Polestar 4 vs Volvo EX40
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Polestar 4 starts from $78,500 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $76,990. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $86,350 and $84,689 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Polestar 4 and Volvo EX40 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 4 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Volvo EX40.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Polestar 4 and 7 in the Volvo EX40. The Polestar 4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Volvo EX40 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Polestar 4 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar 4 stands out with panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Polestar 4 uses a Electric Motor producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 4 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 100kWh (Polestar 4) vs 82kWh (Volvo EX40), giving WLTP ranges of 620km and 520km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (Polestar 4) vs 150kW (Volvo EX40).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar 4 measures 4,840mm long on a 2,999mm wheelbase, 400mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 526L in the Polestar 4 and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 10L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar 4 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 4 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Polestar 4 and Volvo EX40?
The Volvo EX40 is the cheapest at $76,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 4 by $1,510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 4 has the most range at 620km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 4 and Volvo EX40 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 4 makes the most power at 200kW. The Polestar 4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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