Polestar 2: The Ultimate Electric Car Experience
I must confess, I am enamored by Polestar’s clever naming convention. By incorporating essential motor specifications directly into the name, they have managed to capture my attention. But it doesn’t stop there. The updated 2024 Polestar 2 EV boasts an impressive driving range that should effectively alleviate any lingering anxieties about running out of charge. However, it faces fierce competition from the likes of BMW, Hyundai, and of course, Tesla. In this review, we explore how the Polestar 2 fares in the ultimate test: family life.
The Long Range Single Motor Model
The Polestar 2 offers four different variants, and our test model is the long range single motor version, with a starting price of $71,400 before additional costs such as on-road expenses. Compared to its rivals, this seems to be the most affordable option. However, it’s worth noting that our test model comes equipped with several option packs, which add a range of features that are usually standard in its competitors.
Packed with Safety
One of the option packs fitted to our test model is the Pilot Pack, an additional $35,000 that brings a plethora of safety features to the table. Perhaps the most notable among them is the emergency stop assist, capable of bringing the car to a safe halt in the absence of driver response. This is further complemented by adaptive cruise control with pilot assist, a feature that enhances the overall driving experience.
Indulge in Luxury
In addition to the Pilot Pack, our test model also features the Plus Pack, adding an extra $6,000 to the price tag. This pack introduces a range of luxurious additions, perfect for those seeking an elevated driving experience. Highlights include a heated steering wheel and front seats, as well as heated rear outboard seats. To further enhance the cabin ambiance, a panoramic sunroof allows for an abundance of natural light to flood the interior. Additionally, netted matte pockets provide a practical and stylish solution for storing everyday essentials.
An Unforgettable Journey
As I embarked on this family adventure with the Polestar 2, I was immediately struck by its impressive range and the peace of mind it offered. The anxiety of running out of charge seemed almost inconsequential. However, the market is saturated with worthy adversaries, each vying for dominance in the electric car arena. The BMW I4, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the Tesla Model 3 are worthy challengers, all aiming to dethrone the Polestar 2 as the ultimate family electric vehicle.
Together, we will take a closer look at how the Polestar 2 manages daily family life and see how it stands up to its rivals. Stay tuned for an exciting journey, as we put the Polestar 2 through its paces and discover if it truly lives up to its impressive reputation. Will it emerge victorious in this fierce battle for electric car supremacy? Only time will tell.
Design and Features
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV takes a more conventional approach to design compared to its rivals, but it still maintains an EV futuristic vibe with its origami-like edges in the paneling. The cool pixel LED lights at the front and rear also add to its futuristic appeal. The interior of the car follows a Scandinavian design, with a paired-back and simple aesthetic. The inclusion of vegan knit upholstery on the doors and dash not only enhances the interior but also gives a warm and inviting feel. There is an overwhelming sense of high-quality build and attention to detail. The joineries are flush, and the doors close with a satisfying thump. However, one drawback I found was the panoramic sunroof, which lacks a sunline. Having a sunline would have helped to keep some of the heat and glare out.
Price Point
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV comes at a price point of $86,900 before on-road costs. While this puts it on par with its rivals, I can’t help but feel that the absence of certain features and packs included in the price makes it seem slightly more expensive than it actually is. One notable option is the 6000 Nappa leather upholstery, which includes a ventilation function on the front seats. These additional features can significantly increase the overall cost of the vehicle.
Storage Options
Since there is no engine in the Polestar 2 EV, the car offers a stack of storage options. One notable feature is the 41 L front trunk, also known as a “frunk.” This additional storage space provides practicality and convenience for everyday use. Whether it’s groceries, sports equipment, or luggage, the frunk offers ample space to accommodate your belongings.
Driving Experience
The Polestar 2 EV offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The absence of squeaks or rattles is a testament to the high-quality build of the vehicle. The car handles well, and the acceleration is impressive. The electric powertrain provides instant torque, allowing for quick acceleration and responsive handling. The absence of engine noise also contributes to a serene driving environment.
Interior Space and Design
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV boasts a spacious interior, particularly up front. The cabin feels light and airy, thanks to the sunroof, which is especially enjoyable on cooler days. Storage options are plentiful, with a deep middle console, glove box, two cup holders, and two drink bottle holders. Additionally, the under-floor compartment in the boot provides an extra 41 liters of storage space, so you’ll have everything you need on your family adventures.
