Polestar 4 News

Electric vehicle sales are booming in Australia as international and domestic factors contribute to substantial EV uptake. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) data for the first quarter of 2026 reveals EV sales are up 40 per cent compared to this time last year. In the first quarter of this year, Tesla and Polestar have sold nearly 8000 units between them, which is also a sizable increase on 2025 numbers. This number is likely to be even higher, with only Tesla and Polestar reporting to the EVC, meaning much of the ever-increasing range of electric cars are not part of this latest data set. Official data for April from VFACTS will be released next week.This includes strong selling EV models such as the Zeekr 7X, which has had a flying start to life in Australia, along with many electric BYD models. Tesla accumulated 3485 sales for March 2026, more than 600 extra units compared to March 2025. The Model Y SUV continues to be the brand’s most popular model, with 2818 units shifted in March 2026, more than 1000 up on the same time last year. Tesla will soon introduce a six-seater version of its best-seller called the Model Y L, which will arrive in the coming weeks. The Model 3 sedan has not had the same positive sales result as its SUV sibling, with a 40 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. Polestar has also not experienced the same sales increase, with its Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 experiencing sharp drop-offs, while Polestar 4 sales improved slightly. This latest data comes at a time when rising fuel prices are sending demand for EVs skyrocketing.EVC Chief Executive Julie Delvecchio said this latest data indicates an acceleration of the EV shift for Australia. “Volatile global oil markets are changing the conversation. Australians aren't asking whether EVs are the future anymore. They're asking which one they can get their hands on, and when,” Delvecchio said. This electric sale acceleration is also being brought on by the government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which is placing pressure on brands to electrify their line-ups or face fines. Major brands have already started hiking prices on petrol units, while introducing new EV models to offset the potential impacts of the emissions-based scheme.

The Australian federal government is looking to potentially scrap or alter its electric vehicle (EV) tax relief but Polestar Australia has said this could prematurely stunt sales growth.Since July 2022, novated lease buyers of an EVs and previously plug-in hybrids (PHEV) under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles have been exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).The policy will cost $1.35 billion this financial year, or 15 times more than originally forecast, according to the Australian Financial Review.As EV sales continue to gain traction in Australia, Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard said the government shouldn’t change things now.“This is not the time to change the settings that they've got on the FBT relief for electric vehicles,” said Maynard.“So the government's published goal is to see 50 per cent of the market buying electric vehicles by 2035. They're nowhere near that, and they're not tracking towards that.“So I fail to see how the program could be overspent when the results are underdone. The two simply don't line up.“It would suggest that the problem here is that it was under budgeted from the start.“It's great to see the electric vehicle share of the light vehicle market has now risen above 10 per cent for the year and continues to increase.“That's great, but at the first sign of success, I don't think that that would be the time to dismantle or even change the program.”As it currently stands, versions of the Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 are below the LCT threshold and can be exempt from FBT if you get a novated lease.Sales of Polestar cars also went up 38.5 per cent year-on-year during 2025, likely due in part to how the FBT exemption has helped spur growing EV sales.“If the government is seeking to rationalise its expense through FBT subsidies, I feel strongly that it should be looking at the money it's investing in the sale of dual-cab utes before it looks at electric vehicles,” added Maynard.“We all accept that electric vehicles present Australian drivers now with sufficient choice, a lower running cost, and vehicles that are fun to drive and easy to own, and we all accept that there's tangible and measurable health benefits to to the cleaner air that they that they will provide us, and yet we don't think twice about the billions of dollars is that the government is sinking into the sale of dual-cab ute to the point where now, where we're selling one and a half times the utes that we have tradespeople.“We're selling these things with an FBT subsidy of prices in excess of $200,000. That would seem to me to be a much easier win than going after a corner of the market that's doing good things and not enough of them.”Currently vehicles like a single- or dual-cab ute, van, hearse and taxi, among a few others are exempt from FBT provided they are for business purposes and have limited private use.It’s worth noting that utes are still among the best-selling vehicles in Australia and many are diesel-powered.These types of vehicles also have a more lenient CO2 target to hit as part of the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), though this will still get harder for carmakers to achieve as the years go on and the target is reduced.

