2023 Polestar 2 BST 230 Edition Review

Polestar has said to expect more special editions which is why I said yes to driving a Polestar BST 230, even though all 60 cars are spoken for in the USA and though the 2024 model is better and faster in some ways. Say what? Yep, the 2024 dual motor performance pack model with 455 HP actually beats the 2023 BST 230 to 60. Why? It's all about how the horsepower is laid down. Still, the BST shows us the direction of Polestar and what to expect in the future, and that future seems fun and firmly sprung.
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[@jenesuispasbavard]

The older grill is better. I wish my 2022 was lower like this one, but thankfully with the performance software upgrade, older dual motors can also be updated to 350kW. Best of both worlds in my opinion - smaller wheels for longer range and slightly smoother ride, and the same amount of power.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's great that your happy with your Polestar 2, this one is definitely geared towards a different experience and there are always trade-offs. -Travis

[@KuyaArbee]

love the car! just baffled by that second cup holder design...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's not the most functional design but at least there is a second cupholder. -Travis

[@klaus8458]

Ive had my Polestar 2 performance for a year. I like it but don't love it. I will return it at the end of my lease and look at Polestar 4. The Polestar 2 is too cramped inside and has a lot of small electrical issues which is quite annoying. Charging at Electrify America is a mess so I take my Prius Prime on road trips. They need to work out the bugs.

[@emoney1231]

I love that you compared this to a Porsche Taycan, because both of those cars are on my car bucket list.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Do the EV6 GT and Ioniq 5 N make the list as well? -Travis

[@emoney1231]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I prefer sedans (especially heavily depreciated used sedans) and I know the line gets blurred with EVs, but those are more crossover-y. I'd put the 5N in "intriguing" territory, but I'd rather spend $65k on a used Taycan.

[@HailCaesar-lm4bq]

Selling my 476 HP dual motor , ext range 3,800 mi $39k

[@bruddahmanmatt]

Love my '23 P2 PPP. I do wish that the Ohlins dampers were easily adjustable at all four corners like the fronts on the BST, and yes, it is a bit cramped inside largely because of the wide tunnel down the middle since it rides on CMA. That said it's a fine driver's EV. The one thing that could use a bit more fine tuning is the steering. Even in its firm setting it's still a bit vague in terms of feedback. Flaws aside, I love it. My wife's Mach-E is a way better long haul cruiser but my P2 wins on canyon roads. Hell of an effort for Polestar's first full EV. One more note, it has AAOS but no Android Auto. I'm an iPhone user anyway but AAOS has everything I need anyway so I dont even use CarPlay in my car.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Polestar is using electric steering like most others and that's common feedback with electric power steering. -Travis

[@kswas2784]

Um, was the car in Drive during most of your exterior review? It was making the pedestrian warning noise which it shouldn't do while in Park.

[@khc8800]

I would gladly pay more for an improved interior & paddle regen - just anything better than the simplistic choice of only on or off for one-pedal driving.

[@Rioichi4]

Wow weird but I LOVE the 2 in the hood stripe

[@capnbeenieweenie5603]

I hope the next gen one sheds some weight. Then I’d think it would be stellar!

[@ALMX5DP]

What exactly does BST stand for?

[@Blackwizdum]

Beast

[@ALMX5DP]

@@Blackwizdum interesting, thank you.

[@Dark_Vader888]

My 2022 Polestar 2 Performance is not very reliable and there are places with poor build quality. TCAM and propulsion issues are a huge problem. Your test car even had failed TCAM which is why you had no live google maps. My car has been in the shop 5 times now and has stranded me twice. This CMA platform is outdated and wont be around much longer as you expect. Wonderful car to drive and fun but a terrible EV. Thank god I'm on a lease/

[@KuyaArbee]

Yes polestar 2 is plagued with the tcam issues

[@sueddo2634]

Thanks for sharing, was literally considering picking one up but you’ve just helped me make my decision not to.

[@acsmoothing2262]

Good insights. What would you consider at this time to replace the Polestar 2 once your lease is up?

