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: UK arrival confirmed for mid-size but upmarket SUV
Polestar 7 render (watermarked) - front

New Polestar 7: UK arrival confirmed for mid-size but upmarket SUV

The Polestar 7 will use Volvo’s next-generation EV platform and technology, while our exclusive image shows what the compact SUV could look like
News
3 Jul 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
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025