polestar? This brand on the electric car market is one to remember if you don't already know it. Because it is already clear that the Volvo subsidiary will soon be launching the Polestar 3 as an SUV model. Before we get there, we took a closer look at the Polestar 2 with what we think is its distinctive sedan design. We not only drove the car for almost 700 kilometers through city traffic, but also drove it up to the North Sea coast on the long haul. Conclusion: You can hardly travel more relaxed on long-haul routes.
Polestar 2 in the test – Long Range Dual Motor convinces
The Polestar 2 is currently available in three versions. In addition to two models with front-wheel drive (170 kW / 231 hp, either 69 or 78 kWh battery), the more powerful model with all-wheel drive (Long Range Dual Motor) and 78 kWh battery is also available. It offers 300 kW (408 hp) and it is precisely this model, including the optional performance package for even more power, that we put to the test as part of our test.
To come straight to the point: the Polestar 2 is particularly convincing on long-distance journeys. And by that we don't primarily mean the range – more on that later – but rather the comfort that the e-car has to offer away from the stop-and-go city traffic. Driving on country roads and motorways is particularly appealing with the help of the adaptive cruise control system.
With just one push of a button, you can maintain your current speed and easily adjust it up and down in 5 km/h increments. The vehicle then drives by itself and automatically maintains the necessary safety distance from the vehicle in front. If desired, the steering assistance ensures that the vehicle stays in its lane with just one more push of a button.
Striking: LED daytime running lights on Polestar 2 in "Thor's Hammer" design.
Fast acceleration despite the heavy weight
Admittedly, Polestar is not reinventing the wheel with these assistance systems. Other electric cars have long since mastered level 2 autonomous driving. What is remarkable, however, is the pleasantly quiet driving experience that the Polestar 2 conveys. The weight of almost 2.2 tons also contributes to this. That's a lot in comparison.
With its all-wheel power, the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in no time at all. Polestar states 4.7 seconds, with the performance upgrade we tested even just 4.4 seconds. And this is noticeable when you step on the gas pedal. As in a catapult roller coaster, the occupants are pressed into the seats similar to the Kia EV6 (test).
There's no question about it: it's an impressive driving experience like in a sports car, which is primarily fun when overtaking. Incidentally, a top speed of 205 km/h is possible with the all-wheel drive model. If you opt for the Polestar 2 with front-wheel drive, you have to be content with a maximum of 160 km/h.
High weight, high consumption
As positive as the relatively high weight has on the driving characteristics, it has a negative impact on fuel consumption. We logged eight trips in city traffic over around 10 kilometers and came up with a consumption of up to 23.9 kWh per 100 kilometers. On average, we have determined an inner-city consumption of 19.4 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Theoretically, we could also have measured lower consumption if we had opted for the stronger of the two available recuperation levels. But it delays a little too much for our taste, which is why we opted for the slightly gentler variant. We also liked the fact that it is possible to switch off the vehicle's crawler gear in the on-board system. Once the car has come to a standstill, the driver does not have to keep his foot on the brake to prevent it from rolling any further.
On several cross-country trips of an average length of 33 kilometers, we measured an average consumption of 19.7 kWh per 100 kilometers. On the freeway in three measured sections of around 100 kilometers, it was an average of almost 23.5 kWh while largely adhering to the recommended speed of 130 km/h. That was enough for a motorway range of around 330 kilometers.
This is certainly not an outstanding value, but in our opinion the Polestar 2 still meets all the requirements to be considered suitable for long-distance journeys. Incidentally, we basically opted for the air conditioning to be switched on, since that is simply part of comfort and relaxed driving in summer temperatures.
Charging performance: At the end the puff runs out
And what about the charging performance of the Polestar 2? Of course, we also took a close look at that – and were surprised. Because at temperatures around 25 degrees, our test car was always able to call up the technically intended maximum at HPC fast charging stations. Within a few seconds, the electric car drew almost 150 kW of new energy. From a battery level of almost 35 percent, the charging power is then gradually reduced to 35 kW at a battery level of around 80 percent. In the test, it took 39 minutes to charge from 25 to 84 percent of the maximum possible battery capacity – with a total charge of 51.5 kWh.
Detailed and clear: the charge status in the Polestar 2.
If you want to continue charging when the battery level is 80 percent, you have to be patient. Much patience. Because for the remaining 20 percentage points of the maximum possible battery capacity, a further 90 minutes must elapse according to the Polestar 2's forecast. However, the manufacturer recommends charging the battery to a maximum of 90 percent of its maximum capacity. If you charge at home at night using a wall box and the 11 kW on-board charger, you can save in the settings for better battery care that a maximum of 80 or 90 percent of the usable battery capacity should be charged. Once this loading target has been reached, the loading process is automatically terminated.
Not only extremely practical at charging stations: the 360-degree camera, which allows clear maneuvering within parking bays without bumping into anything with the vehicle. A cross-traffic alert is also available, which sounds the alarm if pedestrians, cyclists or cars cross the intended path when reverse gear is engaged.
