I know you‘re interested in the upcoming Polestar 4 electric SUV. This dramatic, high-tech vehicle promises to bring sports car performance and luxury appointments to the EV marketplace starting in 2024.
But competition is fierce in the mainstream electric SUV category too. The popular Volkswagen ID.4 crossover delivers a balanced blend of practicality and value that appeals to many buyers as well.
To help determine which model better fits your needs, let‘s take an in-depth look across 10 key categories – design, performance, technology, safety and more. By comparing specs, expert opinions and early reviews side-by-side, you‘ll have the insights to decide if the cutting-edge Polestar 4 or prudent VW ID.4 is the right electric SUV for your lifestyle and budget.
Stylish or Subtle? Evaluating Exterior Design
Beauty is always subjective, but most reviewers praise the Polestar 4‘s risk-taking fastback silhouette as a breath of fresh air in the crossover space. One need only glance at a few teasers of the Polestar 4’s sharply sloping rear roofline and pronounced haunches to realize it breaks the traditional SUV mold.
“It’s a fantastic-looking thing, this Polestar 4, even if it does appear to have been designed by a supervillain,” raves TopGear. Other previews highlight the lack of rear window glass and full-width Pixel LED taillight as visual signatures.
By contrast, Volkswagen plays it safe with the ID.4’s classic upright, two-box crossover shape. Clean lines and subtle sculpting don’t distract from its spacious, versatile interior. “The exterior design lives up to the practical format, as it cuts a familiar silhouette that oozes functionality,” confirms CarBuzz.
If you want to make a statement, the Polestar 4 promises head-turning road presence from every angle. But those satisfied with tried-and-true SUV styling will feel at home in the ID.4.
Exterior Design Winner: Polestar 4
A Premium Environment? Reviewing Interior Luxury
Early glimpses tease a minimalist cabin for the Polestar 4. A large center touchscreen, digital gauge panel and unique secondary rear touchscreen suggest both high-tech and luxury appointments. Expect superior materials like open-pore wood, aluminum and leather – appropriate for a $60,000+ vehicle.
Reviewers also praise the airy greenhouse afforded by Polestar’s panoramic sunroof and shortage of rear glass. Automotive News China editor Yang Jian says, “The interior design of Polestar 4 gives me the feeling of ‘returning to the original‘…I seem to see the possibility of a better life.”
The Volkswagen ID.4 interior is nicely finished but has hard plastics that reflect its cheaper pricing. Simple climate and audio controls appeal to those overwhelmed by elaborate interfaces. But limited adjustment and under-thigh support reduce long-haul seating comfort. As Car & Driver concludes, “VW’s focus on functionality and value is clear from the ID.4’s straightforward cabin layout.”
For those wanting cutting-edge style mixed with luxury, Polestar 4 leads again. But families focused on versatility may still appreciate the ID.4’s practical approach.
Interior Luxury Winner: Polestar 4
Powertrain Showdown: Performance and Driving Dynamics
Early Polestar 4 estimates promise supercar acceleration when equipped with its high-output dual-motor powertrain.
| Spec | Polestar 4 (Dual Motor) | VW ID.4 (Dual Motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 537 HP | 295 HP |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 109 mph |
With 537 HP, AWD traction and sports car-like weight distribution, the Polestar 4 is expected to deliver intense speed paired with agile handling. “Polestar confirms the Polestar 4 will be the highest-performing car it has ever made,” notes EV Pulse.
Despite dual motors, the ID.4 prioritizes cruising comfort over maximum attack. Light steering quickly responds to inputs but lacks detailed feedback. Modest body roll through corners also betrays its tall SUV shape. As Car & Driver concludes, VW’s crossover “proves easy to hustle but fails to engage a keen driver.”
If you crave visceral performance, the Polestar 4 promises to excite. But families will likely appreciate the ID.4’s smooth, quiet competence at legal speeds.
Driving Dynamics Winner: Polestar 4
Range and Charging Considerations
The Polestar 4‘s large 94 kWh battery helps it achieve a class-leading range over 350 miles between charges. That‘s 25% farther than its nearest luxury EV rival. For context, that enables travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas without pausing to recharge.
Impressively rapid 200+ kW charging capacity means just 30 minutes at special DC fast chargers can restore 170+ miles of driving distance. So long road trips with occasional 20-30 minute fast charging stops may be very feasible. Polestar cooperates with Electrify America and other networks to ensure next-gen chargers are available across the country.
The VW ID.4 is no slouch, with mid-grade variants rated at 280 miles by the EPA. All trims recharge at a maximum 125 kW rate, adding about 180 miles of range per 30 minute session. Established networks like Electrify America, EVGo and others ensure public DC fast charging is commonly accessible.
Both vehicles deliver ample range for around-town use. But for road warriors or those needing maximum miles between plugging in, Polestar 4 extends EV possibilities.
