The Polestar 2 is a type sedan fast back 100% electric and, as its name suggests, it is the second vehicle produced by this young Volvo-affiliated brand.
Introduced to the Canadian market in 2020, it returns in 2022 with few changes.
Aesthetically, we recognize Volvo’s DNA from the similarity of the grille and the headlights in the shape of Thor’s hammer. At this level, Polestar has succeeded in designing a vehicle with a design that is both sleek and unique. But what about driving?
Comfortable and powerful
Equipped with four-wheel drive, the model tested produced 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque thanks to the motors located on each axle. The manufacturer announces an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and we have no difficulty in believing it. Note that the Polestar 2 has a single-motor version that powers only the front wheels. In this case, the power rises to 231 horsepower and the torque to 243 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.4 seconds.
At the wheel, the Polestar 2 skilfully combines comfort and performance. From the first turns, we appreciate the precision of the steering and the good grip of the steering wheel. The seats provide excellent support while the suspensions lean a little towards firmness without compromising comfort. Road holding is exemplary and we don’t feel like we’re driving a car weighing more than two tonnes.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Although it takes a little getting used to, we enjoyed using the one-pedal drive. This is to maximize battery regeneration by modulating the throttle. It also serves as a means of braking. The feature can be configured to be more or less aggressive or even removed altogether.
The car has large glass surfaces, except for the rear window which is relatively narrow. Mirrors are frameless, maximizing side visibility.
Moreover, since the roof is receding, it restricts headroom for tall occupants in the rear. In terms of storage, it has a rather symbolic size trunk at the front and another modular one at the rear.
The Polestar 2 comes standard with 19-inch rims, the ones that fitted our test vehicle. As an option, the Performance package notably adds 20-inch wheels as well as Brembo brake calipers at the front.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Well-designed Google system
Like the exterior, the interior sports a minimalist aesthetic. We have to admit that the effect is quite successful: from the dashboard to the infotainment system, everything is well integrated.
The driver is faced with configurable and easy-to-use digital instrumentation, like the multimedia system powered by Google. The latter has the advantage of presenting well-classified menus and sub-menus. All features such as navigation, riding modes and radio can be found there. The Polestar incorporates a 250 watt sound system with eight good quality speakers. Interestingly, the subwoofer is placed under the hood, just below the windshield. At the time of this writing, Apple CarPlay should be available soon, while Android Auto is already included.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Still on the technological level, the Polestar 2 comes with some security features. As standard, it is equipped with front and rear parking sensors, as well as the blind spot monitoring system. The lane departure warning system puts the vehicle back into the lane gradually and smoothly.
To get the full driver assistance experience, shell out $4,500 to get the Pilot package: semi-autonomous driving, 360-degree camera, directional LED fog lights and patterned LED headlights. to pixels.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Autonomy in withdrawal
The 78 kWh battery gives the Polestar 2 a range of 401 kilometres. This goes to 435 km with the grind equipped with a single engine. In this regard, this model is a little behind rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i4.
Using a Type 2 terminal, the Polestar can regain all of its electrons in eight hours. With a 155 kW fast charging station, the car can go from 10 to 80% of its charge in 35 minutes.
With a starting price of $49,900, the Polestar 2 is eligible for subsidies from the governments of Quebec and Canada, which total an amount of $12,000. The all-wheel-drive variant starts at $56,900.
In addition, it is relevant to check the “Plus” option which adds several conveniences such as the heat pump. This kind of element should normally be offered as standard for a vehicle of this price, especially in markets like Canada where winters are harsh.
In the end, Polestar succeeded in producing a 100% electric car that provides both driving pleasure and ride comfort, despite minor irritants such as the somewhat shy range and poor rear visibility.