Polestar 2 review reveals second instalment is the car for a ‘driver’

A monumental overhaul over the Polestar 2, Volvo’s electric car division, delivers upgrades which will please keen steerers.

The 2024 model Polestar 2 electric car is rear-wheel drive and has a greater range.

Driving enthusiasts can rejoice – partially.

Volvo’s electric vehicle spin-off, Polestar, has updated its ‘2’ sportback with a focus on performance and range.

It’s still electric (that will never please most automotive aficionados) but the motor powering the front wheels in the entry level model has been switched to the rear.

Power has also been amped-up with the long range model bolstered to 220kW/490Nm from 165kW/330Nm. As well as extra grunt the range has also improved with the capacity to travel more than 530km from one charge. Long range editions can achieve more than 650km.

Price rises have accompanied the improvements and an influx of Polestar 2s mean availability from late February with the get-in cost of the single-motor long range derivative about $76,000.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Polestar’s fit and finish has been impressive from the outset and the updated model maintains the momentum.

Refined cabin materials deliver a classy, modern environment.

The eye-catching iPad-like vertical 11.2-inch infotainment screen carries over, along with the digital driver display, but wireless phone charging and safety features including blind spot warning, cross traffic alert and a 360-degree surround camera view are now standard.

While those additions are welcome, some of the best stuff remains on the optional extras list.

Our test vehicle had two packs which pushed the price to more than $90,000. The $3500 Pilot pack incorporated adaptive cruise control as well as lane keeping assist plus LED headlights and fog lights. A Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, vegan upholstery, power tailgate with foot sensor, ability to start the car via a smartphone app and electric adjustable front seats are in the $6000 Plus grouping.

Servicing is free for the first five years with intervals annual or 20,000km.

Direct current fast chargers can take the battery from 10-80 per cent capacity in 28 minutes. Using three-phase power at home with a wallbox and it would take eight hours from empty to full. A standard power point would take about 30 hours.

Servicing is free for the first five years with the 2024 Polestar 2.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

Improved performance and efficiency comes courtesy of larger batteries and new motors.

From standstill the Polestar 2 acceleration is quick, but not astonishing. The 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds remains swift. Those chasing extra punch would be happier with the dual motor versions punching out 310kW/740Nm.

Rear-wheel drives have always been popular in Australia. It was the bread-and-butter foundation for the Commodore and Falcon for decades.

Feeling sportier and more responsive, the new single motor 2 has become better to drive with improved balance and poise. One noticeable change was the one-pedal driving (which immediately powers down the vehicle when lifting off the accelerator and puts energy back into the battery) was nowhere near as aggressive compared with the previous model and the driver still needed to use the brake even on the strongest setting.

The suspension remains firm and can be upset by nasty ruts or potholes which reverberate through the cabin.

Despite Polestar claims, our real-world range was closer to 560km as we regularly used the aircon on full blast and travels typically incorporated hilly rural terrain. Consumption hovered close to a thrifty 14kWh/100km, and despite only recharging via a standard household power point we managed to keep the battery capacity near 90 per cent with overnight charging.

With sportsback styling, the Polestar 2 has the appeal of a sedan with the flexibility of a hatch.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

Kel: Looking nearly identical to the previous model, I’ve always appreciated the design of the Polestar 2. I love the cabin materials which look and feel like a high-end Scandi apartment. Things have moved quickly in the EV space and while I liked the Polestar 2 I prefer the high-riding SUVs.

Grant: Class resonates from the updated Polestar offering. Enjoyable to drive with a battery capacity which nearly banishes range anxiety, it’s my pick if I was to spend about $80,000 on an EV.

Originally published as Polestar 2 review reveals second instalment is the car for a ‘driver’