Polestar has been growing rapidly in the UK, with bold expansion plans that are already shaking up the electric car market. Despite the brand not yet having a dedicated dealership in Wales, it is quickly gaining attention with drivers thanks to a series of pop-up events across the country. For drivers in south Wales, the closest permanent Polestar Space is just over the bridge in Bristol.
This weekend, the Swedish performance brand brought its line-up to Gilestone Manor in the Vale of Glamorgan, giving visitors the chance to get behind the wheel and experience its latest models. We headed along on Friday to try out the new Polestar 4.
The Polestar 4 is a sleek electric SUV coupé and the brand’s most distinctive model yet. It features a bold design without a rear window, a 15.4-inch infotainment system powered by Google, and a focus on sustainable materials throughout the cabin. Underneath, it’s powered by a 94kWh battery and can achieve rapid 200kW DC charging, making it practical as well as stylish.
The technology inside the Polestar 4 is genuinely cutting edge. With no rear window, the central rear-view mirror has been replaced by a digital display linked to a camera at the back of the car. It offers a much wider field of view than a standard mirror and even pivots slightly when you indicate to give you a clearer look down the side of the car. It does take some getting used to, though, as the image is flat and lacks depth perception, meaning your eyes need a moment to adjust.
In the back, passengers are treated to plenty of comfort, with generous space and thoughtful design. Drivers can also tailor the car to their preferences thanks to multiple driving modes and a range of trim options, making it a solid contender for anyone in the market for an electric vehicle.
The car is available in two powertrain options:
• Long range Single Motor
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200 kW (268 bhp)
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0–60 mph in 6.9 seconds
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Towing capacity up to 1,500 kg
• Long range Dual Motor
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400 kW (536 bhp)
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0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds
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Towing capacity up to 2,000 kg
We tested the Long Range Dual Motor version, which delivers serious performance. With 536 bhp on tap, it sprints from 0–60mph in just 3.7 seconds, yet still offers comfort, space, and all the latest safety and connectivity features you could ever need. The model we drove was fully equipped apart from the optional performance pack, and it felt every bit the premium rival to BMW, Audi, and Porsche.
Pop-up driving events like this are well worth attending if you’re curious about making the switch to electric. They give you the chance to try out models in a relaxed setting with the support of a knowledgeable team on hand to walk you through the features. Polestar is also running a number of offers until the end of the year, adding to the appeal.
We’ve seen similar events before, such as when BYD brought its Seal electric saloon to Cardiff last autumn, which also attracted plenty of attention from those wanting to test the waters with EVs. (You can read about that here: Behind the wheel of the BYD Seal at a special event in Cardiff).
Polestar has made clear that its ambitions in the UK are only just beginning. With sales growing fast and more models on the way, including the impressive Polestar 3 SUV (reviewed here: Can the Polestar 3 take on Porsche, BMW and Audi?), the brand is positioning itself as a serious contender in the premium EV space.
Until Wales gets its own Polestar Space, these pop-up events are the best way for drivers to experience the cars first-hand. Judging by the response this weekend, there’s clearly strong interest from Welsh drivers in what Polestar has to offer.
