Polestar’s new SUV has a rear window and it’s now in New Zealand

Polestar's latest electric SUV has arrived in New Zealand, bringing a feature you might expect to find on any family car: a rear window.

The Polestar 4 SUV sits alongside the existing Polestar 4 coupé, whose distinctive rear design does without a conventional back window and uses a camera-based digital mirror instead. The SUV takes a more familiar approach, with glass in the tailgate and a standard rear-view mirror.

There is more to the new body than the view behind. A straighter roofline and more upright tailgate give the SUV extra practicality, while the low, sleek shape retains some of the appeal of a wagon.

Polestar 4 SUV pricing in New Zealand

The local Polestar configurator lists two versions:

• Single motor, rear-wheel drive: from $109,900
• Dual motor, all-wheel drive: from $119,900

Prices exclude on-road costs. Optional equipment can add to the final bill, so buyers should check the full drive-away price with Polestar.

More space and a view out the back

The return of a rear window is the obvious talking point, particularly for anyone who liked the Polestar 4 coupé but preferred a conventional view behind them. A digital mirror remains an option on the SUV for drivers who want a camera view when the cargo area is full.

The redesigned rear also opens up more room for luggage. Polestar quotes 530 litres behind the rear seats to seatback height, or 655 litres measured to the roof. Fold the rear seats down and the quoted rear load space increases to 1,665 litres.

Roof rails add another way to carry gear, with a claimed maximum dynamic roof load of 100kg. Polestar lists a 2,000kg towing capacity for both powertrains, with an electric towbar available as an option.

Range and performance

The rear-wheel-drive version produces 200kW and 343Nm, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 630km. Polestar quotes a 0 to 100km/h time of 7.3 seconds.

The dual-motor model adds all-wheel drive and increases output to 400kW and 686Nm. Its claimed 0 to 100km/h time is 3.9 seconds, while WLTP range is listed at up to 600km. Range varies with specification, conditions and driving style.

Both use a 100kWh battery, with DC charging at up to 200kW according to Polestar. Actual charging speeds depend on the charger, battery condition and other factors.

A different take on the electric family car

The Polestar 4 SUV gives buyers who like the coupé's design another option with a more conventional rear view and additional cargo flexibility. Its price puts it firmly in premium territory, but the choice between rear-wheel drive and a much quicker dual-motor version means there are two distinct approaches within the range.

For Kiwi buyers, the obvious next step is to see both body styles in person and decide which suits their passengers, luggage and daily driving.

Image: Polestar New Zealand.