The Polestar 4 made a splash at the New York Auto Show and it’s notable for eschewing a rear window. Instead of simply looking behind you, drivers are expected to rely on a digital rearview mirror, conventional side mirrors, and a handful of driver assistance systems.
To critics, this is tantamount to putting on an eye patch because you think it’s cool and believe seeing out of one eye is ‘good enough.’ However, that’s not exactly how Polestar is spinning it.
Quite the opposite as they’re touting the ‘benefits’ of removing the rear window. According to them, the unique design “enhances the interior space and the rearward view.” The latter is a bit of a reach, but they noted the digital rearview mirror provides a wide field of view. However, that’s true of digital rearview mirrors in general.
The automaker didn’t stop there as a video promoting the design claimed the lack of a rear window is “one of the biggest functional advantages of the Polestar 4.” The clip then implies the sleek styling wouldn’t have been possible without ditching the rear glass.
While Polestar is sticking to their guns, it’s not hard to see issues. If you park outside and it snows, you’ll have to clean the camera off. That being said, once you’re moving, airflow is designed to “keep water and grime away from the lenses.”
More: Polestar 4 Arrives In America With $54,900 Price Tag
It’s also impossible to ignore the obvious, which is technology can be finicky and fail. It’s one thing if your infotainment system is on the fritz and you can’t change radio stations, but it’s another thing entirely if you can’t see what’s behind you. Sure, you’ll still have your side mirrors, but that could potentially be it.
That’s an unlikely scenario and the Polestar 4 has tons of technology to keep drivers safe including four parking cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. They’re joined by a collision warning system as well as cross traffic alert with brake support.
With all that being said, are you ready to give up rear windows and trust technology?
