2024 Polestar 2

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We tested a dual-motor Polestar 2 with the optional Performance Pack. At the Edmunds test track, it sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, making it one of the quicker EVs in its class. There's plenty of power available, so you'll never be left wanting on a highway entrance ramp or when passing slow-moving traffic.

The Performance Pack adds a bit more horsepower as well as Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, 20-inch wheels and some sweet-looking gold seat belts. The dampers are manually adjustable, so you (or your Polestar service center) can dial in your preferred settings. The suspension does a good job of hiding the car's sizable weight, keeping body roll and brake dive in check.

Braking performance itself was solid, with short, consistent stops at our test track and smooth braking on the street. We found the pedal itself a bit stiff, but actual stopping power was never in doubt. The Polestar 2 allows for full one-pedal driving. The steering effort is light, which makes the car easy to park but saps some of the fun from the driving experience.

The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated range of 276 miles for a standard model with 19-inch wheels to 247 miles for models with the Performance Pack. Our test vehicle was so equipped, but we managed to exceed the EPA estimate in the Edmunds EV Range Test. We drove 268 miles on a single charge, and our consumption figure of 32 kWh of electricity used for every 100 miles of driving matched the EPA's estimate. Overall, the Polestar 2's range should be enough for many people but know that you can get even more range from a Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6.

The Polestar 2 uses a Google-based touchscreen interface that's reliable and easy to use. Most of the other controls are straight from sister company Volvo and require some time to get familiar with. That includes the window switches, steering wheel and turn signal stalks. The steering wheel controls in particular can be cumbersome as it's not immediately obvious what many of the buttons actually control or adjust.

The Polestar 2 isn't a large car, but it provides a decent amount of space for both front and rear passengers. The car's small size makes getting in and out of tight parking spots relatively easy, though we wish the doors opened a bit wider for easier entry and exit. Visibility is aided by relatively large side windows and mirrors. The rear window is narrow, however, so we're thankful for the standard surround-view camera system. That said, the resolution from the cameras is lacking compared to what you get with a Tesla or BMW.

Polestar has done an excellent job of making the 2 comfortable. The ride is compliant without being overly soft, even with the Performance Pack's sport-tuned Öhlins dampers and 20-inch wheels. The front seats have enough cushioning and support to make long drives comfortable, though we found the upholstery doesn't breathe well unless you opt for the pricey leather upholstery. It's quiet, too, with only a mild amount of wind and road noise apparent at highway speeds.

All Polestar 2 models come standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, and our test vehicle was equipped with heated front and rear seats. Cars with leather upholstery also get ventilated front seats. The climate control system works quickly to heat or cool the cabin.

The Polestar's tech has improved since it launched thanks to a handful of over-the-air updates. The 2 now includes Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay, though neither is wireless. A wireless charging pad is standard, as are four USB-C charging ports. The Google-backed infotainment system uses apps like Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice commands. Both are excellent, especially if you log in with a Google account. Voice commands can be used for everything from navigation to climate control to checking the weather.

Polestar includes a decent number of standard driver aids like blind-spot warning and parking sensors. Our test vehicle was optioned with Polestar's Pilot Pack, which adds adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping system and more. We found the features generally work well, without excessive braking or accelerating with adaptive cruise control and no real false alarms with the emergency braking system.

Polestar borrows a lot from sister company Volvo, giving it a distinctly European look and feel. The interior is stylish and simple, though the sea of black surfaces can be a bit drab after a while. The materials, even the plastic bits, feel premium, but improvements in rivals no longer make the Polestar a standout. Pricing undercuts some other luxury EVs like the BMW i4 M50, but the Polestar's price is a lot more than the Tesla Model 3's.

Part of that premium price does include a decent warranty and some other ownership benefits. Polestar's four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty are pretty standard for the class. Polestar also includes roadside assistance for four years/50,000 miles and three years/30,000 miles of service visits.