This is my second encounter with the Polestar 2, this time in Standard range Single motor (SRSM) guise, in just over a year. For this 2024 model, Polestar has done something truly spectacular.

Where the previous version was front-wheel drive, this 2024 model switches over to rear-wheel drive. While this may not seem significant to many, read on to find out why automotive enthusiasts around you may be salivating at this change.

For some background information, Polestar was initially the performance arm of Volvo. Later, it was spun off into its own entity to build electric vehicles or EVs based on current Volvos in Polestar’s own flavour.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that two of the Polestar 2’s competitors are Volvo’s XC40 Electric and C40 Electric, with all three vehicles sharing the same platform.

Also found in the same price bracket is the recently-reviewed BMW iX1 eDrive20 xLine, but the Polestar 2 packs significantly more punch.

Clean and Attractive

The most obvious change in the front end is the panel that replaces the front grille, presumably for aerodynamic-efficiency improvement.

Combined with the headlights with Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights (DRLs), the front end now sports a smiling face, the type a shark might give you before chomping down on its human meal. Wholly apropos of the Polestar 2’s performance potential, methinks.

The test car came with optional 20-inch rims wearing 245/40 R20 XL (as in eXtra Load) Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres. They grip well and are pretty quiet and pliant on the move. More on this later.

The frameless wing mirrors continue their tradition here, which is a unique aesthetic touch. They each house a boomerang-shaped blind spot monitoring indicator which glows reddish-orange when there’s traffic beside.

The clean design aesthetic carries on to the rear with those distinctive taillights, and I had the pleasure of seeing them in action on the highway while travelling in an impromptu convoy with another Polestar 2 at night.

Compact Proportions

Being an EV, there are two storage locations in the Polestar 2. The frunk (front trunk) or froot (front boot) features 41 litres of space, and will likely be used to house the charging cable or a small spit-shine detailing kit.

The regular boot features 407 litres of cargo capacity, and dropping the rear seatbacks liberates up to 1097 litres.

These include the underfloor storage. There’s a built-in divider in the boot to keep barang-barang from sliding back and forth, which is useful.

Owing to its compact proportions, the rear legroom is adequate, and I can just about sit behind my own driving position for shorter journeys. Two aircon vents and USB Type-C ports keep rear occupants cool and their mobile devices juiced up. The seats themselves are pretty comfy though.

Vegan-friendly WeaveTech fabric features on all the upholstery. Despite being dark-coloured, the interior does not feel cramped owing to the panoramic roof which lets natural light gently stream into the cabin.

The front seats feature electric adjustments with two memory settings for the driver. They’re easy to quickly position into one’s preferred posture. The steering wheel then falls naturally to hand, being adjustable for reach and rake, and is of a good size to hold.

A minimalist 12.3-inch instrument display sits just ahead of the steering wheel and can be configured to just show speed information or a page which replicates one’s map of choice onto this display.

The infotainment screen is 11.2 inches and runs Google’s Android Automotive 12. Think of this as a mobile phone on wheels. Apps like Google Maps and Waze are readily accessible, as is wired Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto to come in the future with regular over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Keep Rollin’…

My chief issue with the previous version was its unnecessarily firm suspension, but this Polestar 2 is sportily firm instead. The result is great handling like before, but with added compliance over bumpy tarmac despite riding on the optional 20-inch rims and tyres. Thank you Polestar!

Three modes are available for steering feel, and I simply left it on ‘Light’ for it felt most natural. Placing the EV into a corner is also pretty intuitive, with the nose pointing and darting as commanded from the helm.

The move to rear-wheel drive also means that you can now chuck the Polestar 2 into a corner or bend and throttle-steer out of it. This new playful character elevates this EV to an entertaining machine befitting the Polestar brand name.

Helping this playful character along are 272hp and 490Nm of torque, which makes the Polestar 2 a true point-and-squirt machine for most intents and purposes. A 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds for this Single motor variant isn’t slow by any measure.

Once the fun’s been had, this Polestar 2 settles down into a nice and quiet cruise, with minimal tyre noise except over rougher tarmac. Adaptive cruise control also means the driver can relax more during the daily commute.

The view out of the EV is pretty good, but one must use the 360-degree reverse camera in the final bits of parking, owing to the sloped bootlid. Also, reverse into a spot slower than usual.

The Rear Collision Warning & Mitigation (RCWM) system is quite sensitive and will stop the Polestar 2 abruptly if a kerb is sensed just underneath the bumper, which can be quite alarming when it happens. Slowing one’s rate of reversing appeared to mitigate this sensitivity.

