My simple view - you cannot improve build quality, comfort, aesthetics and overall premium feel with an OTA software update. But you can iron out software bugs. I drove a P4 for a long period (5 days) when I was in EU last week. Had latest software and I had zero issues. The driver alerts are a little bit sensitive and the ADAS from what I understand is a big improvement in the latest version but maybe needs a bit more fine tuning but from my perspective it was pretty good. They are rolling out software updates quicker than usual as well and I was told another big one before the end of the year.

 

I based my decisions on it being easier to fix the issues with a Polestar than the issues of being associated to Elon Musk (the quality also helps).

 

As an ex Tesla driver of seven years and 80k miles I would not swap my P4 for Model Y. The Tesla drivetrain and battery tech is probably the best, and the Supercharger network definitely the best.

However, none of the above are that much better than the best of the rest, and the build quality is much inferior to Polestars. Tesla use the cheapest they can get away with and the list of failings goes on and on. The Tesla software is in some areas better but the bugs I’ve lived through were much worse than those on the P4, most of which have been remedied already.

You’ll also get used to the rear camera in no time.

 

This. Currently have a M3 and the difference is ridiculous. P4 feels like a car ten times nicer than the Tesla. The comfort, looks, build quality, range, space inside is all better by a mile. It makes the Tesla feel like a tin can to be honest.

I was so impressed with my test drive I ordered one the next day. Like you say the SCN and efficiency is excellent with Tesla but I'm happy to leave that and take quality over that. P4 is a top notch car.

 

I have moved from a Tesla AWD Y to a P*4 SM and have been very surprised at the difference. 4 is smoother, quieter, better build quality and overall more pleasurable to drive. The software features will be better than Tesla once bugs are ironed out, and the latest update goes a long way towards that.

 

Had a Tesla Model Y Performance - worse car I have ever had - sold it after a year and ordered a Polestar 4 (delivery due next week).

The Tesla had plenty of issues / gremlins and some were ridiculously dangerous - examples;

• driving on highway with 110km/h speed limit after rain - would sometimes think it (pooled water) was a stop line on the road and slam on the brakes
• using autopilot - sometimes would just decide (around bends) to disengage and drive straight on
• lane changes where an absolute joke
• the constant braking thinking something was ... I don't know ... it just braked
• the FSD/autopilot was the worst waste of money - the traffic light recognition sounds good on paper - until your driving down a road and it starts braking for every green light - and if in the suburbs there are lots of traffic lights.

overall found I was always on edge waiting for the next stupid thing it would do - it was never a relaxing drive!!!

I just got sick of hearing it would be fixed in the next release time after time - basically just 'full of sh#t' / empty promises - no surprise with a bloke like Elon Musk in charge

 

Had a Tesla Model Y Performance - worse car I have ever had - sold it after a year and ordered a Polestar 4 (delivery due next week).

The Tesla had plenty of issues / gremlins and some were ridiculously dangerous - examples;

driving on highway with 110km/h speed limit after rain - would sometimes think it (pooled water) was a stop line on the road and slam on the brakes
using autopilot - sometimes would just decide (around bends) to disengage and drive straight on
lane changes where an absolute joke
the constant braking thinking something was ... I don't know ... it just braked
the FSD/autopilot was the worst waste of money - the traffic light recognition sounds good on paper - until your driving down a road and it starts braking for every green light - and if in the suburbs there are lots of traffic lights.
overall found I was always on edge waiting for the next stupid thing it would do - it was never a relaxing drive!!!

I just got sick of hearing it would be fixed in the next release time after time - basically just 'full of sh#t' / empty promises - no surprise with a bloke like Elon Musk in charge

I owned one as well - honestly I was one of the ones that got scammed with FSD - thought it would be cool to have and never focused on the actually car itself. And 3 years later I was still waiting for FSD and lost 70% trade in value when I switched it. Lesson learned - buy a car based on the key aspects of a premium car and not the gimmicky stuff of a non premium car.

 

Why only these two models on your list?

 

Had plenty of others on list (GV60, i-pace, Model 3 & Ionic 5) but whittled it down the these two. I’m happy to put up with the early issues everyone seems to be having but going electric is a big step and want it seamless for the wife so it’s an easy transition.
A thread on here has a google spreadsheet with issues found and there’s 22 different things on there already.

 

Gotta get the P4. No contest!

 

My wife Drives a Tesla Y ( May 23) and I have a Polestar 4 with 7500 kilometres . There is no comparison on Build quality, ride quality and finish , the PS4 is so much more accomplished and a much higher standard … my previous car was an EClass and the PS4 is easily comparable to the best of the Germans. The TY is not great , I drove it the other day and really couldn’t believe how bad the ride was. As for gremlins the TY has plenty on active cruise control , phantom breaking also an issue. My recommendation is the PS4 … also way better looking , gets lots of attention !

 

Doesn't seem like much of a comparison to me -- they're not really in the same category, are they? If you can afford the P4, which is quite a bit more expensive, and you don't mind spending that extra money, it's clearly a better car (much as I have not been satisfied with Polestar dealerships -- can't speak to Tesla, having never owned one -- and you should really consider the hassles you will have if you live far from one of their sparse service centers).

I'm curious about the comment that Tesla's drivetrain is superior. I only have experience with the P2 and the Tesla 3, and can attest to the vast superiority of the Polestar's blended braking system. And, of course, the advantages of Tesla's supercharging network is moot now that Polestars can use them.

 

I moved from Tesla MY AWD 2021 to P4. Three years and 65000km with MY, of course create some habits and "home-feeling". But short version is that P4 outperforms MY in "all" my important checkboxes EXCEPT 1) tech, like mobile app, and 2) consumption. With that said, I also see that Polestar has all opportunities to come ahead to Tesla with the SW. Consumption: 100kWh battery in P4 vs ~75kWh in MY with about same range. According to charging, one thing I looked at is that P4 has the charging on same side of the car as Tesla, which means that I can use Tesla SuC with no problems. I am happy with my choice! /Lennart-from-Sweden

 

I am totally not a fan of Tesla but I don't see how you can compare the two vehicles but to assist has to be 4 for me.

 

Whilst I ponder my next move due to poor comms from PS, I do continue to research and read posts about the issues and updates. Tonight came across Kris’ latest test of the exact same model that I have on order. I know largely a software issue but I’m concerned…am I right to be? Are your experiences similar here or is this a massive over reaction that will be fixed relatively quickly and via next OTA release. I certainly had hoped that consumption and range would be far better than my old PS2.

Latest range test - PS4 performance

 

Not a great fan of his reviews to be honest, he does try to sensationalise issues where others have taken a more balanced approach.

 

The car is fantastic. Aside from the bugs ,which are getting sorted , I can’t fault it.
5 weeks in and I’m still raving about it and still excited to see it each morning 😂 Keep the faith .

 

Same feeling at 9 weeks ! 👍👍👍

 

Does the digital key (using a Samsung or iPhone) work reliably or is carrying the proximity key a must? What are the servicing requirements on a PS4?

 

Digital Key isn't out yet for PS4, so nobody will be able to tell you that. I've had it on other cars, and it's worked well.

 

Digital key isnt active yet on it. Estimated to come to Iphone during spring and Android later in 2025.

Service wise you get it free the first 3 years from polestar then i think its every 2 years or 3 000 miles

 

He's certainly the king of hyperbolic clickbait video titles.