Polestar 2 Review 2024

Polestar 2 At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
If you’re into EVs but weren’t too impressed with the Tesla Model 3, we reckon you’ll be quite taken with the Polestar 2. It looks great, is sensational to drive and offers superior build quality, even if it can’t quite match the Tesla’s pace.

+Looks and drives great. Single motor option is decent value

-Not quite as much range as a Tesla Model 3

Insurance Groups are between 42–44

The Polestar 2 is a handsome all-electric model that shares much of its origins with Volvo. It goes head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3 and South Korea’s Kia EV6 in the competitive mid-range EV market, but is it worth considering? Our Polestar 2 review will reveal all.

Critics will argue that the Tesla Model 3 beats the Polestar 2 on paper. That’s because the higher spec Model 3 is faster than the Polestar 2 and is also almost a full second quicker in the 0-62mph dash.

But that doesn’t tell the whole story. While the Tesla looks better on paper, the Polestar 2 is a much more complete package in the metal, and revisions in 2023 have increased the battery’s driving range considerably.

Build quality is higher with better panel gaps and good standards of overall fit and finish. This puts the Polestar very much on even terms with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6.

While a centre-mounted tablet seems to have become the hallmark of a ‘proper’ EV, the Polestar 2 also has a much more conventional digital dash that can display all the info you need – road speed, charge remaining in miles and even navigation directions.

And that leads us on nicely to look at the 2’s tech. The Polestar uses Android Automotive (not to be confused with Android Auto), so the car’s infotainment operating system is light years ahead of its rivals.

Using the command ‘hey Google!’, you can control and adjust various things like the air-con, heated seats and demisters. You can also use the usual spread of apps via the infotainment, including Apple CarPlay.

It’s more than enough tech to keep the kids occupied – and there’s more than enough space, too. While the sharply-styled coupe lines do mean you lose some headroom, there’s enough leg and shoulder room for two adults in the back, and more than enough for two kids.

There’s plenty of storage, too, with 405 litres of space available via the rear hatch – although there is a slight lip on the boot to be aware of. Meanwhile, the front trunk gets 35 litres, which is just about enough to carry a backpack. There’s plenty of secure fastening points as well.

This is a bonus, as once you’re in the driver’s seat it’s hard not to make the most of all that power. With as much as 476PS driving all four wheels, the Polestar 2 is more than quick enough and delivers a powerful ‘shove’ in the back when you press the throttle (although it’s not quite as hard hitting as a Tesla Model 3).

Through the bends, there’s minimal lean and the car’s composure allows you to make the most of the road conditions. The Performance Pack offers better dampers, bigger brakes and 20-inch wheels that make it feel overly firm at times.

Still, if you’re spending close to £50k on a car, it’s nice to have the option to press on, even if doing so will hammer your range.

Going from 0-80% at a fast charger takes a little more than 30 minutes, while an overnight eight-hour charge from a domestic wallbox will fully charge the battery and give you about 270 real-world miles.

However, the new single motor Long range model promises up to 406 miles, making it one of the longest-range electric cars around.

Looking for another opinion? Why not read heycar's Polestar 2 review.

Ask Honest John

Can you recommend an electric car for towing a small caravan?

"Can you recommend an electric vehicle for towing a small caravan (1150kg)? I will only be considering lower price electric vehicles or would I be better to wait for more variety to appear with the hope prices will eventually lower? In addition, are you aware how much it will affect the range of the car whilst towing?"
There are a number of electric vehicles that'll be able to tow your small caravan. These include the excellent Hyundai Ioniq 5 (which has a towing capacity of up to 1600kg), while the Polestar 2 can also tow up to 1600kg. More affordable electric cars like the MG ZS EV don't have a sufficient towing capacity to tow your caravan. We don't have any data on how much towing will affect the range of an EV, but it's likely to have quite a significant impact. As a compromise, consider a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both the Kia Niro hybrid and PHEV can tow up to 1300kg and could be ideal for your needs.
Answered by Andrew Brady

How can the average driver afford a new electric car?

"I've just read the review of a Polestar 2. A look into the leasing deals on the internet mean that the cost for 36 months is £26K plus running costs. Working out the yearly rate for this vehicle is £8700+ a year. How can Mr Average afford these ridiculous sums of money especially when Boris Johnson has dealt the death blow to petrol and diesel vehicles. I know there are cheaper electric cars but they are still way overpriced."
The Polestar 2 is a premium product and the price reflects this. A Renault Zoe is available on PCP for £269 a month which is comparable to a Ford Fiesta. You'll save on fuel and servicing costs, too.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Should my next car be electric or petrol?

"I will be without a car for 6 months as the police are kindly looking after my licence. I currently have a diesel Kia Sportage, which I will sell. I want a 4x4. What fuel type should I buy? From doing 20,000 miles per year, I think it will be well less than 10,000 as the pandemic has made a huge difference in the way people meet. I'd appreciate your advice."
It depends on your needs, really. If most of your journeys are relatively short and you can charge a car at home, an electric vehicle might suit. Electric 4x4s are quite expensive, though –so depending on budget, you could consider cars like the Polestar 2 or Jaguar I-Pace. As a compromise, consider hybrid vehicles like a Toyota RAV4.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Can electric vehicles tow a trailer?

"Are electric cars able to tow caravans and trailers?"
There are a few electric cars that are able to tow. These include the Polestar 2 (towing capacity 1500kg), Audi e-tron (1800kg) and Tesla Model X (2250kg). EVs have a number of advantages when it comes to towing: they're usually quite heavy (a good thing when towing) and provide instant torque. They also have good brakes with regenerative braking helping to slow down, which will help keep a trailer or caravan under control.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions