Putting the matter to rest: Polestar 4 digital rearview mirror in snow and in the dark

Our latest film showcasing the new digital rear-view mirror of Polestar 4 caused quite a stir. As is expected with new technology, we were flooded with questions regarding its functionality and durability in other environments. Our product gurus Brent Ellis, Head of Product Communications, and Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development, took an opportunity while in northern Sweden to put the matters to rest.

The Polestar 4 digital rear-view mirror is quite the conversation starter. Two of the most commonly asked questions about this piece of innovative tech typically go something like this: “Just how good is the mirror in the dark?”, and “What about water or snow flicking up onto the lens?” Luckily for you, we’ve made another video about it.

Jokkmokk, the small frigid town within the Arctic Circle and the home of our winter testing programme, provided the perfect location for showcasing the camera’s durability in tough conditions. After leaving the car on a frozen lake overnight to make sure it was covered in ice and snow, the camera was still perfectly protected from the elements, without even a flake of snow on the lens. And as Brent describes, if heavy snowfall happens to cover the camera housing, this can easily be wiped away with a finger – much easier than scraping ice off a window.

But what about snow, water and dirt flicking up while driving?

close up of the rear view camera
Polestar 4 covered in snow
I think this shows that no matter where and when you drive, the digital rear-view mirror is as good, if not better, than your traditional rear-view mirror,
Brent Ellis, Head of Product Communications

Thanks to the aerodynamic shape of Polestar 4 and the high placement of the camera, the airflow sticks to the car when passing the camera and is only let free once it reaches the end of the tailgate. This keeps the camera clean and the visibility perfect (regardless of how much Joakim throws the car around).

To tackle one of the hottest topics about the digital rear-view mirror, Brent and Joakim waited until dark before testing its effectiveness at night. Again, clarity via the digital display is pixel-perfect, providing a superior view to a traditional mirror.

“We hope this puts some of the additional concerns to rest. I think this shows that no matter where and when you drive, the digital rear-view mirror is as good, if not better, than your traditional rear-view mirror,” says Brent.

To learn more about our innovative digital rear-view mirror, watch our first film at Hällered where we tested the car in simulated rain, too.

01/03

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