Technology and Connectivity
The multimedia system in the Polestar 2 is equipped with an 11.2-inch touchscreen that is responsive to touch. However, I found it somewhat challenging to access the information on the screen, which was a minor annoyance. One aspect that I particularly disliked was the placement of the climate control settings within the screen. On the other hand, the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offers a visually appealing display, though it took me some time to familiarize myself with accessing its functions.
Connectivity Features
Connecting to Apple CarPlay is a breeze in this vehicle, as the wired connection makes it effortless. I was disappointed to learn that wireless CarPlay connectivity was not available. However, for Android users out there, the Polestar 2 does offer Android Auto. Additionally, this EV comes with inbuilt Google Apps, adding to its connectivity capabilities.
Backseat Comfort and Space
Moving to the backseat, I quickly noticed that space is a bit tight. As someone measuring 168 cm or 5’6″, I didn’t have much legroom behind my driving position. Moreover, the front seats sit low to the floor, making it somewhat uncomfortable for my feet due to the small door apertures and narrower seats. This could potentially pose a challenge for taller passengers or those with larger frames.
In conclusion, the 2024 Polestar 2 EV offers a practical and technologically advanced driving experience. However, it does have its drawbacks when it comes to backseat space and seat design. Nonetheless, if you prioritize an electric vehicle with ample storage, impressive connectivity options, and a stylish interior, the Polestar 2 is definitely worth considering.
Interior Comfort and Amenities
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV provides a spacious and comfortable interior, perfect for accommodating a family. The middle seat is surprisingly comfortable, making it more suitable for four passengers rather than five. However, the amenities in this row are impressive. There are directional air vents to ensure optimal air circulation, two USBC ports for charging devices, and a convenient fold-down armrest with two cup holders. Additionally, the heated outboard seats add a touch of luxury to the experience. Parents will appreciate the presence of isofix child seat mounts on the outboard seats, along with three top tethers for added safety. Even fitting a monster booster seat was not a problem during our testing.
Spacious Boot and Convenient Storage Solutions
The boot offers a generous capacity of 405 L, which is great for a family car. It is worth noting, however, that this number includes the capacity of the underfloor storage compartment. One particular feature that stands out is the lift-up panel, which creates a cozy storage space. This is especially handy if you have a few bags that you don’t want rolling around the front storage area. Inside the storage compartment, you will find a tire repair kit, and the power tailgate is a convenient addition. The only downfall is the absence of a traditional button to operate the tailgate, which some may miss.
Impressive Powertrain and Performance
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV boasts a long-range single motor electric powertrain. It is equipped with a large 82 KW lithium-ion battery, which is an improvement from the previous model, offering an additional 4 KW hours of capacity. The maximum power output has also been enhanced, now reaching 220 kW, and it delivers an impressive 4000 newton meters of torque, a notable increase from the previous model. What’s more, the updated model features a transition from a front-wheel-drive system to a rear-wheel-drive system. This change necessitated adjustments to the regen braking system.
Overall, the 2024 Polestar 2 EV proves to be a compelling option for families seeking a Tesla Model 3-rivalling electric car. Its interior comfort and amenities, spacious boot, and updated powertrain contribute to an enjoyable driving experience. Whether you’re looking for a practical family car or simply a vehicle with impressive performance, the Polestar 2 EV is definitely worth considering.
Regen Braking
One noticeable change in the 2024 Polestar 2 EV is the regen braking. It’s not as strong as it was before, which may disappoint some drivers. However, there is an option to customize the regen levels from low to standard. Throughout the week, I kept it in the low setting. Despite the car being marketed as a one-pedal driving system, the experience doesn’t quite live up to its name.
Driving Range and Charging
If there’s one thing that the 2024 Polestar 2 EV does well, it’s the driving range. With an impressive range of up to 655 km, it surpasses many of its competitors in the electric car market. When it comes to charging, the car features a type 2 CCS charging port. On a DC charge, you can expect charging times of approximately 28 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. If you’re using an 11 kW AC charger, the charging time can jump up to around 8 hours to reach a full charge. Additionally, the car can accept speeds of up to 2205 kW, making it compatible with ultra-fast 350 kW chargers.
Energy Consumption
Officially, the 2024 Polestar 2 EV has an energy consumption of 14.8 kWh. However, my average consumption ranged between 13.12 and 16.4 kWh. Considering the amount of open road driving I did during the week, I’m quite satisfied with its efficiency. The car manages to deliver impressive performance without excessively draining the battery.
Unconventional Features
While the Polestar 2 EV may seem like a conventional car at first glance, it certainly has some unconventional features to offer. One of the most notable is the absence of a push-button starter. Instead, you simply get in the car and put it into gear to start it. Similarly, to stop the car, all you need to do is get out and lock it. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s been a rather strange experience for me. Even after spending a week with the car, I still find myself adjusting to this peculiar feature.
