At Tuesday’s 2025 Korea Car of the Year awards ceremony at Crest 72 in Seoul, the Polestar 4, a standout model from the Swedish premium electric vehicle brand, claimed the prestigious Design of the Year title. The Polestar 4, which received a remarkable 64.7% vote, was recognized for its innovative design, which combines sportiness with SUV practicality. It also secured third place in the overall Car of the Year category, further highlighting its exceptional performance and design.
The Design Philosophy Behind Polestar 4
Lee Soo Beom, the designer responsible for the Polestar 4’s exterior, shared insights into the model’s design philosophy, which focuses on three key principles: Pure, Progressive, and Performance. Lee emphasized, “Innovative attempts are about seeing things differently, not necessarily being new,” underscoring the unique design language that the Polestar 4 embodies. His work, which includes the creation of the frameless side mirrors and the model’s overall sleek design, is a testament to Polestar’s bold yet sophisticated direction.
Lee, who joined the Volvo Cars Sweden headquarters’ exterior design team in 2016 before moving to Polestar in 2021, has contributed to several minimalist design projects. His leadership in the Polestar 4’s exterior design and innovative elements has been widely recognized in the automotive industry.
Polestar 4: A Cutting-Edge Design
The Polestar 4 is a coupe-style SUV that optimizes aerodynamics while providing ample passenger space. Its bold design includes removing the rear window and integrating an HD-quality digital mirror, preserving the coupe’s sleek silhouette while enhancing second-row space for a more comfortable ride. The frameless side mirrors, a standout feature, contribute to the vehicle’s aesthetics and improve its aerodynamic efficiency by reducing air resistance by 30% compared to conventional mirrors of similar size.
Interior Design: Premium and Sustainable
The interior of the Polestar 4 played a key role in securing the Design of the Year title. It features a panoramic glass roof that creates a sense of openness, sustainable design elements like a floor carpet made from recycled materials, and a tailored knit seat option with the Plus Pack. The cabin’s ambient lighting, inspired by the solar system, further elevates the premium feel of the interior.
A Premium Electric Vehicle for the Future
Polestar Korea CEO Ham Jong Sung praised the Polestar 4 for its outstanding design, performance, sustainability, and safety blend. He expressed his satisfaction with the model’s recognition, stating, “I am very pleased that Polestar 4’s performance and safety, along with its creative and advanced design, have been acknowledged with this award.”
The Evaluation Process
The Design of the Year award was part of the rigorous screening of 35 new models (full changes and partial changes) released in 2024. A panel of expert journalists evaluated these models across five categories: design, performance, safety, innovation, and more. The Polestar 4’s exceptional design and high ratings secured its well-deserved title, reinforcing Polestar’s position as a leader in the premium electric vehicle market.
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