Used 2021 Polestar 2

With the new 5-seat Polestar 2, company stylists have created a vehicle that looks part XC40 crossover-SUV, part S60 sedan. It looks good to our eye, and there’s no doubt that the Polestar 2’s main competition is the Tesla Model 3. The Polestar 2 is 3.5 inches shorter than the Model 3, with a roof that’s 1.5 inches higher.

Sold largely through Polestar.com, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Polestar 2 is a good blend of performance and efficiency. Electric motors are used front and rear, powered by a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted low in the chassis between the axles. The Polestar 2 has a range of 233 miles, and it hits 60 mph in a fleet 4.7 seconds.

As the EV world continues to grow, the new Polestar 2 competes with a wide variety of other electric vehicles besides the Tesla Model 3. Below it, there are the Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Soul EV. Above it (in size and price), the Audi e-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace. There’s also the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is about five inches longer than the Polestar 2.

Electric cars are renowned for their instant and intense torque. With a combined output of 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, the new Polestar 2 delivers satisfying pull from a stop or when overtaking traffic. However, for those who want one, quicker electric cars are available (ahem…Tesla).

When slowing, light to moderate deceleration is achieved solely through the electric motors’ regenerative-braking abilities, which recapture kinetic energy as electricity for later use. That’s true whether you press the brake pedal or use the Polestar 2’s one-pedal driving option. For harder braking, there are traditional hydraulic brake calipers and discs in each wheel. The transition between regenerative and friction brakes was not seamless during our test, but according to Polestar, over-the-air software updates will improve the vehicle’s driving behavior over its life cycle, including its braking finesse.

Our drive took us along twisty mountain roads, and in that environment, the Polestar 2 proved swift and playful. A more communicative steering wheel would have added to the fun, but overall, we enjoyed hustling around corners and exploiting the Polestar’s mighty all-wheel-drive thrust to launch us out of corners. For casual jaunts, over-the-shoulder visibility is slightly impeded by thick side pillars, while ride quality is smooth and controlled.

In the 2021 Polestar 2, you sit a bit higher than in a typical sedan, because you are directly above the battery pack mounted in the floor of the chassis. The roof is a bit higher, too, to ensure plenty of headroom.

In Volvo tradition, the 5-seat interior of the Polestar 2 is blessed with a Scandinavian simplicity. Which is to say it doesn’t look overloaded with controls and switches.

Because it’s not. Most controls, in fact, are located on the huge vertically oriented 11-inch touchscreen atop the center console, with a few additional switches on the thick-rim steering wheel. That prominent touchscreen is complemented by a digital cluster with gauges that are large and easy to read.

The Polestar 2’s heated front seats are covered in a vegan-friendly woven fabric, and large bolsters provide cornering support. In back, the heated bench has safety belts for three, but it’s best if the center passenger is a small child.

As a hatchback design, the Polestar 2 benefits from the 60/40-split back seat that folds forward to increase cargo capacity. Note: The Polestar has a front trunk as well, but it’s a small one with less than 2 cubic feet of room.

Volvo always has done interiors well, and the Polestar 2, with top-quality materials, is no exception.

You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve seen the “Thor’s Hammer” driving lights. You’ve noted the full-width blade-style taillights and the mildly fastback roof. Like us, you’ve probably deduced that the Polestar 2, with its sculpted body surfaces, looks like a member of the Volvo family.

Maximilian Missoni, head of design at Polestar, provides some backstory: “We decided to bring something different to the segment. Our avant-garde design has evolved from Polestar 1 into an edgier, bolder statement. We have also designed a standard vegan interior with progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2.”

GOOGLE SERVICES
The Polestar 2 is the first car with an Android infotainment system. As such, it offers Google Assistant (which understands voice commands in various languages), Google Maps (with real-time updates), and the Google Play Store (which has numerous apps).

POLESTAR GEAR SELECTOR
Hollow and hexagonally shaped, the prominent gear selector commands attention with an illuminated Polestar symbol in its base. Aided by touch surfaces covered in a grippy matte finish, the Polestar 2’s gear selector is said to be very responsive.

As you’d expect of the new Polestar 2, this AWD EV is equipped with lots of hardware beyond its AWD electric powertrain and generous safety suite. Additional standard equipment on the 2021 Polestar 2 includes 19-inch alloy wheels and a hands-free power tailgate.

Other standard interior bits include four USB ports, heated front and rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, Sirius XM satellite radio, a 360-degree camera, and a heated steering wheel.

Also, the Polestar 2 has one other neat feature – an acoustic warning system that helps pedestrians and cyclists take note of the vehicle when it’s in motion. According to Polestar, the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) uses external speakers to make natural and subtle sounds that let pedestrians know the vehicle is coming.

The Polestar 2 launch edition comes standard with the Plus Pack, which includes Pilot Assist, a huge sunroof, and a premium Haman Kardon sound system.

At this early point in the Polestar 2’s life, the options list is delightfully brief.

The $5,000 Performance Pack, aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts, includes Brembo brakes with gold mono-block calipers, sporty Ohlins shock absorbers, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and gold-colored seatbelts.

Other options are a Nappa leather interior ($4,000), 20-inch alloy wheels ($1,200), and metallic paint colors ($1,200).

The 2021 Polestar 2 uses two 204-horsepower electric motors, one at each axle. A 78-kWh lithium-ion battery mounts low in the chassis, between the front and rear axles. The battery is fully contained in an aluminum and steel case for safety reasons, and it automatically disconnects in the event of a collision.

In December 2022 the automaker announced Polestar 2 owners could upgrade from 408 horsepower to 476 horsepower via an over-the-air software upgrade for a one-time fee of $1,195.

AC synchronous electric motors front & rear
78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
408 horsepower
487 lb-ft of torque
EPA fuel economy, city highway: 96/88 MPGe
EPA range: 233 miles