Polestar 2 In-Depth UK Review - Best Luxury Electric Car?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A POLESTAR 2 FROM OSV: bit.ly/3rxFUS4
The Polestar 2 is this Swedish EV brand's most important model. It's a high quality sporting EV, a rare and rather unique five-door hatch with quality, handling and battery technology all benchmarked against the best that the premium segment competition can offer.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:36 Background
03:36 Driving Experience
11:39 Design & Build
25:43 Market & Model Range
42:55 Cost of Ownership
56:47 Summary
Background
You may vaguely be aware of the Polestar brand as Volvo's luxury platform for uniquely designed sporting electric models. Every premium marque makes an EV these days of course, but many of them merely feel like battery-powered versions of existing cars. For an early adopter to plug-in motoring, there's an undeniable appeal in the clean sheet approach that segment originator Tesla's products bring to the table.
Polestar aims to deliver that but combine it with the depth of engineering you'd get from a more established manufacturer. Its first product was the Polestar 1, a beefy luxury GT coupe that was a plug-in hybrid and came with a hefty £140,000 price tag. The model we look at here though, the Polestar 2, is much more like it, a full-EV priced more accessibly from around £40,000 and aimed directly at sportier versions of the Tesla Model 3.
Driving Experience
We get the Polestar concept: creation of electric cars for the kind of customer who'd normally buy a conventional premium sports saloon. But as such a buyer, you might understandably have a few qualms about choosing such a thing from a subsidiary of the Volvo marque, a maker yet to deliver any sort of enthusiast-orientated product and a brand that has announced its intention to limit the top speed of all its cars to 112mph. But give this Polestar 2 model a chance. The technical spec is, after all, pretty tempting.
The top version offers a dual motor AWD drivetrain with 408hp and 660Nm of torque - more than a Nissan GT-R. There's a hefty 78kWh battery with a 300kW electric motor and a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 298 miles. In this form, the '2' can take off from rest like a scalded cat (62mph occupies just 4.7s) and you'll be flat out all the way to 140mph. If you can't stretch to that, two front-mounted single motor variants are more affordably available. The mid-range 231hp model has the same long-range 78kWh battery as the top model, paired with a 170kW motor, and can go up to 335 miles. Finally, the base 224hp variant has a smaller, standard-range battery (64 kWh in size) paired with a 165kW motor and offering a range of up to 273 miles.
Whatever your choice of derivative, you might be surprised to find just how good the Polestar 2 is to drive. Massive efforts have been made to imbue this car with levels of steering feel and body control that are about as far from your perception of Volvo as it's possible to get. And an optional 'Performance Pack' on the top variant includes a unique set of Ohlins dampers that can be formatted with a choice of 22 options to deliver suspension feel to suit your exact preference.
Design and Build
You'd recognise the Polestar 2 as a car from the Volvo family of brands (especially from the rear) but it also has a chunky, purposeful sporty and distinctively Swedish feel of its own. Looks probably aren't going to be the primary reason you choose this contender (and they won't immediately advertise the fact that you've probably spent £40,000-£50,000 on it) but if you're OK with something a little more conservatively premium, then there's plenty to like here. Under the skin lies the same CMA platform that's used by a Volvo XC40 but it's had to be updated with a unique front subframe for extra crash protection (electric motors are less absorbent in an impact than an engine), plus there are modifications at the rear to support the heavy lithium-ion battery pack.
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#Polestar2 #ElectricCar #OSV

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3 - which one would you buy?

[@Flashdealstemu]

Polestar less on the road then the model 3

[@kenjikenjikenj]

I’m really struggling actually, the polestar is a better overall car, but as an EV the Tesla is much better

[@lesleyfernandez636]

Tesla

[@thepaladin6250]

Tesla seems like the more fun choice but after multiple test drives went with the polestar as the build quality felt more in line with the 5 series I'm coming from and (more importantly) I wasn't ready to lose the driver display cluster.