The Not-Secret Secret

Energy efficiency is also pretty good. Polestar quotes WLTP efficiency of 14.8-17.2kWh/100 km or 6.8-5.8km/kWh, and I was able to achieve a weighted and normalised average of 14.59kWh/100km or 6.9km/kWh (nice!) over the pure street and mostly highway test routes.

How?

By turning One Pedal Drive a.k.a regenerative braking or regen off.

While it may sound counter-intuitive, there’s an actual method to this perceived madness. Sure, in stop-and-go city traffic, turn regen on to your heart’s content and have at it. It’s beneficial there.

However, in all other situations, turn it off and use gravity and momentum to your advantage to coast using little to no energy. Control regen via the brake pedal only when it’s needed.

This is because regen actually robs the vehicle of forward momentum, and although energy is recuperated, more energy needs to be spent getting back up to speed.

For example, with regen turned off, I was able to coast off-throttle for one kilometre after exiting a highway until stopping at a set of traffic lights. That distance was covered for free, with some energy recouped during braking-regen down to a stop.

Turn regen off, anticipate ahead, and hone your momentum-driving skills to eke the most out of the battery pack. Drive smooth, not slow.

At 69kW (nice again!), the battery pack is good for around 476km of range with my average efficiency above. As usual, your mileage may vary with driving style and use case.

I was able to charge the battery from 30%-80% at a DC 120kW charger in just under 37 minutes, which is about in line with Polestar’s claimed 34 minutes for 10%-80%. 11kW AC charging is said to take seven hours from 0%-100%.

Should You Buy One?

If minimalism is your theme, and sporty driving your thing, then the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’

The Polestar 2 is priced well, and with a five-year transferable vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty (accurate at the time of this article), peace of mind can be had with owning this EV.

Moreover, despite its clean aesthetic, the Polestar 2 definitely turns heads. Other drivers ahead get out of the way when they see two Thor’s Hammers approaching swiftly in their rearview mirror.

It’s got punch. It’s got style. And it has presence. There is much to like here with the Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor.

Technical Specifications

Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor

Power: 272hp
Torque: 490Nm
Drive: rear wheels
0-100km/h: 6.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 205km/h (claimed)
Unladen Weight: 1,940kg
Battery Size: 69kW
Range: up to 546km (claimed)
Energy Economy: 14.8-17.2kWh/100km or 6.8-5.8km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$262,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Polestar Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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It seems that the Tesla tidal wave that once engulfed the EV scene may be showing signs of receding. As companies and individuals become increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, there’s a notable upsurge in a fresh contender – the Polestar 2, making a significant impact with its eco-friendly approach and boosted sales.

You know, the remarkable thing about the Polestar 2 is that it’s more than just a pretty face. Its journey towards sustainability is awe-inspiring, reducing the cradle-to-gate CO2 impact of the 2 by three tonnes since its 2020 debut. That’s the kind of commitment to the environment that’s worth applauding. It’s no wonder that sales are soaring year-on-year, with over 100,000 Polestar 2s now cruising the world’s roads.

With a few minor (but important) updates to the 2024 model, how has the Polestar 2 stayed relevant in our ever-competitive EV scene?

Two is better than one

This particular Polestar 2 isn’t your average EV; it’s the long-range dual motor version, decked out with the performance package. And what a difference that makes, packing an extra 50kW and 20Nm into its already high-output dual-motor powertrain, totalling a mighty 350kW and 740Nm.

The result? A sprint time that leaves you breathless (quite literally), rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. That extra power and torque also deliver a mid-range ‘boost’ between 70 and 130km/h, offering even more rapid acceleration in that sweet spot. Going from 80 to 120km/h takes a mere 2.2 seconds, half a second quicker than the single motor standard model.

On the road, the Polestar 2 is a real gem. Equipped with an 82kWh battery, it delivers a claimed range of 568km. In actual testing, it came close to the typical EV 80% real-world average; I managed to squeeze out 418km, and that included some hearty bursts of acceleration.

If you’re hooking it up to a DC charger, you’ll be back on the road in about 40 minutes from empty to full. Range anxiety will never be a huge concern in one of these.

While it tries its best to mimic the feel of a performance sedan when you tackle twisty roads, there’s no escaping the weight as you corner. At 2,113kg, it’s no featherweight. While the Ohlins dampers do help the car cope more gracefully in the corners, they do take a little shine off the ride’s comfort, and they aren’t electronically adjustable. It isn’t too drastic of a change, but those coming from soft and cushy EVs will feel a noticeable difference.