Australians love high-performance cars and Polestar says more can’t come soon enough.Polestar Australia Managing Director Scott Maynard said he would consider bringing the brand’s BST high-performance offerings if development continues.“I think Australia is a market that loves high-performance product I'd love to see the continued development of some of the BST range,” said Maynard.“We've seen some real interest in that product when it was here previously, and I don't feel that we really gave it its head.“And so to be able to offer up a bit more of the BST line-up as a spin-off, to some of the vehicles that we've either got or are going to get, I think would be tremendous.“I'll take that.”Polestar’s BST line started back in 2022 and to date there have been two limited-edition versions of the Polestar 2 offered globally. Neither came to Australia though.Based on the Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor with the optional Performance Pack, both the Polestar 2 BST Edition 270 and BST Edition 230 gain features like a 25mm lower ride height, stiffer shock absorbers and a front strut bar. They also had unique designs.This is above and beyond standard equipment like the Brembo brakes with golden brake calipers and two-way manually adjustable Öhlins dampers.Power and torque from the dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up remain unchanged over the standard car. Total system outputs were 350kW of power and 680Nm of torque.It’s worth noting that the current 2026 Polestar 2 Long range Dual Motor with the optional Performance package now produces more torque at 740Nm. It can also do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds.At this stage it’s unclear whether Polestar plans to create any more versions of the Polestar 2 BST to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3 Performance and BYD Seal Performance, among others.The Polestar 2 is getting on in years now and originally dates back to 2016 when it was first revealed as a Volvo concept. It’s been on sale in Australia now since 2021 and already received a major mid-life update in 2024.It’s also unclear whether Polestar plans to officially give the BST treatment to any of its other vehicles.In 2024 Polestar revealed the BST concept which was a hotted-up version of the forthcoming Polestar 6 electric convertible.It featured a swan-neck rear wing, aggressive front fascia, dramatic rear diffuser, bonnet vents, as well as flared wheel arches to accommodate a wider track width.Although the Polestar 6 was previously slated for production in 2026, Polestar has no longer confirmed when it will begin producing examples.The Swedish electric vehicle (EV) carmaker also currently has the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 large electric SUVs and later this year is set to launch the Polestar 5 liftback in Australia.The latter is a Porsche Taycan rival that already offers up to 650kW of power and can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds.

