Polestar 2 review

The Polestar 2 is a polished first attempt at an all-electric car – managing to deliver quality, style and a decent drive. The manufacturer’s close relationship with Volvo is clear, because the Polestar 2’s chunky design is offset with cool, Scandinavian touches. 

For those seeking something different to a Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 has most bases covered, with good range, great on-board tech and reassuring levels of safety kit. The family hatchback certainly stands out from the crowd with its classy good looks, and it’s competitively priced – definitely one to consider.

You could be forgiven for not having heard of Polestar. The Swedish manufacturer started life as the banner for Volvo’s motorsport activity (mainly in Swedish touring cars), then became the performance badge for Volvo cars. Now it has fully graduated to being a standalone car maker itself, albeit still under ownership of Volvo and Chinese giant Geely.

Polestar’s first foray into full vehicle production was in 2017 with the aptly named Polestar 1 – a low-volume, plug-in hybrid coupe. The fastback-styled Polestar 2 is an altogether more accessible car, and the company is aiming to take on Tesla’s Model 3 and steal key sales from its US rival.

The Polestar 2 sits on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which is also used for the Volvo XC40. The Polestar 2 has a saloon-look bodystyle, but is actually a five-door hatchback with a slightly elevated ride height. This gives it a unique shape that’s not quite a crossover, but still offers decent family practicality.

Polestar introduced an entry-level 2 model in 2021, priced at just under £40,000. It features a 64kWh battery and a single, 221bhp front-mounted motor and is good for up to 295 miles from a single charge. A long range single motor version, including a bigger 78kWh battery is available for an extra £3,000 – again this is front-wheel-drive, but offers a slight increase in power to 228bhp, with a maximum range of 336 miles. A 78kWh dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) version sits at the top of the price list; with 402bhp and 660Nm of torque it manages 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, with range falling to 298 miles.

Polestar is clearly taking direct aim at the Tesla Model 3. But such is its capability that it will no doubt be under consideration from customers looking at the latest premium EVs from BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Audi and Volkswagen.

In keeping with its unique sense of style, Polestar has done away with traditional trim levels and instead offers three additional packs that build on the already generous level of standard equipment. The Pilot pack offers extra autonomous safety kit and upgraded LED headlights, while the Plus pack includes items such as a Harman Kardon audio system, a fixed panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. 

The Performance pack brings kit that is primarily focused on improving the driving characteristics of the car, including Brembo brakes, Ohlins dampers and 20-inch forged alloy wheels, along with gold-coloured seat belts to match the colour of the brake calipers.

Polestar has also declared itself ‘vegan-friendly’, with the 2’s interior upholstery made from a 100% vegan material known as WeaveTech. However, slightly strangely you can still specify ventilated leather trim – for an extra £4,000.

If you’re looking to buy an electric car, why not visit our sister site buyacar.co.uk for the latest deals…