Polestar Expands Electric Lineup with Practical 4 SUV and Formula 2030 Concept

Polestar has significantly expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the introduction of a new, more practical version of its 4 SUV, while simultaneously unveiling the design direction for its next generation of vehicles through the Formula 2030 concept. The new Polestar 4 SUV addresses one of the most frequent criticisms of the original coupe-styled model by incorporating a traditional rear windscreen, a move intended to enhance everyday usability and visibility. This addition marks a strategic shift for the brand, which is balancing its reputation for minimalist, avant-garde design with the practical demands of the broader SUV market.

Beyond the immediate product update, the company is preparing for a major design evolution under the guidance of design chief Philipp Römers, who joined the firm in early 2025. The Formula 2030 concept, scheduled for a full public debut in October 2026, serves as a blueprint for the upcoming next-generation Polestar 2, expected in 2027, and the Polestar 7 compact SUV, slated for 2028. This dual-pronged approach of refining existing models while establishing a new visual identity underscores Polestar’s ambition to scale its operations and maintain a consistent family appearance across diverse vehicle segments.

The most notable change in the new Polestar 4 SUV is the integration of a conventional rear window, replacing the camera-based digital rear-view system that defined the original coupe. By reworking the rear end with a taller roofline and a more upright tailgate, Polestar has effectively transitioned the vehicle into a shape closer to an estate, significantly boosting its utility. This structural adjustment provides 655 litres of luggage space with the rear seats up, compared to 526 litres in the coupe, and increases total capacity to 1,680 litres when the seats are folded.

Beyond cargo capacity, the SUV variant offers an additional 25 mm of rear headroom, addressing comfort concerns for taller passengers. Despite these changes, the vehicle retains the core technical foundation of the original model, utilizing the Geely-developed SEA platform. It continues to offer both single-motor and dual-motor configurations, with the latter producing 536 bhp and achieving a 0-100 kph sprint in 3.9 seconds. The 100 kWh battery has been optimized to provide a slightly improved range, with the single-motor variant now rated for up to 629 km on the WLTP cycle.

Polestar has also implemented targeted revisions to the chassis to prioritize comfort and steering precision. Standard models are equipped with passive dampers and Hankook tyres, while the optional Performance Pack introduces adaptive ZF dampers, Brembo brakes, and 22-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero tyres. These mechanical updates are intended to refine the driving experience, ensuring the SUV remains competitive in a crowded electric crossover market.

Inside the cabin, the 15.4-inch horizontal touchscreen has been updated with additional shortcut buttons to improve interface navigation. The infotainment system now features integrated Google Gemini, enhancing the vehicle's digital capabilities. Furthermore, the introduction of a new vehicle-to-load function allows owners to power external equipment or provide emergency charging to other electric vehicles, alongside new features like a dedicated camping mode and roof rails for increased versatility.

The Formula 2030 concept represents a pivotal moment for Polestar’s aesthetic evolution. Philipp Römers has positioned the concept as a bold evolution of the brand’s existing identity rather than a complete departure. The design retains the signature Dual Blade lighting signature, which remains a cornerstone of the brand’s visual continuity. The objective is to create a premium, distinctive look that avoids the increasingly aggressive and sharp-edged styling trends seen in many contemporary electric vehicles.

This new design language is set to influence the next-generation Polestar 2, which is scheduled for launch in early 2027. As one of the brand’s most recognizable models, the successor to the 2 will be tasked with translating the Formula 2030’s design cues into a production-ready format. This transition is critical for Polestar as it seeks to establish a more cohesive family appearance across its expanding lineup, including the upcoming Polestar 7 compact SUV planned for 2028.

Polestar’s product roadmap is currently in a phase of significant expansion, with the company preparing for what it describes as its largest model offensive to date. The inclusion of the new Polestar 4 variant, the next-generation 2, and the future 7 reflects a concerted effort to capture a wider share of the premium EV market. The company plans to hold an exclusive presentation in Gothenburg for investors and retailers ahead of the public reveal of the Formula 2030 concept in October 2026.

However, this global expansion occurs against a backdrop of regulatory and market complexities. Reports indicate that Polestar has faced challenges in the U.S. market due to restrictions on vehicles with Chinese supply chain links, which has impacted the company’s delivery outlook. While the Formula 2030 design direction is being developed for a global audience, the extent to which these future models will be accessible to American consumers remains an unresolved question for the brand’s long-term strategy.