In conclusion, the 2024 Polestar 2 EV offers a mixed bag of experiences. While it falls short in terms of regen braking and the one-pedal driving experience, it makes up for it with an impressive driving range and efficient energy consumption. The car’s unconventional features may take some getting used to, but they add a unique touch to the overall driving experience. Whether it can truly rival the Tesla Model 3 remains a matter of personal preference and priorities.
Power and Responsiveness
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV certainly doesn’t disappoint in terms of power. With a responsive and sporty drive, you’ll eagerly anticipate the moments when you need to put your foot down. Its well-balanced nature adds to the thrill, making it a joy to handle.
Customizable Steering and Cornering
As a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the Polestar 2 offers the flexibility of customizing the steering firmness. During my week-long test, I found the standard setting to provide a satisfactory experience. Whether tackling corners or cruising on the open road, the low-sitting Polestar 2 allows you to navigate with relative ease and confidence.
Firm Suspension with Road Feedback
One noticeable aspect of the Polestar 2 is its firm suspension. While it enhances stability, it also makes you acutely aware of any bumps or imperfections on the road. While some may find this slightly discomforting, I appreciate the heightened sense of connection with the driving experience.
No Range Anxiety
Driving the Polestar 2 for an entire week, I can confidently say that range anxiety was nonexistent. The generous driving range provided me with peace of mind, knowing that I wouldn’t have to constantly worry about finding a charging station. This is an essential feature, particularly for family car users.
Parking Convenience
Overall, parking the Polestar 2 was a straightforward and hassle-free experience. However, the 360-view camera system occasionally exhibited inconsistencies. The camera images didn’t always seamlessly merge together, resulting in a blurry appearance. Nevertheless, aside from this minor drawback, the Polestar 2 proves to be an effortlessly manageable car in tight parking spaces.
Necessities for a Family Car
Although the Polestar 2 may not possess the same extensive range of standard features found in its parent company, Volvo, it offers all the necessary components for a family car. This pragmatic approach ensures that essential features are not overlooked, making it a reliable choice for families on the go.
Design and Safety Features
The 2024 Polestar 2 EV has received an update that brings several improvements to its design and safety features. One notable addition is the inclusion of rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree view camera system as standard. However, it is a bit disappointing that adaptive cruise control requires an additional cost. This electric car boasts a maximum five-star safety rating, and it has been tested and proven to be safe in 2021. With eight airbags and a detailed safety review, the Polestar 2 EV ensures the well-being of its passengers.
Warranty and Servicing
Polestar provides a comprehensive warranty for the 2 EV. It comes with a standard 5-year or up to 100,000 km warranty, offering peace of mind to the owners. Additionally, the battery is covered by an impressive 8-year or up to 160,000 km warranty. Another great perk is that servicing costs are complimentary for the first five years or up to 100,000 km. The servicing intervals are also reasonable, requiring maintenance every two years or 30,000 km.
Impressive Design and Build
The Polestar 2 EV, especially the long-range single motor variant, showcases a beautiful design and robust build quality. The modern and sleek exterior is sure to turn heads on the road. While the car has some unique quirks that may take time to get used to, it is relatively easy to navigate. However, one drawback is the lack of spaciousness in the back seat, which may not be the most comfortable for passengers.
Personal Impressions
In my opinion, the 2024 Polestar 2 EV deserves a commendable rating of 7.75 out of 10. Although it has some shortcomings, such as the additional cost for certain features and limited passenger space, it offers a solid performance and a stylish appearance. It’s worth noting that my son, on the other hand, was particularly delighted with the inclusion of a sunroof, as it made him feel like he was inside a spaceship. He enthusiastically gives the Polestar 2 EV a perfect score of 10 out of 10.
This concludes the review of the 2024 Polestar 2 EV, an electric car that presents a strong competition to the popular Tesla Model 3. With its updated features, impressive safety ratings, and unique design, the Polestar 2 EV is a noteworthy choice for electric car enthusiasts and families alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2024 Polestar 2 EV is a strong contender in the electric car market, specifically taking on the Tesla Model 3. Its design is a blend of conventional and futuristic elements, offering a unique and eye-catching appearance. While the price may appear higher due to the additional features not included in the base model, the overall driving experience and storage options make it a practical choice for families. With its Scandinavian-inspired interior and attention to detail, the Polestar 2 EV delivers on both style and substance in the electric vehicle segment.
