The Polestar 4 is one of the first production cars to ditch the traditional rear window entirely. Instead, this electric crossover uses a high-definition camera and screen system to give the driver a view of what's behind the vehicle.

This move has sparked debate over potential visibility issues, but the manufacturer is betting on technology: a wide-angle HD camera feeds a live image to a digital mirror inside the cabin.

There are potential upsides to this approach. Designers gain more freedom in styling the rear, allowing for improved aerodynamics and bolder lines without the constraints of fitting a glass window. Plus, it eliminates a fragile and costly glass element from the back of the body.

Following Polestar's lead, other brands have started showing interest in the concept. Ferrari, Audi, and Jaguar have showcased their own versions of a closed-off rear section, including on prototypes like the Jaguar Type 00 and Audi Concept C. Whether this becomes mainstream in new cars by 2026 remains unclear, but the trend is already taking shape.