Large SUVs are the big, spacious heroes of suburbia, favoured by families with more than a couple of kids and picked for their adventurous and sporty looks when probably a people mover would do.Of course, there are the large SUVs that aren’t just tough looking but incredibly capable off-road, too. Then there are those which are fully electric, and bring supercar acceleration to something that feels like the size of a small house.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUV model ranges from the sub-$100K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced February 6.Chinese carmaker Chery brought its flagship Tiggo 9 seven-seater SUV to Australia in late 2025 and in one grade only - the Ultimate.CarsGuide reviewers found the Tiggo 9 to be outstanding value for money, but also standing out is its ‘Super Hybrid’ system which offers a large battery, fast charging and a long combined range with excellent fuel efficiency.Add to this a superbly comfortable ride and you can see why the Tiggo 9 has made our shortlist.  Hyundai’s Santa Fe quickly became an Aussie family favourite after it was launched here 25 years ago. Loved for being spacious and affordable, this large SUV became safer, better to drive and more refined over the years until we come to today’s fifth-generation model, which is the best yet.The Santa Fe is a three-row large SUV available in both petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains. It has some fierce rivals in this large and affordable SUV segment, but CarsGuide reviewers loved the way it combines practicality and value for money with style and refinement that can withstand all the spills and rough treatment delivered by families.  So much kudos needs to go to Kia for launching its largest SUV ever - the EV9 - as an all-electric model only. A brave move that even made the EV9 unique in its segment as the first fully electric, seven-seat, upper-large SUV on the market.CarsGuide reviewers found the EV9 to be practical, superb to drive with outstanding levels of comfort and performance, and while it can be pricey there’s large fast charging batteries, with long ranges and vehicle-to-load power capability.Add to all this the futuristic chiselled looks and you have an SUV that’s bravely different, and beautifully fit for purpose.The Land Rover Defender is iconic. Famous for being the choice of transport for decades of hardcore adventurers to royalty and everyone in between, not many SUVs can combine prestige and off-road prowess like the Defender. The new Defender is a far more luxurious affair than the early Land Rover Series 1 from the 1940s that started the whole off-road SUV thing, but the blocky looks are still reminiscent of its agricultural ancestor.CarsGuide reviewers found the Defender to be comfortable and great to drive, with excellent practicality but fuel consumption can be high and towing capacity less than rivals.Available in a short- and long-wheelbase, with a choice of powerplants from supercharged V8s to hybrids the Defender is an exceptional go-anywhere luxury SUV.The Polestar 4 is a prestige electric coupe-style SUV that arrived in Australia in 2024, causing chins to wag due to its complete lack of rear window, and a digital review mirror.The rear window controversy was good publicity for the brand which arrived in Australia in 2022 with its Polestar 2 sedan but had seemingly gone off the boil with the arrival of a multitude of new Chinese electric SUVs.At 4.84m end to end, the Polestar 4 is about a finger’s length longer than the Tesla Model Y, but more expensive and would see its rivals as Audi’s Q6 e-tron Sportback and BMW iX3.  CarsGuide reviewers found the Polestar 4 to have an impressive driving range, excellent performance, great styling… but that lack of back window and the digital rear view mirror, not so great. The new-generation Skoda Kodiaq arrived in 2025, bigger and more refined than the previous version, even if the styling appeared to have barely changed. CarsGuide reviewers found this seven-seater to be practical with excellent cabin storage and packed with loads of standard features, making the Kodiaq excellent value.Superb to drive with great handling and a comfortable ride, the Kodiaq is the alternative to more mainstream rivals such as the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Kluger.  Toyota’s seven-seat large SUV has also been on the shopping list of Aussie families since 2003 and while there’s more rivals to pick from than 20 years ago, the Kluger remains popular.CarsGuide reviewers found the Kluger to be spacious, practical, effortless to drive and with a fuel efficient hybrid powertrain, it is also outstanding value for money and comes with low servicing costs and Toyota’s reputation of reliability.Aussie Klugers are made in right-hand drive at Toyota’s Indiana plant in the United States.  Toyota’s LandCruiser 300 Series is a legend in its own time, acclaimed worldwide as one of the most capable large off-roaders, that’s comfortable, and with an exceptional reputation for reliability.With rivals such as the Nissan Patrol and Land Rover Defender, CarsGuide reviewers found the LandCruiser 300 Series to not only be great off-road, but also have good on-road manners, too. Reviewers noted, however, the high price tag and the need for better off-road tyres.The new-gen Toyota LandCruiser Prado arrived in late 2024 amid high expectations given the popularity of the previous modelsThe new Prado had a completely new retro cool look, but also a higher price tag. Still CarsGuide reviewers found the Prado very effective off-road and a big improvement over the previous gen with an increased towing capacity of 3500kg. But CarsGuide reviewers also found the Prado to be underpowered and not as good value for money as a Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X.   Volkswagen's Touareg is a large, luxurious SUV that’s closely related to Audi’s Q7 but without the higher price.While all Touareg’s are five-seaters only, CarsGuide reviewers found it to be practical, full of sophisticated tech and refined in design and quality.A plug-in hybrid in the sporty R grade is available but CarsGuide reviewers found energy consumption to be high and EV driving range to be low.

