CARS think they’re pretty clever.
Well, they’re not.
They beep and bong and flash up warnings when they think you’re speeding. When you’re not.
They twitch and vibrate when they think you’re straying over the white lines.
When really you are trying to give a cyclist some space.
They slam on the emergency brakes out of nowhere when they think you are going to hit something in front.
I have got eyes. They do work. I was driving when cars still had chokes.
You need to prod, swipe and scroll through submenus to find simple controls.
Not easy when you’re doing 70mph on the M1.
Then it flashes up “Driver fatigue alert, take a break.”
I’m wide awake. I’m wound up.
Sometimes the robot woman chips in when you’re having a conversation with your passenger. Mind your business.
Now here’s a car that’s loaded with even more unnecessary and expensive tech.
It’s a roof-mounted camera that replaces the rear window.
I repeat. THIS CAR HAS NO BACK WINDOW. Like a really expensive Transit van.
Is that progress? I don’t think so.
The main reason Polestar — the cooler, Swedish Tesla — didn’t tick the option box for a rear window on Polestar 4 is to create SUV-like headroom for back-seat passengers but still give it a designer coupe look on the outside.
In that respect, job done. It works. It’s not another jelly-mould SUV.
But I don’t think you will get on with a digital camera replacing your own eyes and a proper window. It’s just not real — and the perspective is off.
For example, when reversing to turn around, it looked like I was a gnat’s whisker from a gate post. When really I was two metres away. I could lie down flat between the two.
So then you doubt yourself and a regular three-point turn becomes an Austin Powers 33-point turn. People laugh at you and say: “That rich bloke can’t drive. What an idiot.”
Some of which is true.
Another thing. It feels a bit claustrophobic back there, even with the light interior.
Save yourself £20k and get a Polestar 2
Polestar execs can start reading from here on out because, obviously, there is some good stuff to share about Polestar 4.
Up front, it’s a nice place to be. A really nice place to be.
Cool and classy. Think upmarket Ikea.
Responsible materials inspired by sportswear and fashion will keep Greta happy and we like the precision and attention to detail, like the oversized pause and play button for music.
It’s comfy and well insulated in here.
Coasts nicely. And, like most electric cars, rapid when you hurry it.
The £60k version is single-motor rear-wheel drive with 272hp and passive suspension.
The official WLTP range is 385 miles. Even in the real world you should get well north of 300 miles.
The £67k version is dual-motor all-wheel drive with 544hp and active suspension and is best for towing, up to two tonnes.
If you can live without a rear window and don’t reverse much, get a Polestar 4.
Otherwise, save yourself £20k and get a Polestar 2.
