New Electrical Vehicle, Polestar 4, Bids Adieu to Restrictions Behind
The Polestar 4, an upcoming battery-electric-vehicle, is set to make a significant impact in the automotive industry with its innovative design and advanced technology. One of the most notable features is the replacement of the traditional rearview mirror with a digital rearview mirror system [5].
This system, which captures the back field of view using two rear-facing cameras mounted atop the roof [6], offers several advantages over conventional mirrors. It provides a wider field of view (around 121 degrees), a high-resolution image without the glare or obstruction caused by rear seats or pillars, and customizable settings like height, brightness, and dynamic panning when indicating [1][2]. This system gives better rear visibility than traditional glass mirrors, particularly since the car lacks a rear window altogether [1][4].
However, some drivers may face adaptation challenges. For example, the image shift during turn signaling can feel abrupt rather than smoothly panning, which may be distracting, although this feature can be disabled [2]. Additionally, drivers wearing varifocals or those accustomed to traditional mirrors may find the digital system less intuitive or slower to adjust to, especially at first [3]. Despite initial hesitation from some users, most reviewers report that the digital mirror system quickly becomes easy to use and that the lack of a rear window is not a significant issue during normal driving [1][4].
The Polestar 4's digital rearview mirror camera system boasts a 1480x320 resolution on an 8.9-inch display and a 2.5-megapixel camera, ensuring crystal-clear visibility [7]. The system also features custom image signal processing that can purge LED headlight flicker, cut glare, and sharpen the view in all weather and lighting conditions [8].
Interestingly, the Polestar 4's strategy to use a camera instead of a rear window doesn't cut costs or materials. Instead, it is an evolution of what racecars and cargo vans have relied on for many years, and it is now offered in over 130 different vehicles from more than 30 different brands [10].
However, the adoption of digital side mirrors is slowed down in the U.S. due to legal restrictions [9]. The Polestar 4 will be the first American mass-market passenger vehicle not to have a traditional rearview mirror, marking a significant shift in the industry.
The Polestar 4's design is sleek and aerodynamic, with a "SUV coupe" form featuring frameless doors and a more aerodynamic silhouette [11]. In top-spec versions, the Polestar 4's roof can cloud or clear electrochromatically, adding to its futuristic appearance.
The Polestar 4, which is already available overseas, is set to arrive in North America this fall [12]. With its innovative digital rearview mirror system and sleek design, the Polestar 4 is poised to redefine the battery-electric-vehicle market.
[1] https://www.polestar.com/us/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror [2] https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror-review/ [3] https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37792681/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror/ [4] https://www.motortrend.com/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror-review/ [5] https://www.polestar.com/us/cars/polestar-4 [6] https://www.polestar.com/us/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror [7] https://www.polestar.com/us/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror [8] https://www.polestar.com/us/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror [9] https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror-review/ [10] https://www.polestar.com/us/news/polestar-4-digital-rearview-mirror [11] https://www.polestar.com/us/cars/polestar-4 [12] https://www.polestar.com/us/news/polestar-4-arrives-in-north-america-this-fall
- The innovative digital rearview mirror system in the Polestar 4, utilizing two rear-facing cameras, is set to impact the automotive industry, especially as it's being adopted in over 130 vehicles from more than 30 brands.
- While some drivers may initially find the digital mirror system less intuitive, especially those wearing varifocals or accustomed to traditional mirrors, most reviewers report that it quickly becomes easy to use.
- The digital rearview mirror system in the Polestar 4, offering a 1480x320 resolution and custom image signal processing, aims to deliver crystal-clear visibility, similar to advanced technology found in gadgets and the finance industry.
