The Polestar 4 has debuted at the Shanghai motor show, pitched as a “new breed of SUV coupé” and delivering up to 372 miles of range.

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Positioned between the existing 2 saloon-cum-hatchback and the forthcoming 3 SUV, it’s the brand’s third series-production car and its fastest one yet, with up to 544hp of power and a predicted 3.8-second time for the 0-62mph sprint.

Expected to be priced from around £55k, it’s designed to take the aerodynamics of a coupé and the space of an SUV, hence the claim to being a new breed of SUV coupé.

Built on parent firm Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), also used for group models such as Smart’s new #3, it features a large body and long wheelbase to give generous onboard space, especially in the rear.

“With Polestar 4 we have taken a fundamental new approach to SUV coupé design. Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV, giving it a faster roofline and as a result, compromising elements like rear headroom and comfort, we have designed Polestar 4 from the ground up as a new breed of SUV coupé that celebrates rear occupant comfort and experience,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

Both dual- and single-motor versions will be available, with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive. Two Long Range versions will be offered, both with a 102kWh battery. The Long Range Dual Motor delivers 544hp, 686Nm and a forecasted range of up to 350 miles WLTP. It will also come with a new drive optimisation function that allows the driver to select between range or performance driving modes.

The Long Range Single Motor model features a rear-mounted 272hp motor and has a preliminary range target of up to 372 miles.

All versions will come with up to 200kW DC and 22kW AC charging and bi-directional capabilities, including a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function from launch, enabling external devices to draw power. A heat pump is fitted as standard, allowing the car to make use of ambient heat when preconditioning the cabin and battery.

Design cues are taken from the Polestar Precept concept car and include removing the rear window and adding in a standard full-length glass roof, available with optional electrochromic functionality. Door handles are retractable and glazing is flush with frameless windows.

The rear-view mirror is replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera – said to provide a far wider field of view than conventional cars and able to be used to monitor rear occupants if needed. Rear-seat passengers get a secondary media and climate control screen mounted between the front seats.

Wheels range from 20 to 22-inches in size, depending on the version, with tyres supplied by Pirelli and Michelin.

The cabin and its materials have been designed around the theme of ‘soft tech’, drawing inspiration from the fashion and sportswear industries. The interior also uses a ‘mono-material’ approach for materials, first seen in the Polestar electric roadster concept in 2022 and supporting easier recycling.

New interior materials include a tailored knit textile made from 100% recycled polyester, along with bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl and animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholsteries. Inlay carpets in the interior are made using recycled PET and floor carpets are manufactured using Econyl, which includes reclaimed fishing nets.

Onboard technology includes a 10.2-inch driver display, head-up display and an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and featuring a 15.4-inch screen. Google is built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air (OTA) updates will enable new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles.

Safety equipment includes the SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye, which includes 12 cameras, one radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

The Polestar 4 will launch first in China, with production due to begin in November 2023, and will arrive in other markets, including Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, during early 2024. Final pricing will be announced when orders open.

It will be followed by the Polestar 5 luxury GT four-door in 2024 and the Polestar 6 GT in 2025.