POLESTAR 2 FASTBACK 350kW 82kWh LR DM Prime [Performance] 5dr 4WD Auto

The Polestar 2 is an EV that's been fundamentally improved and keeps evolving. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

You might think this updated Polestar 2, this Swedish EV brand's most important model, looks hardly different from the original. Much though has changed in recent years. As well as being a little smarter to look at, it's better to drive, charges quicker and goes much further on energy from its more advanced battery packs. As before, it's a high quality sporting mid-sized EV, a rare and rather unique five-door hatch with quality, handling and battery technology all benchmarked against the best that the premium segment competition can offer.

Background

You may now vaguely be aware of the Polestar brand as Volvo's luxury platform for uniquely designed sporting electric models. Every premium marque makes an EV these days of course, but many of them merely feel like battery-powered versions of existing cars. For an early adopter to plug-in motoring, there's an undeniable appeal in the clean sheet approach that segment originator Tesla's products bring to the table. Polestar aims to deliver that but combine it with the depth of engineering you'd get from a more established manufacturer. Which in 2020 was what brought us the Polestar 2, a mid-sized premium EV Crossover that's done its share of shaking up the market. Almost everything a conscientious EV adopter might want was promised here - decent driving range, sustainable manufacturing, a vegan interior - and more than a dash of cutting-edge technology too: this was the first model in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Google's Android Automotive OS system, which claimed to redefine what you could expect from in-car infotainment and connectivity. But the competition has been catching up, so in 2023 Polestar fundamentally re-imagined what this car could be and produced a useful mid-term facelift. That's been built upon with minor model updates since, the most recent of which we look at here.

Driving Experience

In terms of dynamic updates, this is about as fundamental as it gets. Single-motor Polestar 2 variants (the ones almost everyone chooses) have been switched from front to rear-wheel drive, which Polestar claims 'elevates the driving experience to a whole new level'. It certainly features quite a few engineering changes - even at the foot of the range, where the base Standard range Single motor variant now gets a revised 70kWh battery (sourced from CATL) and a redesigned permanent magnet motor producing 295bhp and 490Nm of torque (raised from the earlier model's 228bhp and 330Nm). That gets the car to 62mph in 6.2s, 1.2s faster than before. And, more significantly, driving range rises to a best of up to 344 miles. The mid-level Long range Single motor model we tried also gets a battery change - and in this case one with greater capacity, an 82kWh battery pack (up from 78kWh) also supplied by CATL and capable of taking the car up to 438 miles. That same 82kWh battery also appears in the top Dual-Motor AWD model, which now has a 369 mile total (rising 70 miles from before partly thanks to a 'front motor disconnect' function that's particularly adept at maximising range). That top AWD model should be more engaging to drive too, thanks to the new powertrain's greater rear bias; and it'll be faster, total system output rising to 416bhp (14bhp more than before) and 760Nm of torque (100Nm more). The 0-62mph time of that Dual-Motor variant is therefore cut to 4.3s. If that's still not quick enough, customers for this AWD flagship model will be offered an optional 'Performance Pack' upgrade, which boosts power to 469bhp and cuts the sprint time to just 4.0s. This option is also offered to existing Polestar 2 AWD owners as an over-the-air update. Even if you're impressed by all of this, you might still understandably have a few qualms about choosing a sports saloon from a subsidiary of the Volvo marque, a maker yet to deliver any sort of enthusiast-orientated product and a brand that limits the top speed of all its cars to 112mph. But give this Polestar 2 model a chance. Massive efforts have been made to imbue this car with levels of steering feel and body control that are about as far from your perception of Volvo as it's possible to get.

Design and Build

You'll recognise this improved Polestar 2 from the changes made to its front end, the original combustion-like grille now replaced by a much more EV-like 'SmartZone' body-coloured panel housed in a slim surround and incorporating safety tech like the mid-range radar and the forward camera. Otherwise, things are much as before, the Polestar 2 championing a chunky, purposeful sporty and distinctively Swedish feel of its own. Looks probably aren't going to be the primary reason you choose this contender (and they won't immediately advertise the fact that you've probably spent £50,000 or more on it) but if you're OK with something a little more conservatively premium, then there's plenty to like here. Under the skin lies the same CMA platform that's used by a Volvo XC40 but it's had to be updated with a unique front subframe for extra crash protection (electric motors are less absorbent in an impact than an engine), plus there are modifications at the rear to support the heavy lithium-ion battery pack. At the wheel, no cabin changes have been made as part of this mid-life update. As before, you're favoured with almost faultless build quality from an interior carefully fitted out with fabric, wood and vegan leather (proper hide is optional). There's a blade-shaped dashboard incorporating a predictably huge central freestanding 11.15-inch portrait-format infotainment screen. This delivers the latest Google Android infotainment system. Unlike Android Auto, you don't have to connect in and then still have to separately activate car stuff (seat positioning, safety system preferences and so on). Google Android infotainment can automatically do all that for you as you approach the car. What else might you need to know about the cabin? Well the seats are soft and supportive, but the window line is rather high, which contributes to rather poor rearward visibility. Careful battery design means that rear seat legroom is surprisingly good for an EV. And once the powered rear hatch rises, you'll view a 405-litre boot, which expands to 1,095-litres with the seats down, plus there's a further 35-litre space beneath the bonnet up-front.

Market and Model

It's no longer possible to get a Polestar 2 anywhere near £40,000; list prices now kick off at around £45,000 for the Standard range Single motor variant, progressing to around £49,000 for the mid-range Long range Single motor variant we tried, then culminating with the Long range Dual motor model at around £53,000 - or running up to around £58,000 for that top Long range Dual motor model fitted with the optional Performance Pack. Polestar regularly does 'seasonal offers' that reduce these figures. For the 2026 model year, the Polestar 2 can be equipped with a 'Bowers & Wilkins for Polestar' audio upgrade. This high-end audio system comprises 14 speakers, with a total output of 1,350 Watts. Plus a new exterior colour ('Dune') is now available. And with the Performance Pack model, there's a new five-spoke design for the car's 20-inch forged alloy wheels. Polestar has also introduced a new, optional Prime Pack comprising the Pilot, Plus, and Climate packs, and rear privacy glass, as one cost-effective pack bundle. Tint is now applied to rear side windows, in addition to the tailgate window. As before, plenty of camera safety features are included across the range. Namely blind-spot information with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation. Plus auto-dimming side mirrors, a 360-degree parking camera and a smartphone-charging mat. As before, virtually all Polestar sales will be done online (via an app which will also be used to arrange servicing and aftercare). You certainly won't be able to buy the marque's products from a Volvo franchise. All models come with a fully loaded specification, but if you want to go further, various optional Packs are available, primarily the 'Plus Pack' and the 'Pilot Pack'

Cost of Ownership

The furthest you'll be able to go in a Polestar 2 is with the mid-range Long range Single motor 82kWh variant, which now has a WLTP-rated range of up to 438 miles. Not far behind is the Long range Dual motor 82kWh model (up to 369 miles). The base Standard range Single motor 70kWh version manages up to 344 miles. Despite the larger batteries, more powerful motors, longer range and more exciting performance, carbon emissions for Long range versions with the 82kWh battery have come down by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per car (previously 7 tonnes per car), thanks to improved cell chemistry. There's still no Hyundai Motor Group-style 800-volt electrified tech here to boost charging times (the usual 400-volt set-up remains) but the upgraded battery tech has brought with it quicker battery replenishment. Charging speeds have increased - to 135kW for the Standard range Single motor 69kWh model, though that still isn't particularly impressive by class standards. At a DC rapid charger, 34 minutes will be needed for this base variant to charge from 10-80%. At home using a typical 7.4kW wallbox, you'll need 10 hours 45 minutes. The longer-ranging 82kWh battery pack models can now charge at up to 205kW, which is a bit more like it. This means that at a DC rapid charger, 28 minutes will be needed to charge from 10-80%. At home using a typical 7.4kW wallbox, you'll need 12 hours 30 minutes. Charging stations along any given route are displayed via a simplified Google Maps display on the centre-dash screen. This includes live availability data so that you can see in advance which charging points are currently free. And don't worry if your trip takes you somewhere with no online reception: should you venture into such territory, the car will automatically download maps into its hard drive and switch into an offline mode so that navigational services can continue uninterrupted. Plug & Charge technology is now included with the Polestar 2, offering a seamless charging experience for drivers who can simply park at a public charger, plug in the charging cable, and let their car initiate and authenticate the process. Plug & Charge can be enabled via the Polestar Charge app and within the car settings. Once enabled, the need for multiple charging cards or apps is eliminated, streamlining the overall experience. As before, around half of all Polestar 2 sales will be to business buyers keen to take advantage of the 3% benefit-in-kind tax rating that still applies to EVs.

