The high-performance saloon market has long been dominated by established European brands. Now, Polestar aims to disrupt this status quo with the 4, an electric vehicle that seeks to blend comfort, luxury, and supercar-level power. But does the optional £4000 Performance Pack transform the Polestar 4 from a fast EV into a genuine competitor against traditional super-saloons like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?
The Performance Pack: What You Get
The upgrade doesn’t add any extra horsepower to the already potent 536bhp, all-wheel-drive configuration. Instead, it focuses on refining handling and braking. Key additions include:
- 22-inch wheels: Providing a more aggressive stance and improved grip.
- ZF dampers: Calibrated for firmer control and reduced body roll.
- Brembo brakes: Featuring 392mm front discs for enhanced stopping power.
- Gold seatbelts: A subtle but striking aesthetic detail.
An optional £900 body-colored lower cladding adds to the visual appeal, making the car appear less like an SUV and more like a traditional saloon. While technically a hatchback, the Polestar 4’s design leans towards the classic saloon profile.
Track Testing: Performance Under Pressure
To assess the impact of the Performance Pack, both a standard Polestar 4 and an upgraded model were tested at Bicester Motion’s handling circuit. The results highlight the car’s raw speed: the 536bhp powertrain accelerates brutally, reaching over 90mph within a 310-meter straight.
Polestar’s aggressive throttle mapping delivers instant response, even in “Range” mode. “Performance” mode, meanwhile, unleashes the full power with minimal pedal travel. Despite this, the car exhibits a tendency towards understeer, with limited steering feedback even in Sport mode.
The Verdict: A Fast EV, Not Quite a Super-Saloon
The Performance Pack improves handling through stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, noticeably reducing body roll. However, the Polestar 4 still doesn’t fully capture the engaging driving dynamics of traditional super-saloons.
While it offers immense grip and electrifying acceleration, the car lacks the playful balance and communicative feedback found in competitors like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Polestar 4 remains a uniquely fast and capable EV, but the Performance Pack doesn’t quite bridge the gap to true super-saloon status.
