Polestar 2 review

The Polestar 2 is the car for people who think the default choice is... well, a bit boring.

Because let’s face it, most buyers looking for a fully electric executive car plump for a Tesla Model 3. And there are jolly good reasons for that: it’s well-priced, efficient, packed with tech and decent drive. But you’re hardly going to stand out from the crowd by driving around in a bestseller, are you?

That’s where the Polestar 2 should, in theory at least. come in. The Swedish brand’s mission from day one has been to tempt you away from Elon Musk’s outfit (although some might argue he’s doing a good job of that himself). After a series of updates, the 2 now promises more than 400 miles of range, a Google-powered brain, and an interior that feels genuinely premium.

Polestar 2 video review

A straight fight with the Model 3 would be tough enough, but the Polestar 2 has to also contend with newer rivals, including the BMW i4, BYD Seal and MG IM5. 

What’s new?

- September 2025 - Faster processor for infotainment system added, along with new optional 20in Performance alloy wheels and 14-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system

- March 2023 - Limited edition BST 230 introduced – lower ride height, stiffer Öhlins suspension

- January 2023 - Minor styling tweaks, Single Motor models are now rear-wheel drive, official ranges increased, improved ride quality

- April 2021 - Entry-level Single Motor models with front-wheel drive expand the range

How fast is it and which motor is best?

The Standard Range Single Motor is the cheapest Polestar 2 and it’s more than quick enough – not as fast as an entry-level Tesla Model 3 but nippier than an equivalent MG IM5. So, unless you need a longer range (more on that later), there’s no need to spend any more money.

The Long Range Single Motor is slightly more powerful and a bit quicker (0-60mph in 5.9sec, down from 6.2sec). However, if performance is what you’re after, you’ll want the Polestar 2 Dual Motor. That can do 0-60mph in 4.3sec – or 4.0sec if you add the optional Performance Pack. It’s properly quick, even if it’s no match for a Model 3 Performance (2.9sec). 

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

If you’re looking for the smoothest ride then go for a Single Motor version and stick with the standard 19in alloys. In this form, the Polestar 2 still isn’t as smooth or settled as the best versions of the Model 3 and VW ID 7, but it certainly won’t annoy you.

The handling is tidy enough too. There’s a respectable amount of grip and the steering has a well-judged weighting, even if it’s quite slow. Overall, the Polestar 2 isn’t especially fun or engaging but there’s nothing damning to report.

That is, unless, you spec the optional Performance Pack (available only on the Dual Motor version). This swaps the regular suspension for Öhlins suspension, and makes the ride unnecessarily firm and choppy. You can adjust the suspension but doing so involves physically getting under the car and twisting knobs, so it’s not something you’re going to be doing every day.

And if you’re hoping the payoff is sports car-like handling, well sadly that isn’t the case. Yes, the optional suspension improves agility slightly, but it can’t disguise the fact that the Polestar 2 weighs around a quarter of a tonne more than a Model 3 and feels heavy because of that.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

The Polestar 2 is noisier to travel in than most of its direct rivals, mainly because of din kicked up by the tyres (19in is as small as they get). It’s noticeable from relatively low speeds and becomes tiresome on a motorway cruise. There’s also a reasonable amount of wind noise from around the mirrors.

Meanwhile, the brake pedal initially feels quite wooden, but as you squeeze harder, it’s relatively easy to slow your progress smoothly. There are also three different settings for the regenerative braking (how quickly the car slows itself when you lift off the accelerator pedal). The strongest ‘one-pedal’ mode will bring the Polestar 2 to a complete stop fairly promptly.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

The Polestar 2 impresses on the range front. The Standard Range Single Motor model can officially do up to 344 miles on a charge; the Long Range Single Motor manages 408 miles. That's thanks to its relatively big 79kWh (usable capacity) battery. For context, the Tesla Model 3’s official range varies from 323 to 466 miles, depending on the version. 