[@cnfusd]

Thanks for sharing, I've read the same thing at dealer reviews but nothing in depth but bad customer service. I was looking at buying a used Polestar 2 (they are great deals now) I think I'll just hold out for now.

[@realteamme]

@@sueddo2634Polestar had some TCAM issues but that’s been resolved for 99.9% of cases through software updates. I wouldn’t go by just one negative comment. I’m an owner and have loved it. No major issues. Poke around a bit and you may still want one.

[@oi32df]

3:15 here come the superBee

[@johnpearson723]

No to stripe and #2. Yes to everything else.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's a good way to save $1,000. -Travis

[@emoney1231]

Is Volvo going to make an electric sedan/liftback? Love Polestar, but the closest Polestar space to me is 3 hours away...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's unlikely that Volvo will be making something in the same category as the Polestar 2 so if this is of interest I would recommend going to take a look. -Travis

[@emoney1231]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Thanks Travis. Any opinion on getting service for a vehicle that has no dealerships nearby? Nightmare or just inconvenient?

[@bruddahmanmatt]

The P2 started life as the Volvo 40.2 concept. The 40.1 became the XC40 and the 40.2 was supposed to become the new S40 but Volvo decided to abandon small sedans and Polestar took the design for the 2.

[@IvanLopez-un9dz]

For a sec I thought it said BTS edition. 😊

[@capnbeenieweenie5603]

Lmao

[@JamesCilia73]

Whenever I see the Polestar 2 I always see 2015 Scion tC in the front half of the vehicle 🤔 Anyone else?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I see it but I also don't think that's a bad thing. Polestar might not care for the comparison just based on price point though. -Travis

[@jeremy4925]

Polestar 2 SM owner chiming in. I also own a Volvo V60. I would rather see a Volvo V60 EV. My Polestar 2 has had issues true but overall it's a decent car. They need to work on quality for sure. There is a reason why the Polestar 2 is rated the least reliable EV on the market by JD Power. The car has never stranded me but I have defintely wasted time at my Polestar Space getting stuff fixed.

[@mho0]

I have P2 BST and V60 PE. Both great cars to my taste. No other fixes in V60 except normal maintenance for first 4 years. P2 left front drive shaft is changes (there was small sound coming when turning hard left) and camera calibrated once. Other than those 2 issues both has worked just fine (OK, P2 infotainment boot every now and then).

[@mho0]

And I agree V60 EV would be great :)

[@FuncleChuck]

I like the Polestar 2, but I'm not going to buy a car that doesn't have a dealership in over 100 miles. Sure, they'll come tow it if it needs service, but seriously, no. Not gonna happen.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Do you not have a Volvo dealer within 100 miles? Many Volvo dealers will be able to service a Polestar but the interaction is different (often remote). -Travis

[@bird271828]

$81,000 made in China? Tesla is far less expensive and made in USA. Great video 👏👏👏👏

[@emoney1231]

Far less attractive too.

[@ALMX5DP]

Kinda ironic that the Chinese factory for the Polestar can build things of a higher quality than than what Tesla can with US labor.

[@markfitzpatrick6692]

Tesla had problems too starting out .

[@rosgoncharuk2403]

Electrified Scion TC

[@phatgringo2.0]

Worth $81k? No! $50k maybe but this is worse than the old Volvo 264 Peugeot engine.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Exclusivity comes at a price, this one happens to be pretty steep. -Travis

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Dodge Hellcat is eating these clowns alive. As far as pure BEV looks great because that's all this can be. Tesla now Rivian next Lucid are making their living now trying to sell both quantity and quality and not marketing gimmickry. Long Ford Explorers strong buy.

[@FuncleChuck]

I hope you find the help you need, stay safe.

[@georgedoolittle7574]

@@FuncleChuck sadly that's not happening to anyone at the moment. Enjoy your $50,000 us dollar a Month rent payment! Definitely don't want to own anything here!

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Overpriced garbage. Way too expensive. Iffy quality.

[@mho0]

no