The Polestar 2 was launched right here again in 2021 with deliveries beging early in 2022. Then (and now) you had the selection of both two-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variations.
Initially it had a WLTP vary of between 470 and 540km, relying on drive and efficiency choices chosen. Round that point I even had an prolonged drive of the AWD model … sadly, I by no means wrote up the report as quickly afterwards I got here down with Covid. (By the point I returned to the desk, a lot work had piled up the poor Polestar fell off the record).
To chop a protracted story quick, the take-home message from that drive was that while the Polestar 2 was a formidable automotive to drive, the vary was surprisingly low (in addition to not reaching the WLTP numbers) for a battery that dimension.
Anyway – quick ahead to late 2023 and Polestar have launched a refreshed line-up of the two with extra environment friendly drive-trains and, for the 2WD, transferring the pushed wheels to the rear.
Having just lately spent per week with this revised model – I can say I used to be pleasantly shocked with the enhancements, particularly with the revised vary. (The latter additionally being coated in Tim Eden’s latest report for The Pushed right here).
Adjustments for the 2024 replace:
Externally, little has modified – though the very first thing that strikes you is the elimination of the black ‘egg crate’ model nostril that appears for all of the world like an ICE radiator grille.
As a substitute is a easy, color coordinated panel that not solely makes it look extra like an EV, it is going to be a complete lot simpler to maintain clear that the sq. indentations of the unique. Aside from that, the one different exterior change is a few new design road-wheel choices.
![](https://b2232832.smushcdn.com/2232832/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/New-front-copy.jpeg?lossy=1&strip=0&webp=1)
Internally, visually nothing no matter has modified. The big centre console and portrait 28 cm contact display stay, as do the sprint, seats, inside lighting and many others. As officer Barbrady from South Park would say: “Transfer alongside individuals, there’s nothing to see right here”.
The massive adjustments are all beneath the pores and skin. The suspension has been tweaked to provide a barely softer experience and, for the 2WD model, Polestar have moved the pushed wheels from the entrance to the rear.
Energy for the 2WD has been elevated by 50 kW to 220 kW, while the AWD had had a modest energy improve from 300 to 310 kW. Vary has elevated throughout the board by new design motors, inverters and different effectivity enhancements plus a barely greater long-range battery. (From 78 to 82 kWh).
The usual vary battery by the best way stays the identical at 69kWh. In consequence – the longest vary model (2WD, long-range battery) has a 655km WLTP vary.
As I be aware within the EV mannequin Truth Sheets I preserve by the AEVA web site, while WLTP is a fairly good estimate for metropolis driving, the US EPA take a look at cycle produces a greater quantity for freeway use.
For the Polestar 2, the US EPA quantity for the 2WD Lengthy vary is 515 km. Not 655 km (maybe achievable in metropolis visitors although) however nonetheless a great distance on a single cost – and considerably higher than the outgoing model which struggled in AWD guise to get a lot over 400 on the freeway.
An attention-grabbing function – as famous in Tim’s article – is the Polestar’s vary estimator gave me a 540km estimate at a 100% cost fairly than the WLTP quantity.
Like Tim, I discovered this to be comparatively pessimistic given the kWh/100 km figures I used to be reaching. Based mostly on these numbers, it might appear that the two may obtain the WLTP quantity in suburban driving. (For example: I achieved 12.2 kWh/100 km for a mixed suburban and freeway run of round 50km with out heating or air-con).
By the best way, the accrued knowledge for my take a look at drive (left hand aspect of Journey display proven) was for driving with both heating or air-con on. Melbourne climate in spring means one among them was wanted at virtually all occasions!
![](https://b2232832.smushcdn.com/2232832/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Trip-meter-data-copy.jpeg?lossy=1&strip=0&webp=1)
Driving
My first impression was to marvel why anybody would wish to spend the cash on the AWD model. With 220 kW and a 0 – 100 km time of 6.2 seconds, it strikes very briskly off the road and I had no purpose to really feel the necessity to use full ‘throttle’.