Summary

We continue to like the Polestar 2. And it couldn't be more different from arguably its closest rival, the Tesla Model 3, an EV that slightly awkwardly embraces the current eco-zeitgeist. Yes, it's easy to sneer at the company's environmental mission statement - 'to drive progress and create a better future, a future that's sustainable, hassle-free and strikingly beautiful'. But we can't help liking the way that this car has delivered its electric remit with Volvo-style pragmatism - and continues to do so in this updated form. There's no big fuss about superbike-style acceleration times. Or about how it can charge in next to no time from rapid charging stations you'll hardly ever come across. It doesn't even mess about with a pointless SUV configuration. Instead, the Polestar 2 simply gets on with delivering what is arguably the most complete EV experience in the £45,000-£60,000 price bracket. It has a Tesla-like feel of innovation, an Audi Q4 e-tron-like feel of quality and a BMW i4-like feel of sporting purpose. All with rare, unique branding and packaging. Choosing one of these would still be a step into the unknown. But we can see why you might.

Body Glass

Front and rear power windows

Heated rear window

Heated washer fluid wiper nozzles

Laminated front windscreen

Privacy glass (rear side windows and tailgate)

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Brakes

4 piston Brembo aluminium front callipers in Swedish gold finish

Drilled ventilated front discs

Electronic stability control

Hill start assist

Post-impact Braking

Power parking brake with auto hold function

Regenerative Stability Control

Traction control

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Carpets/Rugs

Textile floor mats 100percent recycle econyl and 3D etched deco

Chassis/Suspension

McPherson strut front suspension

Ohlins dual flow valve (DFV) shock absorbers with manually adjustable dampers

Polestar engineered performance chassis

Sport mode

Communication

15W wireless phone charger

Apple car play and Android auto wired

Bluetooth telephony

Integrated e-SIM with constant Internet connectivity

Driver Aids

Electric tailgate with soft closing

Handsfree tailgate opening with foot sensor

Steering wheel buttons

Driver Convenience

3 steering modes

360 degree view camera

Adaptive cruise control

ADAS

Adjustable steering force

Automatic braking after collision

Collision avoidance and mitigation with - other vehicles, other vehicles at intersections,pedestrians

Cross traffic alert (CTA) with brake support

Cyclist Detection

Driver alert control

Emergency stop assist

Forward collision warning

Front mid-range radar

Front park assist

Intelligent speed assist

Lane departure warning

Lane keeping aid with steering support

Night time collision warning

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Park assist side

Pilot assist

Progressive steering

Rear park assist

Driver Information

11.15 Central display touch screen

12.3" progressive driver's digital display

Android Automotive OS

Blind spot information system with steer assist (BLIS)

Emergency call service

Over the air (OTA) updates for lifetime of the vehicle

Polestar app with vehicle functionality

Ready to drive notification

Trip computer

X6 Driver profiles

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior and exterior mirrors

Electric and heated frameless colour coordinated autofolding side mirrors

Engine

Performance software upgrade

Entertainment

2 USB-C connectors front

2 USB-C connectors rear

Bowers and Wilkins sound system for Polestar

Digital radio DAB+

Infotainment powered by Android including Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store

