Polestar 4: A Bold Leap in SUV Design Without a Rear Window
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Polestar 4
The Polestar 4 has recently made its debut as an innovative sports coupe SUV in China, representing the Swedish automaker's most ambitious design venture to date. With a starting price around $42,000 and available in four distinct trims, the U.S. market can expect prices to kick off at approximately $56,300.
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Section 1.1: Underlying Technology
The Polestar 4 is constructed on Geely's proprietary SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles. This platform also supports other Geely models, including the Zeekr X and the forthcoming Polestar 5. Having a unified architecture is crucial for success in the EV market, and Geely appears to be meeting that challenge effectively.
Subsection 1.1.1: Performance Specifications
As a potential buyer, you can opt for either the long-range dual motors or the single long-range motor variant. The latter serves as a base model, delivering 272 horsepower (200 kW) and achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, making it suitable for overtaking on American highways. In terms of range, this vehicle can travel up to 300 miles, which is notably impressive for its size.
Beneath the flatbed floor lies a CATL 400v lithium-ion battery, with Polestar claiming that charging from 10% to 80% only takes around 30 minutes. Once it becomes available in the U.S., it will be interesting to see if it integrates with Tesla’s charging network.
Section 1.2: Software and User Experience
In China, the Polestar 4 comes equipped with Polestar OS, which supports Apple CarPlay. Conversely, models in the U.S. will feature Android Automotive, highlighting the technological differences between these two critical automotive markets.
Chapter 2: Revolutionary Design Choices
The aerodynamic design of the Polestar 4 was crafted with a sleek front and rear side aero blades to enhance performance. This innovative structure aims to reduce drag, thereby improving both range and power efficiency.
The first video, FIRST DRIVE: Polestar 4 – No Back Window, But Why?, explores the unique design elements of the Polestar 4, including the absence of a rear window and its impact on the driving experience.
One of the most striking features of the Polestar 4 is its lack of a rear window, a concept first introduced in the Polestar Precept. This bold decision opens up passenger space and creates a panoramic glass roof while improving headroom.
To compensate for the missing rear window, a high-resolution rear-view display replaces the traditional mirror, connected to a rear-facing HD camera. This setup provides drivers with a broader, unobstructed view behind them.
The second video, Polestar 4: No Rear Window, No Problem, discusses the advantages of this design choice and its implications for future vehicle designs.
Will this trend of forgoing rear windows become standard in future vehicles? The advantages appear to outweigh any disadvantages, providing enhanced headroom for passengers and improving overall safety through digital rearview technology.
The move toward digital features is also evident in side mirrors, as seen in the Chang’an Avatr 12, which utilizes lidar sensors for self-driving capabilities and eliminates the need for traditional mirrors. This evolution signifies a shift in design philosophies as the automotive industry embraces new technology.
However, it is important to note that digital side mirrors have yet to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which may hinder their adoption in the U.S. market.
What are your thoughts on this transformation? With the rise of autonomous vehicles featuring fewer windows and advanced sensor systems, are we on the brink of a future where cars bear little resemblance to those we know today? Share your insights in the comments below!
Source: CNEvPost.com, Polestar.cn