[@ASecureLab]

Polestar looks like a relatively high end car, tesla looks like a very simple basic vehicule for 100k. If I pay 100k on a car its better looks fucking great not extremly generic and fugly

[@drwugong]

Honestly, OSV reviews are miles ahead of any other review channel. The level of depth coupled with the clear and concise language is brilliant. You guys really deserve more subs, every time i've bought a car, which is usually every 2 years, your reviews are a massive help. Well done to you all and thank you for your highly professional and deep reviews.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the lovely comment! We're delighted to help with your vehicle decisions 👍

[@rusty911s2]

Just stumbled over this as a prospective Polestar 2 buyer. By far the most useful and comprehensive review I've seen. Amazing how the EV and charging landscape has changed in last two years!

[@Nick_Smith1970]

Review = Excellent. Video quality = Excellent. Sound quality = Excellent. Why can't all car reviews be up to this standard? So much information.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks very much Nick! Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@Nick_Smith1970]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Done!!

[@MrBerglmir]

For me this was the most extensive, interesting and thorough review of this car, I have seen. Thanks a lot!!

[@MatthewCyUK]

Great video, really in depth and precise - lots to take in. If I could make a suggestion, it would be useful for viewers to see a brief on screen comparison for example when covering the various models' battery size, motor config and WLPT range so that they are alongside each other. I a actually getting the long range single motor with the pilot and plus pack, I looked at the Polestar 2 largely thanks to this video.

[@flaviantropy]

This might be the most objective and helpful review out there. And so well delivered,

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Flav, we appreciate the great feedback! Make sure to subscribe for our latest in-depth car reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@metageist666]

Excellent review. Thank you for being so thorough!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@StemCellTycoon]

Hello my friend, excellent job on the review. When you say, the same engineering is used on the Hyundai Ioniq 5, could you elaborate fully on that for me?

[@Aotearoa_Kiwi]

By far the most thorough & comprehensive review of the Polestar 2 on KZbin ... _well done._ PS : You really don't like vegans do you!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, we have nothing against vegans! 👍

[@bigseano8]

Great review, long but kept me interested all the way to the end

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Sean! If you're interested in getting a Polestar 2 and want to explore pricing and specs with a vehicle expert, give us a call on 01903 538835 or book a date/time to chat here - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@smithjohn2416]

Very interesting car. Suddenly I have an interest in these new electric vehicles. The interior looks different and possess quality.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, we supply every make and model in the UK and our Vehicle Specialists will be happy to explore your electric vehicle options to find your perfect solution 👍 Get in touch on 01903 538835 or book a date/time for a chat: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@544juanito]

Thanks for the video 👌👌👌

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching Juan, glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to subscribe for more of the latest vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@3shockarmy74]

Another incredible review - and what a fabulous car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching 👍 Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@sebrofseven]

Your presentation was fantastic! Detailed, thorough, and at times funny. We decided yesterday to get the Polestar 2. A preconfigured one with just the pilot pack. And it is immediately available 100 miles away from us. Thank you!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great news Mike! What made you choose the Polestar 2 over other EVs?

[@sebrofseven]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply The hours and hours of KZbin reviews helped a lot including yours. Its unique a new identity, build quality, power, handling abilities, LOOKS, Google automotive software/infotainment, cockpit and more. Also it only costs 42 bucks per month to add it to our car insurance vs a Tesla was over $300/mo. I was considering the ioniq 5 as well, close second. Thanks for the reply!!!

[@ptrendy68]

Excellent, through review

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching Ian! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@khanmimaad]

This might be the best car review I’ve ever seen

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching 🙏 If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@andreasl4507]

Upgrading to this car from a Tesla 3 now. Polestar is a real car❤

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear! If you're still looking to secure your Polestar, our Vehicle Specialists can find you the best deal 👍 Fill-in this quick form, and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/39YHCml

[@MrSiddaniels]

I love OSV reviews, on the back of this review i have ordered a Polster 2 and due to be delivered in Feb 2023

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's brilliant news, Sid! Great choice with the Polestar 2. What made you choose this over other EVs?