Polestar Connect

Exterior Body Features

Active air shutters

Colour coordinated Polestar emblem

Fixed panoramic sunroof including lit Polestar symbol

Rear side wing doors

Steel roof

Exterior Lights

Approach lighting

Auto-dimming full-LED rear light bar with persistent light signature

Automatic headlight levelling system

LED front fog lights with cornering function

Pixel LED adaptive headlights

Thor's hammer daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone electronic climate control

Air quality - PM2.5 sensor and filter

Cleanzone with pre ventilation + multifilter

Energy saving heat pump

High voltage coolant/heater

Humidity sensor

Parked vehicle climate control with scheduled pre-conditioning and remote start

Interior Features

12V power outlet - Boot

4 Cup holders with front door bins fit bottle

Charcoal headlining

Driver steering recommendation

Front storage compartment (41 litres)

Hands on detection Steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Height and reach adjustable steering column with speed sensitive steering

Hexagonal shaped gear shifter with illuminated polestar symbol

Hooks on rear B-pillar

Liftable load floor with grocery bag holders

One pedal drive (regenerative braking), adjustable

Rear storage compartment 407 litres including the 41L under floor

Ski hatch

Understeer control logic

Interior Lights

Front footwell illumination

Front reading lights and theatre lighting

Interior high level illumination

Rear reading and courtesy lights

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Alcolock preparation

Connected safety with slippery road alert and hazard light alert

Driver and front passenger airbags

Dual curtain airbags

Dual inner side airbags

Dual Side airbags

Electrical child lock for rear doors and rear windows

First aid kit

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

Indirect tyre pressure monitoring system (ITPMS)

Passenger airbag cut-off switch

Polestar digital key

Rear collision warning and mitigation (RCWM)

Road sign information display

Run off road mitigation and protection

Safety assistance

Swedish gold seatbelts (front and rear)

Warning triangle

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front and rear head restraints

Front seats cushion extensions

Fully electrical seats including 4-way power lumbar support, driver seat memory, front cushion leg extension and backrest storage nets

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

ISOFIX attachment on rear outer seats

Rear seat 40/60 split

Single front passenger seat

Security

2 Key

Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)

Alarm inclination sensor

Alarm with interior alarm motion sensor

Double-locking door locks

Front, rear and side ultrasonic sensors

Key integrated remote control central locking

Keyless entry and drive

Lockable wheel bolts

Towing

Preparation for semi automatic towbar

Trailer stability assist

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

Type 2 Mode 3 AC Charging cable for public/home wallbox (2C /6m / IEC 3P 400V 32A 22kW)

Wheels

Swedish gold valve caps

Wheels - Alloy

20" performance alloy wheel with summer tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 82

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 480

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 28

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 205

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 205

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 79

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 17.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 568

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 352

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0

Badge Power: 476

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: 82kWh Dual motor

Coin Series: [Performance]

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 80

NCAP Safety Assist %: 83

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 30000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.2

Engine Power - BHP: 476

Engine Power - KW: 350

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 546

Engine Torque - MKG: 75.5

Engine Torque - NM: 740

Top Speed: 127

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 245/40 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 245/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1473

Length: 4606

Wheelbase: 2735

Width: 1859

Width (including mirrors): 1985

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2600

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1097

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 407

Max. Loading Weight: 495

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Minimum Kerbweight: 2105

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.5

Body Glass

Privacy glass (rear side windows and tailgate)

Embellishment Trims

Light ash interior deco

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Interior Features

Bridge of Weir nappa leather upholstery with zinc band on doors

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Vapour grey

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Snow

Special metallic - Midnight

Special metallic - Space

Special metallic - Storm

Seats

Front seat ventilation

Trim - Leather

Bridge of Weir nappa leather - Charcoal

Bridge of Weir nappa leather - Zinc