2021 Polestar 2 | Review & Road Test
Kelley Blue Book Kelley Blue Book
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 Published On Aug 31, 2020

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The 2021 Polestar 2


Polestar is an electrified offshoot of Volvo and their Chinese benefactor Geely.

The Polestar 1 is a super-limited production hybrid supercar thing but the Polestar 2, that’s a comparatively mainstream 5-passenger, pure-electric, all-wheel-drive raised, fastback sedan…thing. It can cover more than 200 miles (~250 miles) on a charge, though specific EPA estimates weren’t available when I made this video. And it has a base price of $59,900, plus $1,300 in destination charges, though less expensive renditions are on the horizon.


Volvo says 0-60 takes about 4.5 seconds. And the ¼ mile takes less than 13 seconds. Are there Teslas that post faster numbers? Yes. Do those numbers detract from the fun I’m having right now? No.

That thrust comes from 2 identical front and rear electric motors, delivering all-wheel-drive traction and a combined output of 408 horsepower (408hp, 487 lb-ft).

For decelerating, there is a brake pedal, but with max regenerative braking active, you’ll rarely need to use it. Heads up. Whether you use the brake pedal or only the accelerator, the regenerative braking function is active up to .3 Gs of deceleration. After that, the hydraulic brakes come into play.

During my drive I noticed some odd brake feel during spirited cornering but the Polestar 2 benefits from over the air, and by the time you watch this video, a brake update will have been implemented.


And now, the most thrilling part of every review. The time when I use my utterly average 5’ 10” body to show off interior space.

Beyond dimensions, Polestar has crafted a cabin worthy of its Swedish heritage.

The Germans hold an edge where sumptuous luxury is concerned but there’s a simple, honest, effortless grace in here that I appreciate.


From a cargo perspective, the Polestar 2 offers a cozy 1.3 cu-ft front compartment to supplement the 14.2 cu-ft rear. Those numbers aren’t massive, but they are perfectly workable.


Moving to infotainment, Tesla has set the standard for big-ol screens in electric cars but the 2’s 11.15-inch screen has nothing to be ashamed of. Built using Android Automotive OS, the system is a finely arranged, intuitive interface that leverages over the air updates, Google Maps, Google natural voice recognition, and the Google Play app store.


Like Tesla, the Polestar 2 has no start button. You just get in, put it in drive, and you’re on your way.


As for dynamic tech, the Polestar 2 packs a full complement including adaptive cruise control, rear collision warning, and front collision avoidance that uses the brakes and steering the help you not crash.


For charging the 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack from empty, a 240-volt charger takes about 8 hours. Use a 150 kW DC quick charger and a 0-80% charge takes about 40 minutes. While electric car charging options continue to expand in America, for fast charging on-the-go, Tesla’s vast Supercharging network remains an enviable resource.


Swinging back in Polestar’s favor it’s still eligible for $7,500 in federal tax incentives, unlike Tesla, plus potential state incentives. That hacks a healthy chunk off the roughly $60,000 base price which includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, front inner side airbags, a 360-degree camera, 4 USB C ports, and a bunch of other niceties.

If you want any color besides black that’ll be $1,200. A nappa leather interior costs $4,000. And if you’ve got a spare $5k, the Performance Pack adds gold Brembo brakes, gold seat belts, manually-adjustable Ohlins dampers, and 20-inch wheels with Continental tires that I’d probably swap for something grippier.


If the Polestar 2 seems pricy, the Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Kona EV, and Nissan Leaf are cheaper ways to drive electric. More direct competitors include the much-pricier Jaguar I-PACE and Audi E-Tron. Of course, the Tesla Model 3, is another big name to consider.


Which electric car is best, depends on your taste and needs. But what’s certain is that competition improves the breed. And the Polestar 2 is most definitely competitive.

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