NEW Polestar 2 review – better than ever? | What Car?

#WhatCar #Polestar2 #EVReview

In this new Polestar 2 review, we look at whether some key updates to the battery and performance have made this a Tesla-beating electric car.




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Video chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:36 Exterior styling changes
1:56 Battery alterations
2:11 Interior design
3:09 Tech
4:40 Rear seats
5:49 Boot space
6:46 NEW ranges!
8:18 Charging speeds
9:07 The rear-wheel drive model
9:55 Driving impressions
11:20 Performance
11:54 Pricing
12:25 Verdict

[sevensixtysteve]

It always fascinates me how a motoring journalists opinion can differ from a personal experience. I have driven the Tesla, Hyundai and Polestar and I by a large margin, preferred the Polestar. It felt a much more premium product than the other two to me and I didn't notice the poor ride or noise levels mentioned in this review. I love the look of the Ioniq 6 and the tech is impressive but for overall experience, I would take the P2 over the other two for sure. I guess it shows you should always drive the cars and make your own mind up - great review though :o)

[RiccardoR-wy]

Next time ride a Polestar 2 with the original 19" wheels. It feels softer, quieter and more comfortable.

[davidanderson]

I think this tester had already made his mind up about this car before driving it.

Almost all tests I’ve read/watched rate this car highly. The comment about the climate control being hidden is largely irrelevant for two reasons; 1) most people leave it in auto and only adjust temperature, therefore not having to faff about and 2) you just ask google to do what you want with the climate.

I have a long range dual motor version and completely disagree with his assessment of the handling (as almost all other tests also do). I can corner on twisty roads with complete confidence and only in extreme cornering does it feel heavy and lean in. I will concede I do sometime hear the suspension but only at very low speeds and never on the faster open roads. So I think he’s making a point about something that is not an issue at all.

This test confirms why I rarely read/watch the main publications - there are far more objective channels out there that are more trusting, pointing out the good and bad on all the cars it tests. Go follow AutoEV as an example - their tests of the Polestar 2 paint a different picture and I agree entirely with their assessment of where the car could improve.

That said, I’ve never bought a car based on a review. That would be foolish, and only by testing them ourselves will be get an idea of how good or bad a car is. The i4 wasn’t out when I ordered my P2 so wasn’t able to test that. And the only other rival, the Tesla for me was just a bit too familiar on the roads - nothing against, it just wasn’t for me and I’d struggle with lack of buttons - even more so on the updated version without indicator stalks! :)

[benjaminsmith]

The Polestar was, from day 1, a better built, better riding, more premium feeling car than the Tesla Model 3. I'm not in agreement whatsoever with your initial assessment of the Polestar 2 as not being up to the Model 3. The Model 3 is the better EV, for sure. And it has been improved. but I still feel until it gets a total redesign and not just a facelift with refinement, hence the so-called Highland, it won't fix its inherent flaws.

[markdawson]

Interesting review to a point.
However no mention of battery efficiency (mpg in old money) and real world range. Quoting manufacturers ranges is smoke and mirrors.
You’ll also find the ride is compromised by the ridiculous 20 inch low profile alloys. Try 18’s or 19’s instead.
Lastly the build quality is excellent. I speak as a Tesla owner.

[Stan-at-KangarooIslandTV]

This car ticks all the boxes for me compared to the others you mentioned, so much so that I’ve ordered one. I disagree with your take on the infotainment and the ride, but each to their own.

[TrainsFerriesFeet]

IMO, the Polestar 2 is the most handsome of those vehicles, especially compared to the BMW Beaver.

[thomaseriksson]

Great Review👍 Too bad all presscar have option 20 inch wheels🤬
Better comfort and less roadnoice with standard 19 inch..

[jimelliott]

For those who might be put off by this review can I suggest you read the Autocar's review dated 7th September. They gave it four and a half stars. I took possession of my twin motor 2024 version in August and was surprised at this review, given how delighted I am with this car. But I of course are prejudiced.

[eroche]

I must say I didn't experience much body lean in the 2, when pushed hard on sweeping roads.

[Mikkis]

There is - and it is confirmed by a Polestar salesperson - considerable difference between AWD and RWD suspension. The RWD is way more supple. Also the 19 inch wheels may affect to the driving experience. I do not have experience on driving in the UK but I am quite sure that the roads here in Finland are not in better condition.

[-PORK-CHOP-]

I like the Polestar interior, it's classy but understated, not to much bling that it will look dated in 12 months, and definitely not to minimalistic like the Model 3 to the point where it's useability is more difficult such as removing blinker stalks (OK you will get used to this) the gear change via touch screen has to be the stupidest "advancement" yet, I like the Tesla minimal interior but taking away basic user interface buttons / knobs is not an advancement, just a cost cutting exercise.

[djtaylorutube]

I'd like to see a 2000 mile road trip experience comparison. It's one thing trying a car and finding it comfortable and pretty but then they comparing real road trip experience.

[markhamilton]

Once you have started your journey how often do you actually fiddle with the aircon controls? I see complaints about this a lost and I’ve realised the only thing you really need is the indicator and volume knob. Most of these are on stalks or on the wheel

[davidmehlhorn]

It’s about time that the Euro NCAP crash test ratings were changed to reflect the danger that having the hvac controls buried in a touchscreen presents. Taking the drivers attention off the road to adjust the heating or air con is downright dangerous and should result in a loss of a star making the car less attractive.

[pradeepmagan]

Omg still no separate aircon controls what’s up with these designers

[Dactylonian]

Thank you for this great video. I cross shopped the 2023 i4 eDrive40 and the 2023 Polestar 2. Bought the i4. The 2024 Polestar 2 lineup looks shockingly similar to the i4, including models offered, battery capacity, motor placement, and pricing.

[-Derp-]

12:04 At 45k I would save the drama and get the car that its based on, Volv XC40, for a couple grand more, nicer interior, roomier etc. However, Tesla model y is the pick here. Heaps of space and go, and the charging network has been sorted out. I would suggest the model y is the competitor, as opposed to model 3. The polestar 2 is more of a crossover, where the model 3 is a sedan.

[bobzuidema]

I drove a single engine long range last Sunday as a test drive and I loved the way it drove, this car was equipped with 19" instead of 20" as was tested here and obviously that makes a difference. What the temp changes concern you can just tell Google how cold or warm you want it to be in the car so searching for controls is a non issue. I just watched another test before this and that person called the P2 with rear wheel drive nimble, lively and a joy to ride... ;-) I agree with the latter.

[wandringspirit]

is there a usable second cup holder in the front seat without having to lift the armrest?