The charging speed of the Standard Range car is a little disappointing compared with most rivals; it can accept up to 135kW from a CCS charger, for a 10-80% top-up in around 35 minutes. Entry-level versions of the MG IM5 and Model 3 can charge slightly faster.

The Long Range versions have a much more respectable maximum charging rate of 205kW, making a 10-80% top-up possible in around 28 minutes with a fast enough charger. Again, the Model 3 and IM5 can charge even faster, but the difference won’t be a dealbreaker for most.

“We’d strongly advise against adding the Performance Pack if you’re buying the Dual Motor version. It makes the ride unnecessarily form and doesn’t drastically improve the handling." – Will Nightingale, Reviews editor

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

A mix of squishy dashboard materials and plush inserts gives the Polestar 2 a high-quality, sophisticated feel inside. It feels even classier than as the latest Tesla Model 3's interior, while also looking less austere – the Tesla takes minimalism to the extreme. You might recognise the steering wheel and buttons from some Volvo car models but the design is different.

As standard, an eye-catching veneer of real black ash runs across the dashboard, below a contrasting fabric panel that continues on the doors – that doesn't change between trim levels. However, you can upgrade from the standard Microtech faux-leather seat upholstery to Bridge-of-Weir nappa leather, something that also brings a different light ash wood finish. 

While there are some harder plastics lower down on the dashboard and on the doors, none of them feel cheap and the interior is very solidly assembled. Those sitting in the back won't notice any reduction in plushness, either.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

The driving position in the Polestar 2 is fundamentally sound, with the pedals lining up neatly with the steering wheel and seat, and a good range of electric adjustment for the latter, including for lumbar support (a memory function is available as part of the Plus Pack). There isn’t a huge amount of side support but enough to stop you sliding across the interior when going around corners.

Better news is that you can adjust the door mirrors easily using buttons, whereas the rival Tesla Model 3 requires you to delve into its centrally mounted infotainment touchscreen. And while the Model 3 displays crucial information, including your speed, out of your line of sight on its central touchscreen, the Polestar 2 gives you a sharp 12.3in digital driver's display behind the steering wheel.

Front visibility is decent, so you won't struggle to see out at junctions, while bright LED headlights (with an automatic high-beam function) help to light up the road at night. You can upgrade to Pixel LED headlights, which can shape their beam to avoid dazzling other drivers, if you add the Pilot Pack. That package also adds a 360-degree parking camera that displays a bird’s eye view of the car on the central touchscreen. 

You get a regular rear-view camera as standard, along with front and rear parking sensors, though. And because large rear side windows help make up for Polestar 2's small rear window, backing into a space is never too tricky.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

The chunky centre console between the driver and passenger leads up to the 11.0in touchscreen infotainment system, which was co-developed with Android and operates similarly to Android Auto. Features such as Google Maps and Google Assistant (for voice recognition) are included as standard, as is Apple CarPlay.

Upgraded with more powerful hardware in 2025, the system responds quickly to prods, and the icons on the home screen are big and easy to hit. However, the app icons in other menus are a bit small, and – as with all touchscreens – we'd rather have some physical controls to help make the system less distracting to use when you're driving. That's an area where the BMW i4 has a clear edge over the Polestar 2.

The standard eight-speaker stereo can be upgraded to a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (part of the Plus Pack), it’s certainly powerful but can be a little bass-heavy at times. The flagship Bowers and Wilkins stereo, meanwhile, has a much crisper, more dynamic sound. It isn’t cheap but it’s one of the best systems we’ve experienced in a car in this price bracket.

“The Polestar 2’s interior is one of its strongest suits; it’s feels more luxurious than the overly austere Model 3, and it’s at least an equal of that model when it comes to material quality” – Oliver Young, Reviewer

How much space does it have for people?

If you’re sitting in the front of the Polestar 2, you won’t feel the slightest bit cramped. However, storage could be better because there’s a limited amount on the centre control and the door bins are rather slim.