Sure, the experience is on the agency aspect, but it surely was a tad softer than I remembered from my earlier AWD model expertise. Seating can also be on the agency aspect, however it is vitally supportive and even after an prolonged driving stint I felt no twinges or discomfort on getting out once more – but it surely does take a few days to get used to them.
As famous above, the experience is agency so some individuals could discover it initially a tad ‘harsh’. By the best way, that agency experience and lack of physique roll comes into its personal on tight, winding roads – making it an excellent candidate for a ‘weekend drive’ automotive. (Lengthy weekends, but once more, NOT ruined 😉
Niggles
I did discover a number of niggles alongside the best way. Adjusting the air flow system by way of the contact display I discovered to be very fiddly and concerned a collection of various menus to be accessed, that means extra time away from watching the highway is required if attempting to make a change.
I ended up having to attend until visitors lights or different stops if I wanted to swap a vent possibility or from warmth to AC. Name me old school, however for ease of use, some issues must be left as easy switches and dials.
(This was not helped by the automotive doing an over-the-air replace early into my weeks’ drive and reverting to the default settings in all issues on the finish of it – I had a tough time discovering the place the primary air flow menu has disappeared to!).
With regards to the OTA replace – it’s value keep in mind that, like a pc, don’t schedule one for when it is advisable use the automotive. The automotive shut itself off for 1.5hrs to do the obtain and replace.
I hasten so as to add that these niggles are usually not particularly EV ones: vehicles usually have gotten extra like transportable touchscreen computer systems today.
One other slight disappointment was the centre console – it’s fairly giant and I might infrequently bump it with an elbow or leg, but it serves no actual operate to justify the dimensions. (It was good for bracing the left knee in opposition to on tight windy roads although 😉
One other omission is AM radio – which for a rustic cruiser would appear an excellent factor to have, given DAB and FM fade out shortly on longer drives, plus AM is commonly used for emergency broadcasts. (Some producers are by the best way bringing this function again).
While none of them was a deal-breaker, there are vehicles round with extra practical layouts and controls than elements of the Polestar 2.
Pricing
Polestar has elevated costs round $2500 to $3500 for the up to date variations. (New costs proven beneath).
Model
2024 mannequin value
Up by: (approx.)
Customary-range 2WD
$73,710
$3500
Lengthy-range 2WD
$77,900
$3000
Lengthy-range AWD
$83,088
$3000
Efficiency AWD
$92,466
$2600
Possibility packs
So what do you get on your cash? Customary now are a warmth pump heating/air-con system, wi-fi cellphone charging, 360 diploma ‘helicopter’ view when parking and the inclusion of a wide range of security options that previously solely got here in an possibility pack.
Possibility packs are restricted to ‘Pilot Pack’ and Plus Pack’ in addition to a ‘Efficiency Pack’ possibility for the lengthy vary twin motor model.
The Pilot pack contains pixel LED headlamps with adaptive excessive beam, LED entrance fog lamps with cornering operate and extra driving help methods. (Driver consciousness with Adaptive Cruise Management, Pilot Help and Emergency Cease Help).
Plus pack inclusions are a full size panoramic roof, Harmon Kardon sound system, further electrical seat capabilities, ‘Vegan WeaveTech’ upholstery, an enhanced air flow system with further particulate sensor and air high quality app – plus a number of different objects, together with a ‘foot-wave’ operated tailgate. (As in you may wave your foot underneath the rear of the automotive and the tailgate will magically open or shut).
The Efficiency pack addition for the AWD long-range features a software program energy improve to 350 kW, 20 inch wheels, Brembo brakes with ventilated discs, adjustable dampers and ‘efficiency chassis’ improve.
The model I had was a 2WD with the long-range (82 kWh) battery and Plus Pack. As such, the on the highway value in Victoria for it might be a shade over $84,000.
Personally, I wouldn’t trouble with the Plus pack – during which case a ‘normal’ 2WD long-range would set you again round $77,900. (On the highway, in Victoria. Different states have completely different incentives and reductions – verify the Polestar configurator for actual pricing in your area).
