We like
Superlative performance, fast charging capability, tidy dynamics, distinctive styling, effective one pedal driving, premium audio system, all-wheel drive confidence, comfy interior, more exclusivity than a Tesla

Room for improvement
Small door apertures, optional features should be standard, distracting infotainment system, ‘green’ interior fascias and upholstery don’t feel premium, plug doesn’t fit all recharge stations, new model on the way

Overview

 

WHAT do you do?

 

Plonk down your $92,400 plus on-road costs for this medium-size 2023 Polestar 2 AWD dual motor with most of the options, or wait until the new version comes out some time this year with more of everything, price unknown…

 

The newbie ushers in a considerable power increase from a combined 300kW to a potential 350kW and a jump in torque from 660Nm to 740Nm along with other improvements to the battery, safety, range, the drive system and myriad other detail improvements.

 

But that’s immaterial at the moment as we are in the current range-topping Polestar 2 AWD ‘dually’ replete with all available option packs: Plus Pack ($6000), Pilot Pack ($3400), Performance Pack ($8000) and additional Performance Software Upgrade OTA ($1600).

 

It prices the model up against other all-wheel drive BEVs like Kia’s EV6 GT at $100k +ORCs though that is a larger SUV style vehicle, the quicker Tesla Model 3 AWD Performance at $89,900 +ORCs and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Epiq AWD from $88,000 +ORCs.

 

All of them go like the clappers and have their own special appeal, with the Chinese-made Polestar fastback perhaps the most ‘mainstream’ in terms of styling.

 

Elements from a Volvo ICE chassis are used with the petrol engine replaced by a pair of electric motors, one on each axle and a battery pack. Polestar has done a good job engineering it as the 2 dually feels like a dedicated EV effort albeit with some minor compromises like the transmission tunnel… and small door openings that challenge access for medium to large people.

 

This particular example with all the trimmings scores a truckload of goodies for the roughly $100k ask (+ORCs) including cool stuff in the optional Performance Pack like huge gold painted Brembo four piston brakes, sticky Continental tyres, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and Ohlins manually adjustable dampers.

 

The Plus Pack contains some ‘luxury’ features we consider should be standard on this vehicle at the price like the Harman/Kardon premium audio, 15-watt inductive phone charger, air quality filter and clever heat pump system. But you could delete the fixed panoramic glass sunroof and heated rear seats, steering wheel and wiper washer nozzles and just fit heated exterior mirrors… and a rear wiper.

 

Something similar applies to the optional safety focused Pilot Pack that brings blind spot awareness with vibrating wheel, cross-traffic alert with brake support, rear collision mitigation and warning, adaptive cruise control, emergency stop assist, 360-degree surround view camera, auto dimming exterior mirrors, and LED headlights with auto high beam.

 

Again, most of this we consider should be standard equipment in such a car at the price especially when you look comparatively as other brands.

 

That said, the 2 dually has a lot going for it particularly if you are into one-upmanship exemplified by the numerous queries we fielded about the car… What is it? It’s an EV, isn’t it? Is it any good? Who makes it? Looks good! That doesn’t happen when you drive a ‘common’ Tesla.

 

Though we only had the car for a week, it was enough to remind us of the change in expectations required when you drive an EV and that is nearly 100 per cent focused on the inconvenience of plugging the bugger in… at just about every opportunity and the limitations that implies.

 

Work out a user schedule allowing for the EV and “Bob’s your uncle,” as we found.

 

Driving Impressions

 

The first thing you notice on entering the Polestar 2 is the steering wheel shared with Volvo’s XC40 Pure Electric. More interior parts commonality between the two has been neatly disguised by clever interior design.

 

And the powertrain is the same too based around two electric traction motors, a 400V lithium-ion 78kWh battery and electricity consumption of between 19.4 and 20.2kWh/100km.

 

What is somewhat disconcerting is the lack of an actual starting process as you just need to unlock the Polestar, select D or R and push the throttle. When you’re done and want to switch off… it’s the same thing, put it in P, get out and lock it, walk away.

 

The car stops the clock at 4.7 seconds for a 0-100km/h sprint which is right in sporty sedan territory but not as quick as the Tesla Model 3 dual motor at a dizzying 3.3 seconds. It doesn’t matter that much because the Polestar 2 dual motor is ‘plenty’ quick.

 

Charging the beast can be problematic especially given the claimed range is really around the 350km mark so travelling will require some planning.

 

Best case scenario with DC charging is 37 minutes from 0-80 per cent while AC charging on a three phase ‘domestic’ outlet is eight hours plus.

 

On the road, the Polestar has a sporty feel heightened by the Performance Pack and the kit that brings. It gives a firm ride, super strong brakes and impressive grip from race track spec’ tyres that may not appeal to everyone but then you don’t have to tick the Performance Pack box.

 

The test vehicle was a hoot to drive fast exhibiting a flat stance through tight corners, responsive steering and the ability to get out of corners like a race car. We couldn’t get it to misbehave as electronics intervene to prevent that happening suffice to say the car’s 2100kg kerb weight would eventually tell against it in point and squirt driving.

 

It’s a comfy car to travel in especially with all the options added but the glass roof is problematic as it contributes to an over-abundance of sun inside the car despite being auto tinting. We’d drop that off the list first.

 

However, adopt cruise mode and it’s like a fully-fledged luxury car albeit with firm suspension. Virtually no noise enters the cabin and the overall ambience is genteel luxury heightened by the optional audio package.

 

However, a transformation from Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde takes place when you floor it out of the blocks which pins you back in the seat with near liner rapid acceleration tempered a touch in the mid-range to prevent possible rear-ender mishaps.

 

The all-wheel drive system enhances wet weather safety as well as giving the Polestar impressive traction which would also prove handy towing that’s limited to 1500kg braked.

 

Onto the Android Automotive system that we found to be like the Curates Egg… good in parts.

 

We get that everyone ‘needs’ this level of connectivity and this many selections when driving but there are way too many menus and choices. Scrolling through menus while you’re driving is just as dangerous as fiddling with your phone so best get it all set before driving off.

 

The interior features hypoallergenic upholstery and is pleasingly styled but the tones are rather dull and the lack of leather jolts a tad in a car like this.

 

It’s a tight cabin that will accommodate four with a smallish boot space down the back. The seats are well shaped and comfortable over a long drive offering multiple adjustment in the front and heating but no ventilation which would seem more appropriate in hot countries like Australia.

 

So do you wait for the ‘you beaut’ new model at an unknown price or go now?

 

Your call…