2022 Polestar 2 review

Polestar as a brand is better known in Europe, where it was originally Volvo’s performance arm before it was sold to Chinese automotive conglomerate, Geely, in 2010 and then re-established in 2017 as a stand-alone brand focusing on EVs.

The 2022 Polestar 2 is the company’s first large-volume model and won’t be sold in traditional dealerships. Orders are instead taken online or in retail spaces in city centres, with ‘destination showrooms’ progressively being rolled out. Volvo’s dealership network will handle warranty claims and servicing.

Three models of the Polestar 2 are available, with a $59,900 Standard Range Single Motor, $64,900 Long Range Single Motor and $69,000 Long Range Dual Motor, which is pitched squarely at Tesla’s Model 3 and is a similar size but has a shorter wheelbase. Cargo volume under the liftback is 405 litres and an additional 40 litres lurks under the bonnet.

The Standard Range uses a 170kW electric motor and 69kWh lithium-ion battery for a claimed range of 470km. The Long Range uses a larger 78kWh battery to increase range to 540km. It’s the same as the Long Range Dual Motor, but has 300kW on tap and is AWD. Charging time using a 50kWh DC fast-charger is 35 minutes to 80 per cent.

The suite of standard features includes an 11.15-inch infotainment screen with built-in Google Assistant, maps for three years, eight-speaker 250-watt audio, keyless entry, electric tailgate with foot sensor opening, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, semi-electric front seats, and 19-inch alloys.

Eight airbags are standard and active safety features include emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and lane keeping assistance. It hasn’t been safety tested here yet, but Polestars have achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Three option packs are available. The Plus Pack is $6000 and features a panoramic roof, fully electric front seats and 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio.

The Pilot Pack ($5000) boosts safety with the addition of blind spot monitoring, cross traffic and rear cross traffic alert, bending adaptive LED headlamps, and adaptive cruise control. The Performance Pack ($8000) is available for only the Dual Motor and includes 20-inch alloys, Brembo brakes and Öhlins dampers.

Inside the 2022 Polestar 2. a high-set centre console provides a separate driver’s cockpit setting and houses a multi-function display that’s easy to navigate.

EVs are dispensing with the traditional button start, and when the Polestar detects the key fob you simply select drive or reverse, release the footbrake and drive away. In Polestar speak, this “delivers a seamless integration into digital life” and could be the final nail in the coffin for the old metal key.

Seat comfort is excellent, although the second-row outer positions are a little more restricted in foot space, and the overall cabin feel is cosy rather than expansive. The large panoramic glass roof lightens the cabin but the lack of a sunshade could be an issue during Australia’s warmer summer months. The large liftback opening into the rear luggage compartment adds considerable practicality.

On-road, Polestar’s performance DNA comes to the fore and the package feels cohesive and confident. Ride quality is reasonably supple on smooth surfaces, becoming a bit fidgety over rougher sections of our test route, and it will be interesting see how the Dual Motor, with the more sophisticated damper package, behaves over the same roads.

Maximum torque is available off the mark and the Polestar delivers its 330Nm smoothly, covering the 0–100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds. It’s not quite in the same league as the Model 3’s 6.1 seconds, but it outpoints Hyundai’s Kona 160kW EV despite weighing considerably more, and the Dual Motor covers the sprint in 4.7 seconds – not far off Porsche standards (see page 40).

The Polestar 2 missed our cut-off for the best drives of the year, but it would have easily made the grade based on our first impressions. Most importantly, it broadens options for buyers in the Aussie EV space.