Launched in 2020 and updated in 2024, the Polestar 2 is the Swedish brand’s flagship electric saloon, positioned as a direct rival to the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, and Hyundai Ioniq 6. It stands out due to its clean, fuss-free Scandinavian design, heavily influenced by sister-brand Volvo, and is marketed as a car with advanced technology and engaging dynamics as core to its appeal. Although a relatively new brand, Polestar’s affinity with Volvo means that it’s also one of the most desirable EV-only brands and enjoys stronger residual values than many rivals.
If you’re after a stylish, well-built electric saloon with strong environmental credentials and engaging performance, the Polestar 2 needs to be near the top of your list. Its Scandinavian design cues, sophisticated technology and world-class safety features make it stand out in the premium electric car market. While the boot isn’t the largest and rear space is a touch tight, its long range makes it an excellent choice for business users and long-distance commuters.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe Polestar 2 range starts from £45,160 for the Standard Range Single Motor model, rising to £49,160 for the Long Range Single Motor and £53,160 for the Long Range Dual Motor version.
The Performance Pack, adding further dynamic upgrades, Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and 20-inch wheels adds £5,000 to the list price.
The Polestar 2 is competitive within the premium EV market, offering more equipment and performance than many similarly priced rivals.
On the used market, early examples start from approximately £12,000 for a 2020/21 example, offering substantial savings over new.
The Polestar 2 is available in three main electric powertrains. The entry-level Standard Range Single Motor delivers 272bhp (200kW) to the front wheels, sprinting from 0–62 mph in 6.4 seconds.
Long Range Single Motor models increase battery capacity to 82 kWh and output to 299bhp (220kW), extending the WLTP range to an impressive 406 miles.
The Long Range Dual Motor variant adds a second motor for all-wheel drive and a combined 416bhp (300kW), dropping the 0–62 mph time to just 4.2 seconds and offering a range of up to 367 miles.
All versions feature a single-speed automatic transmission and instant torque delivery, making acceleration brisk and effortless. Fast charging is supported, with a 10-80% charge possible in around 28 minutes using a rapid charger.
The Polestar 2 delivers a composed and enjoyable driving experience, tuned for both comfort and driver engagement. Its balanced chassis and direct steering make it easy to manoeuvre in tight city spaces, while the ride is firm yet comfortable even on rough urban surfaces.
Acceleration is swift and smooth, with the dual-motor models providing serious pace for more spirited driving. The car remains stable at motorway speeds, though road noise is more noticeable than in some rivals, especially when fitted with larger 20-inch alloy wheels.
Visibility is generally good, aided by slim pillars and large mirrors, although the sloping rear window can limit the view. All specifications include rear parking sensors, with a reversing camera and 360-degree system available on higher trims.
With its advanced suspension and low centre of gravity, the Polestar 2 feels stable and composed in urban and open-road environments. Body control is excellent, and the steering is direct, allowing for confident cornering and easy manoeuvrability in more congested areas.
Selectable driving modes include Standard and Performance settings, adapting throttle response and steering weight to suit different moods. Regenerative braking is strong and can be adjusted for one-pedal driving, helping to maximise efficiency in stop-start traffic.
Opt for the Performance pack and you get a super-sharp driving experience that makes it feel like a different car, with a sharpened throttle response, Öhlins performance dampers and powerful race-inspired Brembo brakes.
The Polestar 2’s cabin fuses minimalist Scandinavian design with high-quality materials and clever packaging. There’s ample head and legroom for four adults, with the fifth seat suitable for shorter journeys, though headroom in the rear is compromised slightly by the sloping roofline.
The dashboard is dominated by an 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, complemented by a digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and integrated Google services are standard, providing a connected and intuitive user experience.
Materials are high-end, with vegan upholstery and soft-touch surfaces prevalent throughout. The seats are supportive and comfortable, while the uncluttered layout ensures all controls are easily accessible.
Ambient lighting, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel are available, with Isofix mounts standard on the outer rear seats for child safety.
The Polestar 2 offers 405 litres of boot space with all seats in place, and folding the 60:40 split rear bench expands this capacity to 1,095 litres, making it surprisingly versatile for a premium saloon. The boot opening is practical, though not as wide as some hatchbacks, and a false floor provides hidden storage for charging cables.
Interior storage includes large door bins, cupholders, a centre console cubby, and a spacious glovebox. Higher trims add wireless charging and extra USB-C ports for rear-seat passengers.
All Polestar 2 models come generously equipped, with standard features including dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of active safety systems.
Stepping up to Long Range and Performance Pack models brings larger alloy wheels, a Harman/Kardon premium sound system, 360-degree cameras, heated seats, and enhanced connectivity.
Options include a panoramic glass roof, heat pump, upgraded interior materials, and advanced safety packs featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pilot assist for semi-autonomous driving, as well as the Performance Pack and a Pro Pack, which adds 20-inch alloys and gold detailing.
The Polestar 2 is available in three main trims: Standard Range Single Motor, Long Range Single Motor, and Long Range Dual Motor.
The entry-level Standard Range includes a digital driver display, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Google integration. Safety features consist of eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and road sign recognition.
Moving up to the Long Range trim brings increased range and performance, enhanced navigation, wireless charging, premium audio, and more luxurious interior materials.
Convenience features such as keyless entry, heated seats, and a rear-view camera are also included, alongside additional USB ports and upgraded ambient lighting.
The Performance Pack adds uprated brakes, Öhlins dampers, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and distinctive gold seatbelts, alongside the full suite of Polestar’s advanced driver assistance features.
Colour choices include classic Snow, Space (black), and Thunder (grey), as well as eye-catching shades like Jupiter, Midnight, and Magnesium, allowing buyers to personalise their Polestar 2 to suit their tastes.
The Polestar 2 is built on Volvo’s advanced CMA platform, prioritising occupant protection and active safety.
Euro NCAP awarded it a five-star rating, with the Polestar 2 achieving an impressive 93% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 80% for vulnerable road user protection, and 86% for safety assist systems. All models include eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and road sign recognition as standard.
Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Polestar’s reputation for reliability benefits from Volvo’s engineering expertise, and the simple electric powertrain should ensure low maintenance and repair costs.
As a fully electric vehicle, the Polestar 2 produces zero tailpipe emissions. The Standard Range model offers up to 321 miles per charge, while Long Range variants can stretch this out to 406 miles, based on WLTP testing protocols.
Insurance groups are 40-44, with Polestar’s three-year/60,000-mile warranty standard, and the battery covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Servicing is required every two years or 18,000 miles, with running costs typically lower than petrol or diesel alternatives, though insurance and tyre costs are generally a little higher.
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