[@MrSiddaniels]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Hi. I went for a test drive on the basis of your review and it was excellent value for money. I love your reviews to give you starting guide, but i always look for videos for owners who have to live with the Polster day to day and i have found it to have a few issues, but after joining several EV forums i have found most electric cars have a certain amount of issues.

[@123prestolee]

@@MrSiddaniels I’m also awaiting delivery, mine in a couple of weeks. Could you please recommend an EV forum?

[@chrispenn715]

Comprehensive review thanks - polestar looks like a competent EV that makes the switch from ICE viable. Prices seem acceptable too. They also seem to be ramping up supply. However, can't help feeling it's all a bit dull - I'd like some more flair for the price. EV6 seems to tick that box, although I've yet to drive one...

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for your comment Chris. Here's our review of the EV6 (in case you're interested!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2Wmc6WJr7ubpdU

[@thomasbedient9191]

Got to drive one over the weekend. Instantly fell in love. So much so I forced myself to take a couple days to think about it because I was ready to buy one right there and I don't like impulse buying. For me the big items were cosmetics and charging. I don't like the Tesla exterior and absolutely hate their interiors. I liked both on the Polestar. Secondly, the Polestar can use the same sort of charger my wife's plugin hybrid (Subaru) uses, whereas Tesla does not. With all the other benefits it has, that makes the Polestar the clear winner, for me at least.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Sounds like it's the right EV for you, Thomas! If you'd like to explore pricing we supply every make and model in the UK. Get in touch with our team on 01903 538835 or click here to book a call at a convenient time - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@garishanth]

OSV car reviews > other car reviews

[@robertpolestar-em4je]

I love mine.

[@pato10111]

Personally I love the grill but I think they will get rid of it for the facelift. A front light bar makes sense.

[@rizwanbagasrawalla2907]

Yes, in the 2024 model.

[@georgemetze826]

Great car Love it.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear, George! Our Vehicle Specialists can get you behind the wheel of this car 👍 Fill-in this quick form, and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@ianmullen9315]

Excellent review. Who is the presenter please?

[@dangosypethau]

No ramp needed as claimed for PP damper adjustment just a jack for the rear wheels.

[@Fafmagic]

Great review. Very in depth and accurate. The slightly off hand remarks about the vegan interior were a little unnecessary, however. But I do get that it can be forced down consumers throats a little these days.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the great feedback James! If you're interested in getting a Polestar one of our vehicle experts would be happy to help. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or just click here to book a call at a convenient time - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@APRICEPRODUCTION]

Just saw one of these on black on the road, had to check out what the car was like as loved the outside design, I have to say not impressed with the interior and the tablet sized screen for me cheapens the feel and look of the car. As if somebody has permanently left their tablet in the car. I think a screen of that size would become more of a distraction when driving, and I could have seen a better smaller more integrated screen that didn't have such a cluttered design.

[@kenjikenjikenj]

I need to have enough coat hooks for my 4 favorite suits when I go to my shady business deal meetings

[@thomastcrapper4100]

The heavier tyre wear on the electric cars is due to owners accelerating and cornering their cars excessively. This is stated by a tyre manufacturers leading engineer. Otherwise it would be quite average.

[@jarlsbergosten]

We look forward to your review of the BMW i4 M50 😀

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks! In the meantime, be sure to check out our Behind the Wheel preview video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqW5oaKBeqybbJY

[@ram64man]

I really wish it had a rear wiper

[@Petelmrg]

I really like the style, but why is it always like a dungeon inside 'premium' cars? Is it to make you spec the glass roof?

