Polestar might not be a household name because it’s a new brand from Volvo that pushes its electric vehicle future with a Swedish touch.
This is the second year for the Polestar 2, and new for this year is a less costly single-motor version. You save about $3,500 over the dual-motor version and gain some extra miles between charges. However, you lose power when selecting the single-motor version, so the acceleration is brisk but not neck snapping. The Polestar 2 is a fun car to drive with high handling limits on back roads and pleasant on road manners. I enjoyed the Volvo take on EVs; a solid and safe car with a sportier nature than other EVs.
Another area where the Polestar 2 excels is the high quality interior. The modern look might be minimalistic if you are used to a lot of buttons. Most of the car’s features are handled through a large central touch screen that works like a tablet. The seats are very comfortable and good for all-day driving. The five-door hatch design provides decent space, but the sloping roofline cuts down on cargo when compared to a wagon or crossover.
When you see a Polestar 2 on the street, you get hints of the parent company, Volvo, in its design. The Polestar 2 adds a more modern and hip look. The front-end styling is more daring and stands out in the parking lot. Big style continues to the flared fenders, large wheels and an eye-catching sculpted body. Even out back the hatchback design and rear taillights, which encompass most of the rear valance, adds a nice touch to the design.
Cost: $45,900; as tested $48,400
Options: $1,200 Magnesium paint; $1,300 destination charge
Safety: Blind spot information with steer assist; cross traffic alert with autobrake; connected safety; road sign information; runoff road protection & runoff road mitigation; post-crash braking; lane keeping aid; oncoming lane mitigation; driver alert control; front and rear park assist; slippery road alert
Things to know: The new Polestar 2 is a fun-to-drive EV with style and a range that makes it a worthy choice in the EV market. The new single motor version will save you some cash and add range.
Pros:
- Fun to drive with high handling limits
- New single motor version cost less
- Qualifies for federal and some state tax credits
Cons:
- Cost quickly balloons when you choose pricey option package
- Single-motor version is slower than the racy dual-motor Polestar 2
- Can take some time to learn the infotainment system
