Skip advert
Advertisement

“Polestar thinks rear car windscreens are a thing of the past”

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler is not sure he’s ready for a car with no window at the back

Opinion - Polestar 4

I’m a big admirer of what Polestar has done in a short space of time to take on Tesla. I like the style, the sustainability story, its sales Spaces and – like Tesla – it even has a charismatic boss talking the talk. In fact, were it not for the horribly lumpy ride, I’d probably be the owner of a Polestar 2 right now.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new Polestar 3 SUV, pricey though it is, could fit into my life nicely (if it rides okay), or I could save a few quid and go for the Polestar 4.

There are a few notable things about the 4 that struck me when I was invited to see the new car in Sweden. Firstly, it’s on another all-new platform, which means Polestars 2, 3, 4 and 5 will all use a different architecture to each other – that’s pretty unusual these days.

Secondly, it’s another stunning design – inside and out – with some clever thinking, especially around the materials used in the cabin. I like it very much.

Then there’s the back. As you can see from the picture above (and following on from Polestar’s Precept Concept) there’s no rear screen. The firm thinks they’re a thing of the past, and losing the glass has space and design benefits.

I’m torn – I love bold thinking and Polestar may well be right that there’s a new generation of buyers who will trust in technology above all else. But I’m not sure I’m ready for a car in which I can’t take a quick look over my shoulder to check what’s behind me.

HD cameras feeding screens do the job, we’re told. But if, like me, your vision isn’t all it used to be and you need glasses, using a screen might pose some problems.

I’m long-sighted, so don’t need glasses for driving, but I need them to see things on screens close-up. My colleague Sean Carson, on the other hand, is short-sighted, so wears glasses for driving but slips them down his nose to be able to see a screen. Neither of us are fans of digital rear-view displays – we prefer mirrors. So has Polestar made a mistake? Time – and buyers – will tell.

Do you agree with Steve? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Polestar 7 to take the fight to Tesla, Audi and BMW with cutting-edge tech
Polestar 7 render (watermarked) - front

New Polestar 7 to take the fight to Tesla, Audi and BMW with cutting-edge tech

The new Polestar 7 is set to arrive in 2028 and our exclusive images preview how it could look
News
13 Aug 2025
New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2025 and beyond
Electric cars coming soon - header image

New electric cars coming soon: the fresh EVs of 2025 and beyond

The EV market is growing faster than ever, and these are the incoming cars to keep an eye on
Best cars & vans
1 Aug 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
Polestar unveils Tesla as number one target of new growth plan
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Polestar unveils Tesla as number one target of new growth plan

With new models, dealer growth and Tesla in its sights, Polestar’s new CEO says the fightback has begun
News
13 May 2025

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025