliminary data. Official energy consumption and range certification data is pending and will be released in 2024.

Daniel Bleakley is a clean technology researcher and advocate with a background in engineering and business. He has a strong interest in electric vehicles, renewable energy, manufacturing and public policy.