[@kenjikenjikenj]

As well as the premium Napa leather

[@SimonWalter-bv6gh]

Nice car lots of spec but you might need to take a training instruction app before you start driving just to make you aware of what you need to know

[@coolpix222]

Its a decent car, though it is not very good for the American market. Good for commuting, not good for the family in my opinion. Need the Polestar 3.

[@stefan2796]

Since Polestar (and Volvo) are Chinese, should I be concerned about my privacy when it comes to their electric cars? So can the Chinese government listen in and/or watch and analyze the data dump from the car?

[@Owsryudie]

Sorry, but paying 47.8k for the base model and getting low ranges like other brands - is not worth it for me.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Do you have another vehicle in mind?

[@Owsryudie]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I think for now I prefer diesel or hybrid products. Since the high pricing and the not able to get high battery performance. An EV would be a safe investment when: it can get 1.5-2K kms a charge, because it will be revolutionary. At the numbers we get it today, I prefer lower budget vehicles, like probably billions of other living people :D. ATM it is hype and people like Tech, so if you can afford (well, i can as well, but not preferring), than you probaby got one.

[@dingbatt]

So to get ALL the driver assistance and safety features that the Tesla Model 3 comes standard with, you need to add both addition packs to the Polestar? For an extra 7000 pounds! And I would have expected a head-up display to be included in one of the those packs. Vegan leather isn’t leather at all. It’s marketing BS to appeal to virtue signallers.

[@issiewizzie]

All I want is an air suspension on the car

[@Nick_Smith1970]

I need a car to replace my current BMW. Able to tow 1500kg, 0 to 60 under 4.7 secs, range around 360+ miles, cost around £50k, and must look good. I can find all of these qualities (pretty much) in most EVs out there, but not all-in-one. Car manufacturers, I'm still waiting.......

[@xdude57]

Polestar 3 will do it , I think. You can pre order in October

[@Nick_Smith1970]

@@xdude57 ordered an i4 edrive40 in March. Cannot wait. 0 to 60 is 5.5, but feels quicker than my 435d.

[@xdude57]

@@Nick_Smith1970 enjoy! And share a review, If you can.

[@chrispenn715]

The Ohlins seem like one of the most pointless options ever invented.....

[@tonyn3227]

it uses the worst battery tech lg chem, which is probe to fires and lots of problems, look at chevy bolt that uses that battery.

[@norwegianzound]

Polestar isn't a flegling brand. It's really a Volvo.

[@Shinee3e]

Rather check wiki than this review

[@JohnInSale]

I’d so been looking forward to this car and the electric Volvo XC40, same drivetrain etc But why oh why is their No start/stop button 🤔 This is not a fridge or a toaster, where is the connection and sense of theatre etc They have it in the petrol, diesel and hybrid versions of the XC40, but have put a blank in the Recharge Well I find this removal of an intrinsic bit of safety and control totally unforgivable, especially by this group of companies, especially if it’s cost saving So non of their fully electric vehicles for me or my family Looks like I’ll keep my order for the facelifted Jaguar I-Pace I’m certainly also surprised at you guys as your reviews are among the best and totally knowledgeable 🤬

[@adrianscarlett]

Had mine since 1st September. Can't say I feel the need for a button as it powers on and off when you unlock and lock the doors, which also triggers the front and rear lightshow. A start button seems redundant in a totally electric car. My previous car was a Passat GTE which did have a start button, but that didn't trigger the engine and felt redundant as well. Safety wise, someone needs to be sitting in the driver seat to make it work, and a key (or registered phone as key) also needs to be inside the car

[@Rick9482]

No button in my Tesla either and have never given it a thought. Step on brake and switch stalk to D. However, I have given a lot of thought to being in the safest car on the road. Get over the button thing please, it's simply not needed.

