Design and Styling
The new Polestar 2 may not look drastically different from its predecessor, but that’s actually a good thing. The previous model was already visually stunning, and Polestar doesn’t believe in facelifts anyway – they prefer to focus on updates. Since its launch, the Polestar 2 has received a whopping 15 over-the-air software updates, ensuring that it remains fresh and up to date. There have also been some changes to the styling, most notably the introduction of a new grill and the addition of the “Smart Zone” – a sleek plate on the front of the car that cleverly conceals the cameras. The designers at Polestar definitely made a point of highlighting this feature, and it’s hard not to appreciate their sense of humor with the placement of the mid-range radar right in the center of it all.
Impressive Battery and Range
One of the biggest highlights of the new Polestar 2 is its 82 kWh battery, which gives it one of the longest ranges among electric cars on the market today. This is a significant improvement and a clear indication of the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. With the battery powering the rear wheels, the driving experience is enhanced, offering a smooth and powerful performance that is synonymous with electric motors.
A Big Problem
Unfortunately, the new Polestar 2 does have one big problem that cannot be ignored. While it excels in many areas, it falls short when it comes to usability and convenience. The user interface is overly complicated and unintuitive, with too many menus and submenus to navigate. This can be quite frustrating for drivers, especially when trying to access basic functions such as adjusting the climate control or switching between entertainment options. It’s a shame because everything else about the Polestar 2 is top-notch, but this issue dampens the overall experience.
New Polestar 2 Review: It’s great, apart from one big problem…
Performance: More Power on Offer
If you’re craving for more power, then the rear-wheel drive of the New Polestar 2 might not be sufficient. However, the good news is that there is an option to get a super powerful four-wheel drive model to compete with the Tesla Model 3 Performance. With this upgrade, you can expect a boost in power and performance.
Interior: Minimalist Finish and Technology
The interior of the New Polestar 2 remains largely unchanged. It still boasts a minimalist finish, characterized by the use of animal-free materials. The big screen, complete with inbuilt Google Maps and voice control, is a standout feature. Additionally, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay allows for seamless integration with your iPhone. The only downside is that you need to plug in your phone for it to work. The rear seats and boot space have also been retained, providing ample room for passengers and belongings.
Charging Speed: Convenient and Efficient
One of the advantages of the New Polestar 2 is its fast charging speeds. With a maximum charging capacity of 205 Kow, you can achieve a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. This makes charging on the go much more convenient and efficient, ensuring you spend less time waiting to power up and more time on the road.
Design: Aesthetically Pleasing and Tech-Savvy
The design of the New Polestar 2 is visually stunning. It exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication, making it an eye-catching presence on the road. The integration of Google technology into the built-in system is a highlight. The display accurately shows the percentage of battery remaining, providing drivers with a clear understanding of their range. It’s a clever and accurate feature that enhances the overall driving experience. The general ambiance of the car is impressive, with a techy and clean feel reminiscent of an Apple product. It’s no wonder that the New Polestar 2 has garnered a lot of praise for its design and technology.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Responsive
Behind the wheel, the New Polestar 2 offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. It feels planted, with a neutral demeanor that makes it easy to handle. Despite being the slowest option in terms of powertrain, the rear-wheel drive version is still capable of delivering a satisfying level of performance. With the New Polestar 2, you can enjoy a rapid acceleration when desired.
In conclusion…
While the New Polestar 2 has many great features and a lot to offer, there is still one big problem that hinders its overall appeal. However, if you can overlook this issue, you’ll find a compelling electric vehicle that ticks a lot of boxes. From its impressive performance to its stylish design and advanced technology, the New Polestar 2 is definitely worth considering for those looking to embrace the future of electric mobility.
The Power and Performance
The New Polestar 2 boasts an impressive acceleration, clocking in at just 2 seconds to reach 60 mph. This provides a thrilling punch of performance that is sure to excite any driver. While there are faster options available, the speed offered by this model is more than sufficient for most driving situations, particularly on UK roads. The steering response is smooth and reliable, making it easy to navigate various road conditions. Additionally, the driver-assist features and available driving modes add an extra layer of convenience for a more tailored driving experience.
A Fine Driving Experience
The driving experience of the Polestar 2 is more than satisfactory. The handling is stable, and the car performs well overall. It may not be the most exhilarating ride out there, but it certainly delivers a good level of enjoyment, especially when driving on the right roads. However, there is one significant drawback that cannot be overlooked.