Extremely practical when parking: the 360-degree camera in the Polestar 2.
Special feature: Android on board
A real plus point: If you use a smartphone with Android as the operating system, you will quickly feel at home in the Polestar 2. The car's operating system is also based on Android. Accordingly, in addition to the Google Assistant for voice commands, Google Maps is also on board as a navigation system. Can be used with an 11.2-inch screen in vertically aligned tablet format. Tesla sends its greetings at this point.
If the navigation system is active, you don't have to constantly let your gaze wander to the right in the direction of the center console. Because even on the digital display behind the steering wheel (12.3 inches), you can display speed, remaining range and other vehicle data at the touch of a button, as well as a map section and important navigation data.
With regard to Google Maps, we liked the fact that the navigation system also allows charging stops to be planned. This is especially important when the target is outside of the calculated range. For each destination, Google Maps automatically shows the battery level with which you can expect to arrive at the destination. This is not always accurate, especially if you drive moderately, but it is a good guideline.
Practical: The navigation system in the Polestar 2 shows when the target is out of range.
Looking for a charging station? If required, it is possible to filter the charging providers.
Navi view behind the steering wheel in compact format.
Alternative representation in map format.
Striking: Polestar limits the manual buttons in the cockpit to an absolute minimum. Not only in terms of controlling the infotainment system, but also on the steering wheel. Shift paddles for setting the recuperation levels while driving would be desirable, but are missing.
App offer in the Google Play Store manageable
If you wish, you can also download additional apps from the Google Play Store. However, the range of available applications is much smaller than what you know from your smartphone. Nevertheless: The possibility of being able to access the ARD media library or the app from radio.de for even more musical entertainment is a lot of fun. Attention: The connection to the Internet via the SIM card (eSIM) installed in the vehicle is only covered for three years beyond the purchase price of the car. After that, the service becomes chargeable.
Home of the infotainment system in Polestar 2.
Google Play Store in Polestar 2 – with just a few apps.
Google Maps in Polestar 2.
Setting options in Polestar 2.
Among other things, two recuperation levels can be activated.
Assistance systems in Polestar 2.
Charging settings in Polestar 2.
If desired, the Polestar 2 can also be switched off manually via the central display.
Of course, a digital radio is also standard on board. The volume can be controlled via the multifunction steering wheel and via a small rotary switch behind the gearshift on the center console. But we missed a button with which the station list of the radio can be displayed quickly and easily. Having to constantly select the radio app from the main menu is cumbersome. And switching through the stations via the steering wheel is unfortunately only moderately enjoyable. Because nowhere else apart from the radio app can you read which station you have just switched to.
How much does the Polestar 2 cost?
As mentioned at the beginning, the Polestar 2 is currently available in three variants. The basic model with 231 hp and 69 kWh battery is available from 43,725 euros, with a 78 kWh battery at least 47,425 euros are due. The all-wheel drive version with 408 hp and 78 kWh battery is available at best for 51,425 euros. You can theoretically deduct the environmental bonus of up to 9,000 euros from this. However, since vehicles that have now been ordered will only be delivered between January and February 2023, it is unclear how much funding you can actually collect in the coming year apart from the manufacturer's share.
By the way: A charging cable for AC charging stations and a cable for charging at home are included in the scope of delivery. A trailer hitch costs 1,250 euros extra, and you also have to plan for 1,200 euros for transfer costs. Aside from the base coat (magnesium), five additional coats of paint cost 1,200 euros each. You have to pay an extra 4,800 euros for the Plus equipment package (including a panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon sound system and heat pump), for the performance upgrade (350 kW / 476 hp) including 20-inch tires instead of 19-inch rims, gold brake calipers and golden seat belts, an additional 6,500 euros will be charged.
Polestar offers an 8-year warranty on the battery. But only up to a maximum mileage of 160,000 kilometers. The vehicle warranty itself is two years.
Conclusion: An electric car to feel good
All in all, the Polestar 2 is convincing. A great driving experience, coupled with extensive assistance systems and Android as the operating system, ensure a feel-good atmosphere. Although the car cannot achieve the pleasantly airy sense of space of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (test), especially in the leg area, you do not feel too restricted as a driver and passenger. The situation is different in the second row of seats. If tall people sit in the front and move their seats correspondingly far back, it is difficult, if not impossible, for other adults to get in and out of the back.
Incidentally, even as an experienced driver of electric cars, you have to get used to the fact that there is no start/stop button, but that the car starts automatically, so to speak, and is also deactivated again as soon as the doors are opened or closed. After all: If necessary, the vehicle can also be switched off manually via the 11.2-inch screen of the infotainment system and there in the vehicle settings.
Advantages
high level of driving comfort thanks to perfect road holding fleet accelerationmany assistance systems are part of the standard equipmentsolid range on long-distance journeysAndroid as the operating systemlifetime over-the-air updates
Disadvantages
high weight ensures quite high consumption manageable space in the second row of seats bad view to the rear only a few additional apps available in the Google Play Store
Read on now
Jaguar I-Pace in the test: British big cat up close with Tesla
