The 2021 Polestar 2- An Electric Car With Star Power

The 2021 Polestar 2 is the first fully electric car from the young brand. A product of Volvo and Geely, it’s a powerful all-wheel hatchback with a loads of Swedish style. And it’s the first car with Android Automotive OS which will change the way you think about interacting with your car. Tom Voelk checks out the range to find out if it’s a true 233 miles. And yeah, there’s a little bit of comparison with Tesla Model 3, but the focus here is on the Polestar.

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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[kingkontinuum]

Tom Voelk is the gold standard of car reviews.

[Tekart]

This channel is so underrated for real world, smart reviews. Keep it up!

[benjaminsmith]

I test drove this car 2 days ago (September 17th, 2021). This car's construction is as solid as I've ever felt in a Volvo product. I don't care where it was made, it is a superbly solid car with excellent fit and finish. It being built in a China factory did not compromise its quality.

I found the seats to be quite firm for a Volvo. I'm used to some of the sportier Volvos having a firm ride but the seats being supple-firm vs. firm. I also found the rear seats to seem upright. If you've driven an XC40, this feels like the sportier sedan version of that car but with a different type of tuning to the suspension.

[stopexams]

I appreciate how Tom keeps his act clean every time he introduces the evil twin.

[tom_hoots]

Excellent work, Tom. "As always, " of course.

[robertseely]

Another excellent review Mr. Voelk! As a transplanted native Northwesterer, I also appreciate the outstanding background scenery. Thank you!

[thomastcrapper]

Mr Voelk, sublime yet subtle. Sympathetic and professional approach. I'll keep watching your videos. Thank you.

[AdamJakowenko]

Excellent video as always, Tom. Your comment "Buying and Service will be more adventuresome" is an understatement. I cancelled my Polestar 2 order after finding out that they were cancelling the opening of a Polestar "Space" in my city, as service and maintenance are only done via Spaces in the US (they do not utilize the Volvo dealer network), and the closest one to me, for at least the next 2 years, is 115 miles away. That's close enough to get free pickup and dropoff for service (if you're over 150 miles away they will charge you for every mile over 150) but would still require they flatbed tow it to and from the Space, and they don't guarantee you'll get a loaner. I was just imagining what a hassle it would be to get a small rattle or minor issue like a faulty wiper blade fixed....every time it needed anything it would have to be towed away for at least 2 days. And I can imagine getting into fights with the Service people who don't want to have to tow my car 230 round trip to fix minor issues, making me wait until the next major service is needed. And they don't have roaming service people like Tesla does. Just seemed like too big a risk or hassle. If you live close to one of the five current US Spaces it's a much better proposition.
But it also still, after 6 months of them saying "coming soon", does not have CarPlay or any functioning SiriusXM radio. The last rep I spoke to said they thought maybe "late 2021". OTA updates are great in theory but one lesson I've learned is never buy a product on the promise of future functionality...always get it and like it for what it has now. Those promises could never come (or take forever) and you'll be sorely disappointed. So to folks that have asked me if I thought this car was worth it, I say if you can be happy with the current service model, and lack of CarPlay and SiriusXM for the foreseeable future, then it could be a good vehicle for you.
p.s. Be sure to read Consumer Reports review of this vehicle as well...they go into a lot of other detail that could be useful (like installing/using car seats, etc)

[barnabychancellor]

Thanks, Tom! Another good job. Would you pick this or the Mustang EV?

[Jonpilen]

It's good to see an unbiased review of the polestar 2, YouTube is full of Tesla fanboys bashing it.

[MrJayNC]

Nice audible using those kettlebells to get the results you needed. Entertaining and informational review once again, Tom.

[alliejr]

You are spot-on with GM supercruise versus Tesla "Autopilot" (beta). But, Tom, please please please 1. keep the midroll ads, but 2. take an extra minute in the YouTube app to _PLACE_ the midroll ads at logical breaks in the content, rather than mid-word. :-/

[AndrewLumsden]

When will they bring out an estate (wagon) (V90 - V70) equivalent? Only then might I consider getting one. I'm not particularly interested in hybrids.

[mohnster]

Great information 👍 Now that you have driven several electric vehicles what is you favorite? I have driven xc40 recharge, mach-e, kona electric so far I really liked the recharge so far

[Njhawkes]

This a very reasonably priced car in Norway. It's about kr cheaper than the Mach-e (4wd long range; albeit way bigger battery and more spacious), looks very well built, seems like a lot of fun to drive and charging speed is ok. Very excited to see how ota updates affect both of these cars though. Thanks for another great review :)

[tommihelich]

It looks like an updated Dodge from the late sixties. Kinda plain and unassuming.
I must remark, after looking at a ton of videos by everyone on my current interest (Highlander Hybrid) that hands down Tom Voelk has the most professional and engaging car reviews. Never a photographic glitch to be seen nor a feeling of being hurried in his delivery but still imparting a full compliment of information on practically every aspect of the subject at hand.

[largerplanet]

I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of years. It was a pleasure meeting you last week! Keep up the good work!

[TheMcsl]

8:27 Is it me or I saw a strand of Tom's hair on the seat?🤣

[oliviao]

Another Awesome and informative review Tom. You cover everything to the little things that matter to us. As I am eating my Veraci pizza, Classic pepperoni (large), of course. Practically spit it out with some of the good crazy things and dings, like Gap T-Shirt to the everything in the closet to the Creep on your neighbor. You are strong like a Viking Tom.

[livsvictory]

omg no way my dad is in here!!!
Timestamp: 0:31