Polestar 4 SUV Launches as a Practical Wagon Amid US Market Exit

Key points

• The Polestar 4 SUV features a taller rear section, adding 129 liters of cargo space compared to the coupe, with a total capacity of 655 liters to the roofline.
• It replaces the coupe's digital rearview mirror with a standard glass window and wiper, though the digital mirror remains an optional add-on.
• Performance options include a single-motor version (268 hp, 391 miles range) and a dual-motor AWD version (544 hp, 373 miles range), both using a 100-kWh battery.
• Production is underway in Busan, South Korea, with first deliveries expected in Q4 2026; Australian pricing starts at AUD $73,900.
• Polestar is exiting the US market starting in 2027 due to non-compliance with the Connected Vehicles Rule, despite earlier CEO assurances of US availability.

Background

Polestar previously confirmed the SUV variant in early 2026, noting its alignment with Swedish estate car traditions. The brand faced significant headwinds in mid-2026 when it was barred from selling new cars in the US from 2027 onward due to connected vehicle regulations linked to China or Russia. This regulatory hurdle effectively ended Polestar's American operations, making the global launch of the 4 SUV a critical pivot for the brand's future.

How outlets are covering it

Motor1 emphasizes the practicality of the new wagon design, noting the clever integration of the rear wiper under the spoiler and the addition of a glass window. Top Gear highlights the aesthetic appeal, describing it as a 'lifted estate' and noting the inclusion of a Performance Pack with Brembo brakes. CarSauce provides detailed Australian pricing and confirms the carbon footprint figures, while also noting the inclusion of Google Gemini AI. All sources agree on the core specs but differ in focus: Motor1 and Top Gear critique the naming convention, while CarSauce focuses on market-specific financials and delivery timelines.

Why it matters

The launch of the Polestar 4 SUV demonstrates the brand's strategy to diversify its lineup with more practical body styles to compete in the growing EV wagon segment. However, the simultaneous exit from the US market underscores the severe impact of geopolitical trade regulations on automotive manufacturers, forcing Polestar to rely on international markets like Australia and Europe for growth.

What to watch

First customer deliveries are scheduled for Q4 2026. Polestar plans to roll out Vehicle-to-Load and Camping mode features to all Polestar 4 models via a future software update. The brand will continue to focus on expanding its presence in markets outside the US, leveraging the new SUV's practicality to attract buyers seeking utility without the height of a traditional SUV.