Polestar 2 am Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden am Wörthersee. Foto: Sabine Metzger
At first glance, there is hardly any difference to the premiere model from 2020, but if you look under the hood, things look different: The updated version of the Polestar 2 has been given new motors and batteries. For the current eMove360° magazine in German language (download for free), we had the opportunity to test the longest-range variant of the 4.61-metre-long electric hatchback: the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor with an impressive range of 655 kilometers. Here are our impressions of the Chinese Swede as a travel companion to Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia.
By Sabine Metzger
Chinese-Swedish guiding star. “As a guiding star, we want to consciously drive change in the automotive industry,” explained Alexander Lutz, then head of Polestar Germany, in an eMove360° interview in 2020 when asked why the name Polestar. The reason for the interview was the launch of the Polestar 2 as the brand’s first volume model. At the time, Lutz also explained how much the young electric performance brand of the Volvo Group and Zhejiang Geely Holding benefits from technical and technological synergies in connection with Volvo Cars. Four years later, Polestar’s course is still set for growth, with global vehicle sales set to increase tenfold. New models that are in the starting blocks, such as the Polestar 3 e-SUV, the Polestar 4 and Polestar 5 e-coupés, and of course our protagonist – the 2024 Polestar 2 update – are set to contribute to this.
Subtle design facelift. As a fan of clear, Scandinavian design, I am happy to say that I have been a Polestar fan from the very beginning. And I am delighted that the Volvo designers have kept the facelift discreet and remained true to the minimalist, pure design approach made in Sweden. Despite the battery pack being housed in the vehicle floor, the Polestar remains 1.48 meters flat, making it a classic hatchback saloon – despite the competition, whose SUVs are constantly striving for more height. Inside and out: wonderfully Scandinavian chic.
Simple operation. In addition to the design, I am impressed by how quickly I get to grips with operating the Polestar 2. Let’s get going. Start button? There is none. Polestar limits itself to the essentials: No frippery. Simply press the brake pedal and the Polestar comes to life. Set the selector knob to D or R and the electric hatchback glides silently along the road. Simply minimalist!
Hey Google: The Google Earth display of the navigation map on the 11.2-inch center display with touch technology and the all-understanding “Hey Google voice control” are also very pleasant: I say “How do I get to the next charging station” and the navigation is set up in no time. Or: “Navigate to Velden am Wörthersee”, and the system immediately calculates a charging strategy with a stop at fast chargers. As I said, operating the Polestar 2 is particularly easy. One press of a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel and the current speed is maintained. A tap on the right button and the power consumption is displayed immediately.
Fine software and prime video: You can tell that the collaboration between Polestar and Google is well established. After all, the Polestar 2 2019 was the first vehicle on the market to be equipped with Google’s Android Automotive OS and integrated Google functions. Now, the updated Polestar 2 continues to pioneer an intuitive infotainment experience with the introduction of Prime Video. In addition, Polestar and its suppliers have continued to release useful apps for the vehicle since launch, including Waze, EasyPark, A Better Routeplanner, AccuWeather, Range Assistant, Journey Log and the Performance App for Dual Motor vehicles.
Charging. More power for fast charging. With up to 205 kW charging power at the Hypercharger, the Polestar 2 is quickly fully charged again. The charging process from 10 to 80 percent takes 28 minutes under optimum conditions, which is 10 minutes less than before. This corresponds to an average charging power of 136.7 kW.
Long range. With the usable battery capacity of 79 kWh (gross 82) in the Long Range version, a maximum range of 655 kilometers can be achieved according to the standard. As can be read in the ADAC Ecotest, the updated Polestar 2 achieves a power consumption of 17.5 kWh/100 km (including charging losses) and thus manages around 530 kilometers in one go – still a very good value. Our route from Munich to Velden am Wörthersee is no problem with a remaining charge and no charging stop. We dock at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel in Velden (see eMove360° travel tip) with just under 40 percent charge.
Powerful drive: the 4.61-metre-long electric saloon has been fitted with new motors and batteries. The single-motor version has switched from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive model has been fitted with an induction motor (ASM) at the front. With the 220 kW rear-wheel drive in our test vehicle, the sprint to 100 km/h takes 6.2 seconds. We didn’t measure it, but it feels very good. Not only are the acceleration figures better (previously 7.4 s for 0 to 100 km/h) than its predecessor, but the top speed has also been increased from 160 to 205 km/h. The Polestar 2 sits confidently and securely on the road and is almost never rattled. We glide confidently along the A8 to Salzburg and on to the A10 Tauernautobahn to Villach and finally Velden am Wörthersee.
Powerful recuperation. The Polestar 2 drives in one-pedal drive mode as standard. The crawling gear is switched off. Wonderful. I enjoy driving with just one pedal, staying on the gas for longer, letting the car coast and recovering energy in the process.
Loading. The large tailgate opens up a trunk with a capacity of 405 to a maximum of 1000 liters (with the rear seat bench folded down). Our luggage, consisting of two suitcases, two hiking rucksacks and two tennis bags, fit in the trunk without any problems. The sloping tailgate doesn’t allow for overly boxy payloads, but who transports fridges, washing machines etc. every day? A “secret compartment” under the trunk floor creates a further 45 liters of storage space, which is ideal for smaller items. There is also a 45-liter magic compartment in the front of the car for stowing charging cables.
Sustainable. Since deliveries of the Polestar 2 began in 2020, its carbon footprint has been continuously reduced from production to delivery. The result is a total CO2e saving of 12% or three tons in three years. Thanks to the use of vegan materials, low-carbon aluminum in wheels and battery trays and improved battery chemistry, among other things. The Chinese plant has also switched to electricity from renewable energy sources.
Prices. The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Engine with 655 km WLTP range is not a real bargain. Cost point: from 54,475 euros.
CONCLUSIONS. The updated version of the Polestar 2 is more efficient and more powerful than its predecessor. The single-engine version has switched from front to rear-wheel drive, which means even more driving pleasure. An absolutely long-distance travel companion with sporty driving characteristics, simple operation and a voice assistant that understands (almost) everything. AND: As always with Swedish cars, I am particularly impressed by the minimalist design…
