The Polestar 4 was introduced last year in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, positioning itself against Tesla’s Model Y in the mid-sized electric SUV segment. For those who aren’t keen on Musk’s products, the Polestar 4 offers a distinctive feature: it omits a rear window, opting instead for a camera that transmits live footage to the driver.

This design feature distinguishes the Polestar 4, though drivers may need time to adapt. The rear-view camera, created in collaboration with Gentex, is affixed to the roof and works in conjunction with the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The camera feed appears on a screen that mimics a conventional rear-view mirror, taking the place of the standard mirror.

While some individuals might perceive this as an unwarranted complexity, Polestar’s head of program management, Henrik Svensson, asserts that the technology enhances functionality and has undergone extensive testing, including applications in racing vehicles. The camera provides a full 360-degree perspective, which is useful in scenarios like parking.

Polestar’s choice to forgo the rear window stemmed from a wish to maximize interior space and improve the car’s aesthetics. Svensson believes that current technical solutions make this feasible. Despite a degree of skepticism, Polestar is assured of the camera’s dependability.

The Polestar 4’s layout ensures a roomy experience for passengers, though some may question whether the absence of a rear window justifies the limited improvements. The rear-view screen can revert to a traditional mirror function, but without a rear window, it cannot display both the rear view and the back seat at once.

Polestar recognizes that the rear-view system is a notable shift and is making efforts to assure drivers of its advantages, such as providing a broader viewing angle compared to a typical mirror. Nevertheless, some might wonder if the rear window could have coexisted with the camera solution.

The rear-view camera feels both recognizable and strange, lacking the dimensionality of a standard mirror. This may influence drivers’ perception of distance and awareness of their surroundings. While drivers may eventually adapt, the shift might necessitate some patience.

Despite mixed views, Polestar has not encountered significant complaints regarding the camera and intends to maintain this design in subsequent models. Although some drivers may be reluctant to accept such a significant alteration, early adopters and technology enthusiasts might find it captivating.

In summary, the Polestar 4’s rear-view camera denotes a progression towards more advanced solutions in the auto industry, and Polestar appears dedicated to this groundbreaking direction.

Disclosure: Mashable visited Byron Bay as a guest of Polestar.