Polestar 2 review

Polestar 2 verdict

When it first arrived back in 2019, Polestar seriously impressed us in comparison to its Tesla Model 3 rival. Today, a midlife update in 2023 means the Polestar 2 is now better than ever; we think its slick Google-based infotainment system comes close to matching the Tesla’s, while the long range model’s 405-mile range is one of the best on the market, and should be more than enough for anyone. 

With this in mind, the Polestar 2 is a hard act to follow. The electric fastback’s stiff ride is perhaps its biggest downside and could become annoying if you’re planning to cover great distances frequently. If this doesn’t bother you, though, the Polestar 2 is otherwise a stylishly Scandinavian take on the electric executive car formula, and it’s certainly worth considering against the default choice that is the Model 3.

Range details, specs and alternatives

Several household names hail from Sweden, including the likes of IKEA, H&M, Spotify and of course, Volvo. Looking to be the next Swedish success story, Polestar was once a performance sub-brand of Volvo, but it has since evolved into an electric marque in its own right. The Polestar 2 was the maker’s first all-electric model – the Polestar 1 coupe was a sleek-looking performance plug-in hybrid – and is set to go up against a list of fierce rivals which consists of the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Volkswagen ID.7 and BYD Seal.

Polestar gave the 2 some nip and tuck in 2023 with a redesigned grille and a handful of new colour options. The biggest changes happened underneath, though, where Single Motor variants of the electric fastback made the switch from front to rear-wheel drive. A bigger 82kWh battery and more powerful electric motors were introduced, too.

The result is that even the base Polestar 2 is capable of up to 339 miles on a charge – more than a Tesla Model Y Long Range. Most impressive, however, is the mid-spec Long Range Single Motor model which, according to Polestar, is capable of up to 406 miles on a single charge. A Dual Motor variant is also available with more power and grip at the detriment of outright range, as well as a top-of-the-line Performance Pack model. This will reach 62mph in four seconds flat and boasts special performance enhancements like uprated suspension and Brembo brakes, plus colour-coded gold seatbelts.

Even with its smaller 69kWh battery, the entry-level Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor claims up to 339 miles on a single charge. That’s more than the equivalent Tesla Model 3, and things only get better when the larger 82kWh pack comes into play. Opt for the Single Motor Polestar 2 with this battery and you’re looking at an official figure of 406 miles, which makes it one of the longest range electric cars on the current market. 

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If you’re something of a performance enthusiast, upgrading to the Long Range Dual Motor variant will knock the Polestar 2’s range down to 368 miles (which should still prove plenty), but it’ll also shave the 0-62mph time down to a mere 4.3 seconds. Still not fast enough? There’s always the option of the brand’s Performance Pack. Adding this will allow the Dual Motor model to reach 62mph in four seconds, and it comes with special performance enhancements like uprated suspension and Brembo brakes, plus colour-coded gold seatbelts.

The Polestar 2’s interior and technology are the same no matter what battery and motor option you go for. There's an 11.2-inch central infotainment touchscreen running Android Automotive software, plus a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. All Polestar 2s also come as standard with full keyless go, a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats and lots of safety kit – as you might expect from a Volvo spinoff brand. Facelifted models got some extra goodies, too, including a 360-degree parking camera, wireless phone charging and extra driver-awareness systems.

There are still no trim levels as such for the Polestar 2,  just a series of option packs. The first is the £2,000 Pilot Pack, which adds additional safety and driver-assistance features, while the £4,000 Plus Pack includes a panoramic glass roof, 13-speaker Harman Karmon audio system and other interior upgrades.

Previously, Polestar offered a pair of limited edition BST Edition 270 and BST Edition 230 models, with the number referring to how many would be built. These featured the punchiest powertrain, exclusive paint, racing stripes and eco-friendly recycled upholstery. Commanding a hefty premium, we’d question whether the exclusivity is worth the extra money.