Rear space is less impressive. Most six-footers who try to relax back in their seat and use the head rest will instead bang their head on the ceiling, and there's also less leg room than in the back of a Tesla Model 3. Mind you, if  you want limo-like amounts of rear leg room in the back of your electric car, take a look at the Kia EV6 or MG IM5.

Another negative is that there’s a large hump in the middle of the floor. This isn’t great news for the central rear passenger – or the other two passengers who’ll have their foot space invaded if you’re travelling three-up in the back. 

How much room does it have for luggage?

The Polestar 2 has a hatchback tailgate – like the BMW i4 – and there's a similar amount of boot space as there is in the i4, too.

We managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf. You'll fit quite a bit more in the Model 3's boot but will have to put up with a smaller, letter-boxed shape saloon opening. 

The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split and there’s a ski-hatch in the middle, so you can poke longer, slender items in between two rear passengers. 

Meanwhile, there's enough extra storage under the main boot floor for charging cables, plus a front boot under the bonnet – although it's not as big as the Model 3's.

“At six-foot-five, I had no trouble getting comfy behind the wheel. Switching to the rear seats, though, I had to crouch to fit, and wouldn’t fancy a long trip in the back.” – Chris Haining, Sub-editor

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

The Polestar 2 is priced roughly in line with the BYD Seal and is a bit cheaper than the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. However, it struggles to get close to the entry-level Tesla Model 3 and MG IM5, which both cost significantly less.

All Polestar 2s come with plenty of luxuries, including dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, a powered tailgate, lifetime over-the-air updates for the infotainment system and keyless entry. Individual options are limited to metallic paint, 20in alloys and a semi-electric folding tow bar.

Everything else is bundled into packs. The Plus Pack adds a panoramic glass roof, the 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, heated rear seats, and an EV heat pump (for more efficient heating of the interior in cool weather).

The Pilot Pack adds more sophisticated LED headlights and adaptive cruise control, while the Pro pack brings bigger 20in wheels and a natty Swedish gold stripes for the seatbelts, with gold tyre valve caps to match. 

The Performance Pack (available only on the Dual Motor variant) includes the adjustable Öhlins suspension, more powerful Brembo brakes, forged 20in wheels and signature "Swedish gold" details inside and out.

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

The Polestar 2 didn’t do very well in our 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing in 16th place (out of 20 cars) in the electric car class. True, it ranked higher than the Porsche Taycan but below most direct rivals, including the Model 3.

Every new Polestar 2 comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty; this matches Audi's warranty but Tesla offers four years of cover with the same mileage limit. 

Meanwhile, the battery has a separate eight-year/100,000 miles warranty. As part of the battery warranty, if the capacity falls below 70% of the original level it will be remedied by Polestar. 

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

The Polestar 2 scored the full five stars in its Euro NCAP safety appraisal and fared particularly well for child-occupant protection. It’s important to point out that this was back in 2021 (Euro NCAP’s testing standards have become more stringent since then) but it still gives a good indication of crash protection.

The Tesla Model 3 was tested in 2025 and beat the Polestar 2 in the Pedestrian Protection and Driver Assistance categories, and the scores for Adult and Child Occupant Protection were similar between both cars. You get plenty of active safety aids as standard with the Polestar, too, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

As with most modern cars, the Polestar 2 has remote-control central locking and an alarm that detects interior movement as well as movement of the car itself. On top of this, the optional Digital Key enables you to unlock and start the car using Polestar's smartphone app. 

“I think it’s a shame the Polestar 2 has a relatively short standard warranty. Better cover would encourage buyers to take a chance on a brand that isn’t super well-known.” – Chris Haining, Sub-editor

Buy it if…

- You’re a fan of the sleek Scandinavian looks

- You’re more interested in a long range and a plush interior than having a thrilling drive on your way home from work

- You don’t want a Tesla Model 3

Don’t buy it if…

- You need to carry tall passengers in the rear

- You do most of your driving on potholed city streets

- You’re not keen on using touchscreens on the move

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