[@Rick9482]

Yeah, I understand the lack of a premium feel is a big negative on the Tesla S. However, they sell every car they produce and nobody else is even close, why would they change? I wish the competition was better but not yet. Maybe the Koreans will be the game changers I think they will, remains to be seen. Looks like the ID.4 is making fans, it certainly priced right. Seems a legitimate competition for the models 3 and Y. Jaguar has a smaller range but I discovered range is not the big deal I thought originally. I often stop my charge at 200 just to get going, things to do. Hope the Jaguar works out well for you.

[@JohnInSale]

@@Rick9482 the Jag is great, probably because it’s actually built In Austria by Magna alongside the other bank vault vehicle they build, the Merc G Wagen . So it truly feels like it’s built from a single billet, couldn’t say that about other JLR products of the past You’re exactly right about range anxiety being a bit of a red herring A real world range of 250miles is more than enough for 99% of folk and their journeys After doing 250miles I’ll fancy a brew and a bite and rest break and by the time I’m done it’ll be back up to 80% charge Now I just need to get some solar panels and some storage batteries and it’ll be most free motoring ♥️👍🏻 Must admit if I was across The Pond I’d be getting a Rivian, they seem fab But as I live in the country here I’m glad I’ve got my Ineos Grenadier reserved and specked, I’ve gone for the diesel, but out on the Scottish hills etc it just makes sense alongside the Jag It’s all about balance I guess ☯️

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

@@adrianscarlett Is it true the only ambient light color is white?

[@Rick9482]

Polestar was very high on my list as a possible buy mostly because of Tesla's reported quality issues at end of 2020 but Tesla's charging network won the day. I also had issues with Polestar's approach to selling cars which I don't care for at all, and then there's that bizarre center console which takes away one of my favorite features on my Tesla, the flat center console with no shifter. Nice for take out dining and just generally more handy. A shifting mechanism is simply overkill when a column mounted switch is all that's required. Just a dumb decision and those weird side walls on the console, WTF. I also didn't care for Polestar's approach to add ons which raises the price significantly. After just about a year, I have yet to see an ID.4 or Polestar on the road. I think I dodged a bullet by not selecting Polestar. I think they'll only stay in business because of their extremely low overhead and I believe the new cars from the Hyundai group should pretty much kill off any potential Polestar interest. Imo, nothing more than a niche vehicle!

[@theyoutubegeek7493]

threy have increasing sales and next year their first dedicated ev platform car. with the polestar 3 they will increase range and space in the cabin dramatically

[@Rick9482]

@@theyoutubegeek7493Hadn't heard of a Polestar 3 and would find a new design coming so soon quite shocking. A new design entails lots of money and if sales are increasing, why bring in a new model? Although I'm not a fan, I do think it's a well built car but the idea of Polestar Spaces just rubs me the wrong way. It always should have been a part of a Volvo dealership and that's where it needs to get better. More accessibility!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rick 👍 How are you finding your Tesla?

[@Rick9482]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Ridiculously fun car to own and drive. Makes an ICE vehicle seem really outdated and what my car doesn't have in the way of engine, tranny, exhaust, radiator, etc., just pleases me every day. All auto functions like wipers, lights, etc., work just the way I wish so I never change anything like that. I'm older and retired so exit and entry is a pain. My only real gripe is the ride, it should be much more compliant over harsh roads. Bad enough that I'm keeping my ear open to changing out springs and shocks. My low yearly mileage is why this probably won't happen but I can bitch about it anyway. Already had several software updates none of which especially wowed me. I was wowed when Spotify offered a nice deal to sign up and I have enjoyed that service tremendously. Bring up an album and turn on shuffle. Fell in love with music all over again with a stunning sound system and again, I never change any settings.

[@nigelpeardon1178]

Swedish flair maybe but owned by a Chinese company. Be careful what you wish for!

[@timyang4812]

Type from your MIC iphone

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

Shut up

[@nexusebtuoy]

Isn't tesla bullocks or Britains once sloppy sluggish car industry, envy nothing more than that.

[@grisflyt]

Late reply, but Polestar is not a Chinese company. It's co-owned. It's not Volvo.