Polestar 2 (MY24) (2020 - 2023)

When Polestar launched as a new carmaker in the UK back in 2020 it sold 800 units. This year up until November, the sales have topped the 11,000 mark which is some testament to how much momentum the company is gaining.

All models are fully electrified and until now those impressive sales stats are based on the Polestar 2, which is a dynamically-styled, performance fastback. 

And now, building on that success, Polestar has introduced a raft of upgrades making it a perfect alternative for anyone wanting to give Tesla a swerve.

The new Polestar 2 boasts a fresh-look and high-tech front end that reflects the design language that was recently premiered by the Polestar 3 SUV. As well as design enhancements, there are more powerful batteries for improved performance and driving range. In fact the battery upgrades mean the vehicle can drive 22 per cent further between charges, can charge 34 per cent quicker and consumes nine per cent less energy.

Potential owners have plenty of choice with the option of a Standard-Range Single-Motor RWD version, a Long-Range Single-Motor RWD drive or Long-Range Dual-Motor featuring AWD. There is also a Performance Pack that can be added to the Long-Range AWD Polestar 2 and this offers extra power and brings the 0-62mph sprint time down to a very rapid 4.2 seconds. And it was that high-end car that we tested and it came with a pretty high-end price too of £57,950.

The refreshed Polestar 2 boasts a flat front grille that resembles its sibling Polestar 3 SUV model which will be arriving next year. This new look has been named the SmartZone which is pretty apt because it houses an array of sensors, cameras and radar systems that act together and individually to improve the driver assistance aids on the car.

Polestar 2 certainly has plenty of road presence with sweeping light clusters featuring trademark Thor-Hammer daytime running lights. There are frameless side mirrors, eye-catching tail lights connected by a light bar, plus body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and door handles. 

Our Performance Plus model gained a panoramic roof with UV protection, gold front and rear seat belts, Brembo brakes with gold calipers and 20-inch black polished alloys. 

Moving inside it’s difficult not to be wowed by the beautifully-designed and high-end interior with premium fixtures and fittings throughout.

The seats are powered, heated or ventilated and it is simple to get a comfortable driving position. These are upholstered in a fully vegan WeaveTech which is ultra-durable and both dirt and moisture resistant so any spillages can easily be mopped up. The hexagonal shaped gear selector features an illuminated Polestar symbol, which looks fab while the rearview mirror is frameless.

The main focal point and nerve centre is the 11.15-inch portrait-style infotainment system powered by Android Auto OS. Expect to find Google built-in assistant, Google maps, a DAB radio, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad and a rearview camera. The Performance Pack sees an upgrade to the sound system too with the introduction of a 16-speaker Harman Kardon set-up.

Behind the steering wheel, the 12.3-inch driver display clearly shows all the vital driving data, including speed, driving range and battery charge levels. This screen can be personalised to taste so, for example, can have the navigation map in the centre or more traditional dials.

Powering the Polestar 2 Long-Range Dual Motor model that we tested was the latest 82kWh (75kWh useable) battery pack with electric motors on each axle. With 476hp and a whopping 740Nm of torque, this all-wheel drive car could reach 62mph from a standing start in just 4.2 seconds and maxes out at 127mph.

There is no ignition button to start up the car – instead it detects the key and you simply put the vehicle into D for Drive and off you go. The acceleration through the single-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and the power is constant which helps makes light work of overtaking.

On twisting lanes, the car is beautifully balanced and the steering feel is perfectly weighted with ample driver feedback. While there are no drive modes, there is plenty of scope to adjust the steering and regenerative braking levels with single-pedal driving an option on the highest setting.

The Polestar 2, as tested, weighs in at just over two tonnes so it’s quite a hefty beast, but it is deceptively agile and handles in a manner that truly befits the Polestar name.

As part of the Performance Pack upgrade, the test car featured Dual Flow Valve dampers from renowned suspension manufacturer Ohlins and that system increases the grip and traction for an even more responsive performance.

There is a little tyre rumble noise but other than that, the Polestar 2 is beautifully refined. And it also has the reassurance of all-wheel drive for added grip in poorer driving conditions. 

The Polestar 2 boasts dynamic styling and is beautifully streamlined stretching 4,606mm in length, 1,985mm wide (including mirrors) and 1,479mm high with a wheelbase of 2,735mm.

Despite its fastback styling the cabin is spacious with plenty of room for two six-footers up front. In the back, it’s not quite such good news for tall passengers due to the sloping roof, but it’s fine for a trio of youngsters.

The boot, accessed via a powered tailgate, can hold 407 litres of luggage and this limit increases to 1,097 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. This includes an area beneath the floor which is ideal to store charging cables or alternatively these can be kept in the frunk beneath the bonnet. 

Additional storage throughout the cabin includes a glovebox with a handy tray inside, a central cubby, seat back nets, four cup holders, deep door bins, some practical pockets on the console between the front occupants and a curry hook to keep takeaway treats upright on the move. And there are four USB ports, two front and two rear, to keep devices connected on the move.

Charging the test car’s battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes 28 minutes via a fast charger. And with family weekends away in mind, the Polestar 2 can pull a trailer weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.

Pricing for the Polestar 2 starts from £44,950 for the Standard Range Single Motor version, the Long Range Single Motor is £48,950, then it’s a jump to £52,950 for the Long Range Dual Motor and finally the Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack, as tested, costs £57,950.

Our car featured the powerful 82kWh battery with 476hp and 740Nm of torque with a WLTP-tested driving range of up to 352 miles. The same model without the Performance Pack has a slightly better range of 367 miles.

All Polestar 2 models are fully electrified so have zero carbon emissions and therefore owners will benefit from numerous Government-led incentives, including free road tax, exemption from Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone fees and there is no premium car tax penalty for purchasing a vehicle costing in excess of £40k. 

However, the Government has announced those financial benefits will be disappearing or cut right back in 2025.

Any business owners out there can reap the rewards of a very attractive Benefit in Kind tax rating of just two per cent and the vehicle comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty (eight-years, 100,000-miles for the battery), plus three years of roadside assistance.

Polestar was once the performance specification grade for certain Volvo models, but it has successfully grown into a standalone company that is enjoying very impressive sales figures.

The recent upgrades, especially the larger battery with its increased range between charges, have really raised the bar. And its a bar that constantly needs to be raised these days with not just Tesla vying for sales, but also the likes of Hyundai and BMW amongst others launching into the sector.