Polestar 2

Overview: Is the Polestar 2 a Good Electric Car?

The Polestar 2 is a premium electric vehicle that combines Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and engaging performance. Launched for the 2021 model year, it is the first fully electric car from Polestar, a brand that was once Volvo's performance division but now operates as a standalone electric vehicle manufacturer. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and competitive range, the Polestar 2 competes with other premium EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4 and shares components with the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge EVs.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Polestar 2 cars for sale.

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Related: Polestar 2 Ground Clearance: What To Know

Key Features

The Polestar 2 offers:

• Compact, five-door liftback sedan body style
• Front-wheel drive (single motor), rear-wheel drive (single motor), or all-wheel drive (dual motor)
• 78 kWh battery pack
• DC fast charging capability
• Polestar 2 range: 249-300 miles

Trims

The Polestar 2 has two trims: Long Range Single Motor and Long Range Dual Motor. The Single Motor model is front-wheel drive and offers a range of up to 270-300 miles, while the Dual Motor edition can run for 249-270 miles (depending on the model year). A 2021-only Launch Edition featured two motors. As part of a mild refresh, the base powertrain switched to rear-wheel drive for the 2024 model year. Optional packages, such as the Performance Pack and the Pilot Pack, add features like adjustable Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Polestar 2 interior is minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials and a focus on sustainability. The front seats are comfortable, with available heating and ventilation, while the second row offers ample headroom and legroom for a compact car. The centerpiece of the Polestar 2's technology is the 11.2-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen running Android Automotive OS. It’s the first production car with Google built-in. The Polestar 2 offers competitive cargo space for its class, with 14.3 cubic feet in the rear and additional storage under the hood.

How It Drives

The Polestar 2's electric drivetrain delivers instant torque and smooth, quiet acceleration thanks to a horsepower range of 231 to 455, varying by year and trim. Handling is responsive and agile due to a low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension. In its quickest form, the Polestar can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Polestar 2 a top five-star overall safety rating.

Reviews

Polestar 2 reviews on Kelley Blue Book have an average 3.8/5 rating. While this EV gets good scores for reliability, performance, and styling, its value rating is below average.

Learn More: Polestar 2 Interior: Everything You Need To Know

FAQs

Is the Polestar 2 made by Volvo?

While Polestar was originally Volvo's performance division, it operates as a separate brand under the Volvo Car Group. The Polestar 2 is designed and engineered by Polestar, but it shares some components and technology with Volvo vehicles, such as the Android Automotive OS and certain safety features. Volvo EVs include the flagship EX90 crossover SUV.

Which is better, Tesla or Polestar?

Comparing the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 is largely a matter of personal preference. Both cars offer impressive performance, advanced technology, and attractive designs. The Tesla Model 3 has a longer range and access to Tesla's Supercharger network, while the Polestar 2 offers a more premium interior and a user-friendly infotainment system with Google integration.

Is the Polestar 2 100% electric?

Yes, the Polestar 2 is a fully electric vehicle. It doesn’t have a gasoline engine or any form of hybrid powertrain. The car is powered solely by its battery pack and electric motors.

Is Polestar a Chinese car?

While Polestar is a Swedish brand and a subsidiary of the Volvo Car Group, it is owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational automotive company. The Polestar 2 is manufactured in Luqiao, China, at a factory shared with Volvo. However, the car is designed and engineered in Sweden, reflecting Polestar's Scandinavian heritage.

What is the Polestar 2 price?

A new Polestar 2 starts at around $48,000. CoPilot national listings show Polestar 2 prices range from $23,000 to $50,000 for used models. The prices are before an EV tax credit or other applicable incentive.

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