Summing up
Driving the Polestar 2 for per week was in the end a stunning expertise, as soon as I acquired used to its minor foibles. The sprint format offered all probably the most helpful particulars (with out muddle) in a nicely situated place straight in entrance of the driving force.
Organising the driving place was straightforward with its electrical adjustable seats plus attain and rake changes for the steering wheel. It drove nicely as a day by day driver and carried out higher than most when driving extra willingly on winding roads.
It was additionally a stunning change to be driving one thing that wasn’t yet one more SUV. For the primary EV purchaser, it might make a straightforward swap and gained’t produce any surprises (apart from nice ones) within the change-over.
There are usually not too many choices for steering wheel really feel or regenerative braking – however the ones which might be there are all that you actually need to set your self up. Personally, I like a bit extra regenerative braking – however I’m additionally a long-time EV driver and maybe not the goal marketplace for the Polestar 2.
So it comes right down to my normal query on the finish of a take a look at drive report: “would I drive it to Perth and again?” (I reside in Melbourne by the best way and have completed that journey completed earlier than in my Kona electrical).
Principally, the query covers is it an excellent EV that I prefer to drive, plus able to the distances (respectable vary and charging speeds), has sufficient baggage room, is snug sufficient to take action and can be nearly as good as or higher than my Kona for the journey.
My reply to that may be ‘sure’, though for me I might select one thing barely smaller and lighter as my day-to-day car. Thoughts-you, that car selection would wish to embrace the dealing with traits of the Polestar 2.
Detailed specs for the Polestar 2:
Testing system vary estimates
Variant
NEDC (Aust)
WLTP (Euro)
EPA
(USA)
Std vary 2WD
Not rated
546 km
NA1
Lengthy-range 2WD
Not rated
655 km
515 km
Lengthy-range AWD
Not rated
593 km
444 km
Efficiency AWD
Not rated
568 km
398 km
Seating: 5
Boot volumes in litres: (1 litre = 10 x 10 x 10 cm)
Boot – seats up: 405 L*
Boot – seat folded/to roof: 1,095 L*
* together with 41 L underneath rear flooring
Froot: 31L (entrance boot: under-bonnet storage)
Dimensions:
Total size: 4,606 mm
Total top: 1,479 mm
Floor clearance: 151 mm
Total width (fringe of doorways): 1,859 mm
Total width (fringe of mirrors): 1,985 mm
Battery:
Variant
Battery kWh
precise (usable)
Customary vary
69 (67)
Lengthy-range: 2021-23
Lengthy vary: 2024 replace
78 (75)
82 (79)
Vitality consumption: (WLTP take a look at cycle)
15.8 kWh/100km (LR, single motor)
Kerb weight:
Variant
Kerb weight (kg)
Customary vary 2WD
2,019
Lengthy-range 2WD
2,084
Lengthy-range AWD
2,185
Charging:
1 section AC: 7.4 kW max.
3 section AC: 11 kW max.
DC: 205 kW (lengthy vary), 135 (std vary) max.
Cost port location:
Drive configuration:
Entrance wheel drive: unique launch
Rear-wheel drive: 2024 replace mannequin
Towing:
1500 kg braked/750 kg unbraked.
Efficiency:
Variant
Max. Energy
(kW)
0 to 100km/h
(Sec)
Customary vary 2WD
220 (170)#
6.2 (7.4) #
Lengthy-range 2WD
220 (170) #
6.2 (7.4) #
Lengthy-range AWD
310 (300) #
5.5 (4.7) #
LR AWD efficiency
350 (350)#
4.1 (4.2)#
# Bracketed quantity: earlier 2021-23 model
![bryce gaton](https://b2232832.smushcdn.com/2232832/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bryce_100x100.jpg?size=100x100&lossy=1&strip=0&webp=1)
Bryce Gaton is an knowledgeable on electrical automobiles and contributor for The Pushed and Renew Economic system. He has been working within the EV sector since 2008 and is at present working as EV electrical security coach/supervisor for the College of Melbourne. He additionally supplies help for the EV Transition to enterprise, authorities and the general public by his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.