A Dealbreaker: Ride Comfort
The biggest issue that plagues the Polestar 2 is its ride comfort. While it may feel fine on country roads, driving this car around town reveals a significant problem. The comfort level, or lack thereof, is a deal breaker for many potential buyers. With this test car equipped with 20-inch wheels, the ride quality becomes really poor. It’s not just the firmness of the suspension that is an issue; it’s the clunky and jarring nature of the ride that leaves much to be desired.
Overall, the New Polestar 2 offers impressive power and performance, with a driving experience that is enjoyable, albeit not necessarily thrilling. However, the ride comfort, particularly on rough or pothole-riddled roads, falls short of expectations. It’s a shame that such a notable flaw detracts from an otherwise great vehicle. For those considering the Polestar 2, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the trade-off between performance and ride comfort.
Wheel Wobble and Cheap Suspension
When driving the new Polestar 2, one cannot help but notice the uncomfortable wheel wobble that occurs when encountering a pothole. The rebound from these imperfections on the road is quite noticeable, and it gives the car a cheap and wooden feeling. The suspension seems to be working too hard, and the overall ride quality suffers as a result. This is particularly evident when driving around town, and it really dampens the comfort that one would expect from a vehicle of this caliber. It is unfortunate to say, but this issue cannot be ignored.
Comparison to Volvo XC40 Electric
The Polestar 2 is based on the same platform as the Volvo XC40 Electric, which makes the suspension problem even more perplexing. The Volvo version of this electric car actually offers a much smoother and more enjoyable ride. It is evident that Polestar has the capability to do better, so it is puzzling why this problem was not addressed before releasing the Polestar 2. This is a real frustration that greatly affects the overall driving experience.
Impressive Features and Performance
Despite the disappointment in the suspension department, there are still many aspects of the Polestar 2 that are highly commendable. The driving experience, in general, is quite enjoyable, with responsive handling and a satisfying level of power. Additionally, the range of the Polestar 2 is impressive, especially in summer temperatures and on varied roads. It was able to achieve well over 340 miles on a single charge during our test drives, including long stretches on motorways and faster country roads. However, it is important to note that this range is expected to decrease to around 280 to 300 miles in winter conditions.
The Cool and Unique Appeal
It is difficult not to appreciate the Polestar 2 for its unique and stylish design. The Scandinavian and tech-inspired aesthetic gives it a clean and futuristic feel, setting it apart from other electric vehicles on the market. This distinctiveness is something that I genuinely like about the Polestar brand and what they are trying to achieve.
A Waiting Game for Improvement
To conclude, the Polestar 2 presents a great package overall, but it is hindered by the significant problem with its suspension. If this issue is addressed and resolved in future iterations or updates, the Polestar 2 has the potential to surpass its competitors and become the best in its class. Until then, driving enthusiasts and potential buyers will have to wait with bated breath, hoping that Polestar will do better and fulfill the full potential of this promising electric car.
New Polestar 2 Review: It’s great, apart from one big problem…
Great Pricing and Performance
But I can’t say that because, even though it’s quite well priced at $45,000 and up for the Polestar 2, up to about the mid-50s for your top-spec high-performance variant. So prices are good. Monthly costs are good, performance and range are great. All of that is really good.
A Major Issue with the Ride
But that ride… I just can’t really come to terms with it. I don’t know that I would recommend it to people because of that. So, I do find that really disappointing. It’s such a kind of huge issue with the car, and funnily enough, I drove the Polestar 2 previously when it was on Öhlins dampers, which is a massive overkill for a family car. You normally get those on race cars or rally raid cars and this kind of thing, and I thought that was a bit mad and they were a bit firm too. But having now driven this on the standard suspension, I think they were the better option. So, there you have it, the Polestar 2: it’s great apart from the ride.
Competition from the Tesla Model 3 and BMW I4
So, do you know what? With the Tesla Model 3 out there, the benefits of that are very obvious. But my money in this class, despite it being the more expensive option, would go on the BMW i4.
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Conclusion
Despite the usability issue, there’s no denying that the new Polestar 2 is a great electric car. Its stunning design, impressive battery range, and powerful performance make it a strong contender in the market. If Polestar can address the problem with the user interface in future updates, they will have a truly outstanding electric vehicle on their hands. It’s clear that Polestar is committed to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, and the Polestar 2 is a testament to their dedication.