Range & Charging: Polestar 4
Infotainment and Connectivity
Like its Polestar 2 sibling, the Polestar 4 runs Google‘s Android Automotive operating system natively. That means handy Google Maps navigation, the Google Assistant voice assistant, and the entire Google Play app ecosystem embedded directly into its central touchscreen.
Experts also praise Android Auto‘s natural voice controls, sharp graphics and standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. And since the interface is tied into your Google account, personalization is a cinch. OTA updates ensure new features and fixes integrate seamlessly too.
“After experiencing Polestar‘s Google-powered infotainment system, it‘s hard to go back to anything else,” raves CNET roadshow host Antuan Goodwin.
Volkswagen relies on its familiar VW.OS interface, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus, but it lacks Google‘s AI capabilities. Upgrades like wireless charging, premium audio and a color head-up display help close the features gap somewhat vs Polestar. But the experience feels less cohesive.
If you want the most advanced, personalized technology experience, Polestar 4 again carries the day. But VW‘s user-friendly system covers the basics well.
Infotainment & Connectivity: Polestar 4
Safety Tech and Driver Assistance Comparison
As an affiliate of Volvo, Polestar vehicles are expected to uphold that brand‘s reputation for safety leadership. While full details on the Polestar 4’s protective tech remain forthcoming, they promise every latest radar, camera and sensor available when production begins.
Industry watchers also expect the full suite of Pilot Assist driver aids – from autonomous emergency braking and blind spot warnings to assisted lane changes, adaptive cruise control and self-parking functions.
The ID.4 already delivers robust standard safety – earning perfect crash test scores from NHTSA and IIHS. VW also equips every model with IQ.Drive assistance features like auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. Upgrades like 360-degree cameras, self-parking tech and a head-up display are available too.
Both SUVs should rank among the safest on the market, with Polestar 4 likely holding an edge in sheer amount of protective technology given its higher cost. But families will feel secure hauling precious cargo with either brand.
For now, we‘ll call advanced safety offerings a draw. But Polestar may pull ahead once final specifications are revealed.
Safety Tech: Draw
Cargo and Passenger Flexibility
The Polestar 4‘s sleek dimensions and rakish rear roofline reduce practicality versus boxy rivals. Expect passenger space similar to a compact sedan, with sufficient but not abundant rear seat legroom. And a modest 15 cubic foot trunk is tight for larger cargo. There‘s no front trunk either, as the entire front end houses electric drive components and suspension hardware.
By contrast, VW ID.4‘s upright profile provides SUV-typical versatility. Five passengers have adequate room, although a middle rear seat is very tight. And behind the rear bench, 30 cubic feet of capacity handles bulkier items. Fold the 60/40 split seatbacks down, and you have 60 cubic feet for oversized objects. There‘s also a small front trunk for extra room.
If your duties often include hauling passengers, pets and equipment, the Volkswagen better fits that family-focused mission. The Polestar 4 trades some practicality for its sleek sports car vibe.
Cargo & Passenger Flexibility: VW ID.4
Value Comparison: What Do You Get for Your Money?
With a base price around $60,000 when it launches in 2024, the Polestar 4 is positioned firmly in the luxury camp. You can buy two base Volkswagen ID.4 models for the same money. And while federal tax incentives around $7,500 will help reduce the Polestar’s effective price, value-focused buyers may still pause.
However, that six-figure MSRP secures extremely impressive performance and technology. Where the VW ID.4 competently covers family transportation needs, think of Polestar 4 as an electric supercar in a more practical wrapper.
So while the Polestar 4 stretches budgets further, it could justify the premium in the eyes of driving enthusiasts or early adopters. The eco-conscious family man or woman will likely be satisfied with ID.4’s humbler – but still impressive – mechanical, digital and interior offerings.
When it comes to overall value, Volkswagen ID.4 excels by traditional measures. But for those seeking a glimpse of the electric future, Polestar makes a case too. As always, it comes down to priorities and budget.
Value Comparison: VW ID.4
The Verdict? Pick Your Priority
After reviewing all considerations, is cutting-edge performance, design and technology worth the Polestar 4‘s higher price to you? Or does the Volkswagen ID.4 present an optimal blend of electric driving range, interior flexibility and modern features at a palatable cost?
There‘s no universally "correct" option. Choose Polestar if you yearn for a cutting-edge electric vehicle ownership experience with head-turning style, Tesla-rivaling acceleration and an avant-garde Scandinavian minimalist interior.
Alternatively, smart shoppers who seek capable electric motivation for family life should be very satisfied with everything Volkswagen‘s ID.4 has to offer. Real-world range, intuitive controls and a practical footprint check most boxes at a reasonable tariff.
I hope mapping every aspect of the 2024 Polestar 4 and 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 proves helpful. Let me know if any other questions come to mind!