But, if you’re the sort that likes to wring a car around a corner briskly once in a while, the Polestar 2 has good customisation options to suit your driving needs. Steering feel and pedal regen harshness; these can be swapped on the fly, and can really add life to a car depending on the user.

In essence, if you’re in the market for a swift, comfortable, and reliable EV, the Polestar 2 is a fantastic choice.

Gold is the new black

This car is a head-turner, and it’s not just due to its aggressive design. Elegant and sophisticated, the Polestar 2 commands attention. It doesn’t hurt that Volvo’s former head of design had a hand in shaping this.

The Polestar 2 doesn’t stop at just good looks. It adds a performance punch with the Performance Pack, which includes gold 4-piston Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloys with gold valve caps, Öhlins dual flow valve dampers with 22 settings, and gold seat belts. It’s a sight to behold.

“But it looks the same as the previous year’s model” Hold on, I’m getting to that bit. The old grille pattern has been replaced by the brand’s body-coloured SmartZone. It’s a seamless and functional touch that aligns the 2’s aesthetics with the upcoming Polestar 3 SUV, and hides the array of sensors better out front. The optional forged aluminium wheels add another layer of flair.

Not everything is perfect in the exterior design department, though. The door handles have an old-school vibe, there’s a rather hefty black plastic slab on the rear bumper.

The Polestar 2 is available in six elegant colours, but my personal favourite is Midnight. 

A cabin that wows

Inside the Polestar 2, you’ll find a cabin that’s familiar if you’ve encountered it before. While there haven’t been specific changes, Polestar takes pride in the continuous improvements it’s made with 15 over-the-air updates since the car’s launch. They claim that even the earliest models feel fresh.

It’s hard not to notice the Volvo-inspired design influences, from the steering wheel to the seats, and even the air vents. This Scandinavian touch adds a touch of class and quality to the Polestar 2’s cabin.

The interior is an ode to eco-friendliness, with vegan-friendly materials that will please even the most environmentally conscious. The dashboard layout is both stunning and traditional, doing away with the trend of enormous tablet screens in favour of a driver’s display and an infotainment system.

The latter’s 11.1-inch screen is the hub of the car’s functions, separating the driver from the passenger. The Polestar 2 uses Google’s operating system, making it a haven for Android enthusiasts. You can sync all your Google accounts with the car, simplifying life and navigation. 

Oh, you want to catch up on the latest shows whilst charging or waiting about? You can in the Polestar; just download apps like Amazon Prime Video, login, and enjoy shows like The Office.

Polestar has retained the central armrest and middle console, offering a convenient spot for wireless charging, the gear selector, and various other controls. The wireless charger can be turned off too in the settings menu; a feature that was requested by Polestar owners.

But, storage space is lacking compared to some of its rivals. One cup holder is all you get, and if you need another, it’s hiding under the central armrest. The door bins, too, are relatively small.

Piano black surfaces add a touch of elegance, but they’re prone to marks and scratches. However, what I can’t fault is the full-length panoramic sunroof with the Polestar logo embedded in it. The Harman Kardon sound system is a real auditory delight, and can even be tweaked if you take a deep dive into the menus.

Safety is not compromised either. The Polestar 2 includes blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert with braking support, rear collision warning, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, a 360-degree camera, automatically dimmed exterior mirrors and park assist.

The Polestar 2’s back seats are comfortable, and there’s a noticeable improvement in seating position, thanks to a clever use of the transmission tunnel that now houses most of the batteries. This change allows for a deeper footwell and more legroom.

However, the sloping roofline doesn’t do any favours for rear headroom, which limits some of the car’s practicality. With the seats up, the boot offers 405 litres of space. Not the best, but its enough for the ol’ weekend getaway. Plus, the centre divider is very useful in preventing items from sloshing around while tackling corners at speed.

Sticking with the Scandinavian utilitarian theme, there are built-in hooks for your loose bags. Nice.

A Worthy Contender

The 2023 Polestar 2 is an eye-catching car inside and out. It’s a master of many things but perhaps not a master of one. Comparing it to its competition with “Model 3” in the name, the Polestar 2 faces some tough decisions.

If you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping performance coupled with horrendous user experience, then the competition might have the upper hand.

However, if you value style, sophistication, and remarkable performance with a dash of urgency, then the Polestar 2 deserves your attention. It’s an electric star worth a closer look.

The Swedes do it right, you know? Just look at your furniture.

Technical Specifications

Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor 

Engine: Dual Electric Motors
Power: 350 kW (469 bhp)
Torque: 740 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 4.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 205 km/h
Battery Capacity: 82 kWh
Drive Range: 568 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 6.9 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$350,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Polestar Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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