In the years since the likes of GWM and MG established a beachhead for Chinese automotive brands in the local new car market a slew of others have followed.Economics 101 says increased competition in a mature market will quickly stimulate activity, generating big winners and significant losers.And the reality of 2025’s vehicle registration data, compiled by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI VFacts) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), has graphically validated that economic theory.More than 30 of the 60 passenger car and light commercial brands monitored by VFacts and the EVC went backwards in terms of sales volume in 2025 compared to 2024.But the winners were BIG, the top two improvers experiencing spectacular growth; the overall champ almost sending the needle off the clock.Of course, some were coming off a relatively small sales base, with increasing supply and expanding model line-ups inflating percentage figures. So, for context, we’ll also note outright volume increases and only include brands that recorded full-year sales in 2024.Here are our top five countdowns for biggest new car sales winners and losers in 2025.5) Rolls-Royce: Okay, it’s 13 extra cars for 2025 over 2024, but when each one of them retails for a minimum of $700K that’s some handy incremental profit margin. Obviously, for a select few it’s a case of ‘cost-of-living crisis be damned’, with no less than eight extra Cullinan SUVs and the same number of sedans finding a home last year. 4) Mini: A big year for Mini, including a major JCW-focused refresh across the range as well as a burst of sales for the pure-electric Aceman line-up. There were substantial boosts for the Cabrio (+100 per cent), Cooper (+45.2 per cent) and Countryman (+19 per cent).   3) Polestar: It was a case of swings and roundabouts for the Swedish EV specialist with the Polestar 2 liftback dropping sales while the larger 3 and 4 SUVs expanded total numbers by close to 40 per cent. Stand by for the performance-focused Polestar 5 GT’s impact when it arrives here mid-year.2) BYD: Market appetite for BYD’s products grew in parallel with its model range, the Chinese giant’s Aussie line-up expanding from four to eight models. Newcomers like the Atto 1, Atto 2 and Sealion 7 grew its share of the pie dramatically, but the star of the show was the Shark 6 hybrid ute, racking up more than 18,000 sales for the year.1) Chery: The sharply-priced Tiggo 4 Pro small SUV has proved a smash hit for Chery with sales building steadily over 2025, to the point where it’s nipping at the heels of the category-leading Hyundai Kona and MG ZS. Adding the large Tiggo 9 large SUV also delivered handy incremental sales.5) Suzuki: Despite the addition of the Fronx small hybrid SUV mid-year (which captured a handy 1667 sales) the evergreen Japanese brand went backwards in 2025, with stocks of the discontinued Ignis dwindling, Swift sales decreasing and even the cult-favourite Jimny in decline.   4) Jaguar: Kind of a no-brainer given the brand very publicly pulled the pin on production of everything except the F-Pace SUV for 12 months in preparation for a new, more premium range ramping up through 2026 and 2027. The big surprise is sales of the E-Pace growing four per cent year-on-year despite the manufacturing halt. Must have been a few in stock.  3) Maserati: Sales volume dropping by close to a third is rarely a good thing but with the Maserati Levante SUV falling off the radar there weren’t enough Grecale SUV buyers ready to pick up the slack. The Granturismo and Grancabrio coupe and convertible GTs were also missing in action creating a low ebb for the iconic Italian. 2) Jeep: Speaking of iconic brands, Jeep has been fighting well-publicised head winds in its US home market thanks to a seemingly ill-advised move to a more premium positioning with prices to match. Despite a slight sales uptick for the Grand Cherokee as it leaves the local stage, serious falls for the Wrangler 4WD and Gladiator ute also took the wind out of Jeep’s sales here.1) Lotus: Who would have thought a brand famous for simplifying and adding lightness in producing race-ready sports cars would be punished for heading down the pure-electric path with a heavy SUV (Eletre) and big four-door GT (Emeya). Even the internal-combustion mid-engine Emira (despite a stay of production execution) dropped by more than 50 per cent.   

Australians have been obsessed with SUVs for over a decade, but there are signs the infatuation is coming to an end and you can put it down to electric cars.

