[Tacoenthusiast]

A good realworld shot of why the painted lower part isn't ideal on the 4. Look at ho much taller the rear now looks. And with the lower side panels painted the uplifted design element built into the door is kinda lost, where as if the lower part were black it would visually enhance that element.

And this is on a dirty car, where the road grime is clinging to those edges. On a clean car they disappear even more.

View attachment 27922

Ok yeah that's pretty gross actually, too much white and not a good look

 

[systemlogicblah]

Ok yeah that's pretty gross actually, too much white and not a good look

Looks as if someone hadn’t color filled their render, yet.

 

[V60Polestar]

100% painted. The black cladding just looks so ghetto and cheap. Thats one of things I hated about my P2.

 

[Oenonee]

Loving the cladding, as mentioned it makes the car feel narrower and lower and not a giant duck like the Model Y

 

[pbrassard2017]

I had no clue the lower cladding color could be so divisive! It's great that Polestar gives the option of black vs colored.

 

[Blknblumark]

Count me among those who prefer the black cladding. I think it is done tastefully and compliments the design of car, rather than an obvious cost-saving feature or some sort of perceived ruggedness indicator.

Thrilled to see this is a stand-alone option in most regions, hopefully it stays that was in the states. I would be disappointed to see it bundled-in/model specific like on the PS2 BST models.

 

[alamagar]

Count me among those who prefer the black cladding. I think it is done tastefully and compliments the design of car, rather than an obvious cost-saving feature or some sort of perceived ruggedness indicator.

Thrilled to see this is a stand-alone option in most regions, hopefully it stays that was in the states. I would be disappointed to see it bundled-in/model specific like on the PS2 BST models.

In Europe is an additional option with cost lower cladding in same color as the car.

 

[DevolvR]

I don't mind the two-tone on the 4 at all, however, I would have preferred it to be a smooth gloss black rather than the textured unpainted cheap black plastic.

 

[nbvolks]

I don't mind the two-tone on the 4 at all, however, I would have preferred it to be a smooth gloss black rather than the textured unpainted cheap black plastic.

It's weirdly a combination of both, with gloss black on the lower (roadside facing!) part, then textured in the middle, and then gloss black again toward the top for the section on the doors.

 

[Jupiter7]

A good realworld shot of why the painted lower part isn't ideal on the 4. Look at how much taller the rear now looks. And with the lower side panels painted the uplifted design element built into the door is kinda lost, where as if the lower part were black it would visually enhance that element.

And this is on a dirty car, where the road grime is clinging to those edges. On a clean car they disappear even more.

View attachment 27922

Totally agree! Looks too high with it all painted white.

Also, it looks the tailgate is the rear bumper? That seems an expensive fix if you have a minor bump?

 

[Jay Joe Jeans]

The P4 has an option for body coloured lower cladding instead of the black plastic.
On lighter colours the black cladding adds some visual interest and slims down the appearance. Also it gives it a more rugged look and probably more durable and easier to maintain. I’m surprised that there are no black wheel arch trim given that this is supposed an “SUV” (I’m still not convinced).
What do you think?
View attachment 27883
View attachment 27882

As a Prof. of design, the plastic is there to lower road damage (chips, tar, foot kicks, dings etc) but has the visual effect of removing weight from the mid section lending to the perception of speed, agility and sophistication. It is not there by accident. Try looking at both in dimmer light/contrast, namely in the evening or at night and the tru effect becomes apparent. Squinting at the above pictures gives the same effect.

 

[DevolvR]

It's weirdly a combination of both, with gloss black on the lower (roadside facing!) part, then textured in the middle, and then gloss black again toward the top for the section on the doors.

Yes, weird indeed and I would prefer it all gloss black and not 2 types of black.

However, looking at this 4 with the painted "middle" mouldings, it's leaning me towards liking it painted more even though it takes away from the illusion of a slimmer body. I think it create a "lower" stance look rather than a cross over high ride height look.

 

[Turnwood2011]

I have gone for black cladding with Electron

 

[ttocsffej]

100% without the painted cladding. It adds way too much visual weight to the car, and makes it look far more Model Y like.

I've said it elsewhere, but Maximilian Missoni said directly to me that his preference, and his design, is intended to have the black lower part in place to make the car look more slim. He said that in the context of the 3, but you can see it in the 4 and even in the 2.

It's one reason I didn't like the white BST when it was released. It made the car look so much bulky.

Agreed—I ordered the Magnesium with black cladding. It does “thin” the waist of the car visually. Plus the money saved on the standard paint (which I like) allowed me to go for the electrochromic roof (needed due to the heat in south Texas.)

 

[Greg’s P4]

Thought I’d chip in as the trim on my space black P4 at the back is the one thing I want to change. The sides looks great with plastic trim but the back detracts from it. I’ve been thinking about wrapping or finding a painted replacement part, anyone seen any options ?

 

[WolfyAmongUs]

I’m not sure the black cladding will stand the test of time. Definitely painted.

 

[silentshutters]

I have gone for black cladding with Electron

Me too.
When the car is off lease - and if I keep it - I may look at PPF wrapping.

There is a lovely Electron P4 with Stealth (matte) PPF and the black cladding done in gloss in Australia.

Disclaimer - not my car. Picture from the Australian Polestar owners group on FB.

 

[Jmalicante]

In my opinion, if the trims are black they highlight the car’s silhouette more. When painted, they look more plain

 

[Patrick C]

Me too.
When the car is off lease - and if I keep it - I may look at PPF wrapping.

There is a lovely Electron P4 with Stealth (matte) PPF and the black cladding done in gloss in Australia. View attachment 37244
Disclaimer - not my car. Picture from the Australian Polestar owners group on FB.

Nice pic. I should have got the electron or gold colour. If I keep mine I’ll be wrapping the painted bits.. maybe Porsche green or metallic red

 

[Oenonee]

I’m not sure the black cladding will stand the test of time. Definitely painted.

I don't know, I mean it's still plastic right just painted? A stone would likely scruff it as much as it would if it was just black 😆