Polestar 4’s Missing Rear Window Wins Over Buyers Despite Early Doubts

Media Skepticism Turns Into Customer Approval

When the Polestar 4 launched without a rear window, automotive journalists didn’t hold back. Many wondered if the bold move would alienate buyers in the crowded electric crossover segment, where competitors like the Tesla Model Y dominate. Reviewers, including critics from our own team, noted that driving without a traditional rear view could feel awkward.

But while the press raised doubts, actual customers told a different story. For Polestar, the gamble is paying off.

Customers Embrace the Digital Rearview Mirror

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller revealed in a recent interview with Autocar that most Polestar 4 buyers have quickly adapted to the digital rearview system. According to him, around 80% of drivers adjust within days and end up preferring it.

Lohscheller acknowledged that the car is “polarizing,” but stressed that this isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. “You don’t want a car where everybody says, ‘Well, I kind of like it.’ No, you have to love it or not,” he explained.

In other words, Polestar would rather build a distinctive product that sparks strong opinions than a forgettable one that blends into the background.

Strong Sales Prove the Strategy Is Working

The sales figures reflect this strategy’s success. In the first half of this year, Polestar’s global retail sales jumped 51.1% compared to the same period last year, reaching 30,289 units.

Last year, the brand managed just over 20,000 vehicles worldwide, a disappointing performance for a brand trying to establish itself beyond Volvo. The 2024 momentum suggests that the Polestar 4’s uniqueness has resonated with customers, helping the brand rebound in a tough EV market.

Positioned Between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3

The Polestar 4 sits between the entry-level Polestar 2 sedan and the larger Polestar 3 SUV in the lineup. However, with the Polestar 2 no longer available in the United States, the automaker is now relying on its two crossover models to carry the brand forward.

This makes the Polestar 4 especially important. It’s priced and positioned to capture buyers who want something more upscale than the discontinued sedan but don’t want to jump straight to the premium Polestar 3.

Why Being Different Matters in the EV Market

In an industry where many EVs share similar silhouettes and specs, the Polestar 4’s controversial design choice has become its calling card. By forcing buyers to embrace a new way of driving with a digital rearview mirror, Polestar has set itself apart in a crowded field.

What began as a gamble—removing the rear window—has transformed into a signature feature that customers love, and a reminder that in the competitive EV market, standing out can be more valuable than blending in.

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