Polestar Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for an upgraded 2026 model year version of its mid-size pure-electric Polestar 4 SUV.Headline news is no change to the manufacturer’s list price despite a key design tweak for both models in the local range with the cost of selected options also reduced.In a win for greater ease of use and reduced driver distraction, touch-sensitive steering wheel controls have been replaced by more conventional buttons, while the option pack structure has been massaged with pricing for the Bridge of Weir leather trim and electrochromic glass roof options reduced.At the same time an illuminated front Polestar logo, high-level interior illumination and net pockets in the boot have been moved to the 'Plus Pack' (see below).As the name implies, the entry-level Polestar 4 Long Range Single motor is powered by a single (rear-mounted) permanent magnet electric motor sending 200kW/343Nm to the rear wheels while the Long Range Dual motor pushes 400kW/686Nm to all four wheels. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration times are 7.1 and 3.8 seconds, respectively.With energy consumption between 7.8-18.4kWh/100km, WLTP range for the single-motor is 620km. That drops to a still impressive 590km in the high-performance dual-motor version which consumes 19.0-21.7kWh/100km. The Polestar 4 is capable of charging its 100kW lithium-ion battery at up to 200kW DC, taking on a 10-80 per cent fill in 30 minutes. Braked trailer towing capacity is 1500kg for the single motor version and 2000kg for the dual motor.20-inch alloy wheelsActive LED headlightsRain-sensing wipers‘Bio-attributed’ fabric trimEight-way electrically adjustable driver seat (with memory)Six-way electrically adjustable passenger seatHeated front seatsAmbient interior lightingDual-zone climate controlPower tailgate10.2-inch driver display14.7-inch head up display15.4-inch central multimedia display8.9-inch digital rear-view mirrorEight-speaker audio (with digital radio)Wireless Apple CarPlayPlus Pack: Harman Kardon 1320W premium sound system, head-up display, zinc deco, ‘Star knit’ illuminated deco, illuminated front Polestar logo, pixel LED headlights with ‘Adaptive High Beam’, hands-free power tailgate, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rear control screen, 12-way powered sport seats with mechanical cushion extension easy entry/exit driver’s seat, power reclining rear seats, heated steering wheel and rear seats, tri-zone climate control, PM2.5 air filtration, 22kW AC charging - $8000Pro Pack: 21-inch ‘Pro’ alloy wheels, ‘Swedish Gold’ valve caps, striped seatbelts - $2500Performance Pack: 22-inch ‘Performance’ wheels, ‘Polestar Engineered’ chassis tuning, Brembo brakes, ‘Swedish Gold’ accents (available on Dual motor with Plus pack) - $7200Electric retractable towbar - $3310Electrochromic glass roof - $2200Body-coloured lower claddings - $1400Privacy glass on rear side windows - $700Nappa upgrade: Bridge of Weir leather, ventilated front seats (with massage), Harman Kardon headrest speakers in front seats, rear comfort headrests, brushed textile headlining - $6100 (Zinc) / $5700 (Charcoal) - requires Plus PackSnow (white)Magnesium (cool grey)Electron (silver)Storm (dark grey)Space (black)The Polestar 4 scored a maximum five-star ANCAP score from assessment in 2024. It’s Adult Occupant Protection score is 92 per cent, Child Occupant Protection score is 87 per cent, Vulnerable Road User protection score is 81 per cent and its Safety Assist Score is 79 per cent.Four short range camerasRear-view HD cameraTwo forward-facing HD camerasFour side-view HD camerasUndersteer Control LogicTrailer Stability AssistAdaptive Cruise ControlAEB (vehicle / cyclist / pedestrian detection)Advanced Collision AvoidanceForward Collision WarningLane Keeping AidLane Departure WarningOncoming Lane MitigationDriver Alert ControlRear Collision Warning and MitigationCross Traffic Alert with brake supportRoad Sign InformationBlind Spot Information with steer assistExit assistPost-impact brakingTyre pressure monitoringWhiplash Injury Protection System (WIPS)Seven airbagsISOFIX mountings (rear seats)The Polestar 4 is covered by a five-year, unlimited km warranty (with roadside assistance included). The traction battery is covered for eight years, 160,000km and there’s also a 12-year corrosion warranty. Onboard diagnostics will notify the driver if and when service is necessary, although Polestar says “Generally (the) Polestar 4 doesn't need to be serviced for up to two years or 30,000km”.The Polestar 4 is 4840mm long, 2067mm wide (mirrors folded) and 1534mm tall with a 2999mm wheelbase. Boot volume is 526 litres with the rear seat upright, expanding to 1536L with it folded down. There’s also a 15L ‘frunk’ in the nose.

Polestar is set to buck the trend of buttonless minimalist interior design with its next-generation models.

The Tesla Model Y has a monster month in September 2025.

Polestar’s most important model yet is slowly taking shape.The Polestar 7 will be a compact SUV that’s all but certain to become the brand’s top-selling model.Up to now the Chinese-owned Swedish carmaker has not revealed too many details about the all-important EV, but a few things have come to light in a recent interview at the IAA Mobility show in Munich.According to Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller, the Polestar 7 will launch in early 2028.The Polestar 5 launch has just kicked off with the four-door grand tourer’s reveal in Munich. But, aside from the occasional model year update of models like the Polestar 3 and 4, the next major model will be the 7, more than two years from now.Chief Design Officer Philipp Römers wouldn’t go as far as confirming it, but did not reject the idea of a concept version of the 7 ahead of the production model’s debut.“I'm dreaming. And of course, as a design driven brand, you need, from time to time, some concept cars,” he said.“I can't confirm it today, but we are on it. I mean I'm dreaming of it, definitely.”The Polestar 7 is expected to introduce the next iteration of Polestar’s design language and it will be the first major project under Römers’ stewardship since taking the reins of Polestar design earlier this year after 20 years with Audi.Asked if it will take a more traditional SUV shape compared with the fastback-crossover style of the Polestar 4, Römers said: “Polestar 7 will be smaller and I mean, we said it already, a compact SUV. Also quite functional, you know, and that means, of course, some things. But we will make sure that it still has USP, that it looks Polestar-ish and sticks out, you know, (from) all of the masses.”Römers said the design language would include familiar Polestar elements, but with a more modern twist.“I'm pretty sure you would see it's a Polestar, but in the same time, it's different. It's the next step. It's even more modern, you know? I mean, we are talking about a car which comes out in (20) 28 you know. So you have to evolve. You can't just stick to the current status.”When we see the Polestar 7, or a concept version of it, is unclear. But it is expected to do battle with the likes of other Geely models like the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, as well as the BMW iX1 and 2, Audi Q4 e-tron, XPeng G6 and more.