The all-electric Polestar 2 hatchback, an offering from Volvo’s EV subsidiary, boasts a refined appearance reminiscent of luxury sedans like the Volvo S60. Designed for an eco-conscious world, the vehicle strikes a compelling balance between range and horsepower, particularly in its base rear-drive model, which flaunts 295 horsepower and a claimed 320 miles of range. For those seeking more power, two all-wheel-drive models are available: one with 416 horsepower and the enthusiast-focused Performance Pack version wielding 449 horsepower. Despite its initial pricing, which exceeds that of the base Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 sets itself apart by offering more range and a conventional interior, complete with a standard instrument cluster and software powered by Google’s Android.
In the competitive landscape of burgeoning electric vehicles like the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Polestar 2 has continuously improved its features, range, and power with each model year. However, to maintain its competitiveness, further enhancements are necessary.
Whats new in 2024 Enhancements
For 2024, Polestar has refined the all-electric Polestar 2 by introducing a larger battery and updated hardware. The once single-motor front-wheel-drive model has transitioned to a rear-wheel drive, now boasting a claimed 30 additional miles of range, totaling 300 miles. Dual-motor versions also see an increase, now offering 270 miles of claimed range.
Across all models, there’s an upsurge in horsepower, courtesy of upgraded motors: the single-motor Polestar 2 now delivers 295 horsepower (up from 231), while the dual-motor version reaches 416 horsepower (from 408). Additionally, there’s a significant reconfiguration in the torque ratio, favoring the rear motor for output. Noteworthy updates to the 20-inch forged wheels, offered with the Performance Pack, and the inclusion of Michelin all-season tires as an option for the 19-inch wheels further enhance the driving experience. The larger battery now supports higher DC-fast-charging speeds, reaching up to 205 kW.
Pricing and Best Choice
The rear-drive single-motor Polestar 2 impresses with its ample range and 295 horsepower, ensuring swift performance. While the Performance Pack caters to enthusiasts, it does compromise overall range. Thus, prioritizing a lower price point and extended range might be more favorable over achieving maximum performance with the Polestar 2.
Electric Motor, Power, and Performance
The Polestar 2’s hierarchy of power commences with a single motor, offering 295 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. All-wheel-drive models, powered by dual motors, deliver a combined output of 416 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. For thrill-seekers, the available Performance Pack boasts a peak horsepower of 449, resulting in exhilarating acceleration.
While we haven’t conducted tests on the 2024 Polestar 2 with these upgraded motors, Polestar claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds with the single motor and 4.1 seconds with the dual-motor setup. The Performance model elevates the driving experience with its 20-inch wheels, summer tires, stiffer suspension components, adjustable Öhlins dampers, and enhanced Brembo front brakes.
Offering three levels of regenerative braking, the strongest level is capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop without the driver applying the brakes. Despite the Performance Pack’s appeal to enthusiasts, the base suspension elevates the overall ride quality.
Range, Charging, and Battery Performance
Similar to the gas-powered Volvo XC40, the Polestar 2 is built on the Swedish brand’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). The electrified version accommodates a 75.0 kWh lithium-ion battery for all-wheel-drive models and a larger 79.0 kWh battery for rear-drive single-motor cars. The electrical system enables fast charging up to 205 kilowatts with the larger battery. The single-motor model is estimated to achieve 320 miles of range using 19-inch wheels, slightly reduced to 307 miles with 20-inch wheels. The dual-motor Polestar 2 offers a range of 276 miles with 19-inch wheels, decreasing to 266 miles with 20-inch wheels. Finally, the Polestar 2 dual-motor Performance model is estimated to cover 247 miles according to the EPA. In real-world highway tests, the last Polestar 2 achieved 190 miles of range at a 75-mph pace, aligning with the Audi e-tron luxury SUV but trailing the Tesla Model 3 Long Range sedan, which managed 230 miles.
Fuel Economy and Real-World Performance
The 2024 Polestar 2’s EPA-estimated MPGe ratings differ based on the vehicle’s equipment. The single-motor Polestar 2 achieves 115 MPGe combined, 124 city, and 106 highway, according to the EPA. The dual-motor variant achieves a slightly lower 106 MPGe combined, 112 city, and 100 highway. For further details on the Polestar 2’s efficiency and range, consult the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The Polestar 2’s interior showcases a blend of wood, fabric, and plastic, creating a modern and artistically minimalist design. The overall aesthetic presents clean lines, a restrained color palette, and minimal switchgear. Embracing its electric powertrain, Polestar offers an interior adorned with eco-friendly vegan fabric (although leather is also available). The power-operated liftgate opens to reveal a cargo hold boasting 14 cubic feet of space, complemented by an additional cubic foot of storage in the frunk.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.2-inch touchscreen at the center, the Polestar 2’s interior delivers a user-friendly experience. Running Google’s Android Automotive OS infotainment system, the touchscreen’s layout divides the screen into four sections, each dedicated to a different category of apps such as navigation, phone, or audio. The integration of Google Maps as the primary navigation system stands out, providing EV-specific information, including nearby charging stations and estimated charging durations. The vehicle comes equipped with two USB ports in the front and two in the rear, along with a standard satellite radio.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Polestar 2 is equipped with various driver assistance and safety features to ensure a secure driving experience. If you want detailed crash test results, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Polestar’s warranty aligns with industry standards and provides competitive coverage for the 2’s electrical components. However, unlike its parent company Volvo, Polestar does not offer a three-year complimentary maintenance program.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles.
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Specifications
The 2024 Polestar 2 specifications encompass a variety of models, showcasing their powertrain, dimensions, estimated performance, fuel economy, and range.
Here are the specifications for the 2024 Polestar 2:
| Name | Specifications |
| Vehicle Type | Mid-motor or front- and mid-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback |
| Price Ranges |
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| Key Powertrain Details |
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| Dimensions |
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| Estimated Performance |
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| EPA Fuel Economy |
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Conclusion
Beyond its historical association with high-end Volvos, Polestar has emerged as a prominent entity, crafting innovative products that resonate with a diverse audience. Its sedan adeptly navigates within an ever-expanding market segment while remaining true to its core values of sophistication, performance, and safety.
The Polestar 2 exudes elegance, boasting an opulent interior, an array of standard features, and an unwavering commitment to safety. While it may trail slightly behind Tesla’s sedan in terms of range, the Polestar 2 shines with its meticulous craftsmanship and breathtaking cabin, setting itself apart from the Model 3. Unless one’s primary concern revolves around acceleration to 60 mph, this Swedish sedan presents a more compelling overall value. The 2024 Polestar 2 emerges as a compelling and competitive alternative, a choice we confidently stand behind.
The provided information serves as a guide to understanding the Polestar 2’s attributes and specifications. For accurate and updated details, refer to official sources or the manufacturer’s website.
Please note: The above information is subject to change, and for the most updated details, consult official sources or the manufacturer’s website.
