Test drive | Polestar 2: back, all!

Do you know Polestar? No doubt in name, if you frequent the popular Sunday meeting Everybody talks about it of which the brand is one of the main sponsors. But beyond this notoriety acquired at high cost, this manufacturer from the Volvo sector has a limited sandbox. While waiting for the Polestar 3 SUV, it is the Polestar 2 sedan which alone defends its colors. Revised for 2024, it focuses on autonomy and a new base rear-wheel drive variant.

Its design

Unlike Korean brands which display a certain hyperactivity regarding the stylistic renewal of their creations, Polestar has only made one aesthetic modification to its sedan for 2024. The grille now blends into the front bumper with its color matching that of the bodywork, a more “sealed” appearance which could partly be similar to the Tesla approach in this area. Most of the initial approach is therefore preserved with a “Volvoesque” influence in the treatment of the front headlights, with their “Thor’s hammers” in diodes. There is also aplomb in these taut and refined lines which form this three-body canvas. To associate this raised sedan with crossovers, the inevitable matte plastic is required here on the rocker panels. Finally, note the originality of the hooked rear light, a differentiating element.

On board

This Polestar 2 nevertheless results from significant compromises in the configuration of its cabin. Its – very wide – central console is one; it does not have any compartments worthy of the name, a role essentially left to storage in the doors. Rear passengers also have to negotiate with reduced headroom and a bulge in the center of the floor, but legroom is average. Moreover, the decor is resolutely Scandinavian by combining various shades of fabric with wood veneer with exposed pores. There is an elegance in this simplicity which respects the spirit of an object which seeks to limit its carbon footprint. The positioning of the central nozzles is also not optimal. Finally, let us highlight the care given to the ergonomics of the front seats, among the most comfortable in the industry. A Volvo specialty.

Under the hood

Polestar has been busy making the standard livery more desirable for 2024. Engineers have fitted it with a new electric motor which is now bolted to the rear. Its maximum power increases from 231 to 299 hp in the process and its battery now has a capacity of 82 kWh, or 4 kWh more than the twin-motor version. The range estimated by Polestar reaches 494 km (with 20-inch rims), a figure which dropped to around 470 km during the autumn test which was carried out mainly on expressways. A little less isolated than some competitors in terms of its vibrations, this mechanism remains obviously smooth and is very comfortable in its mission of moving the 2 tons of this sedan. The 0-100 km/h advanced to 6.2 s by Polestar reflects this, as do its energetic accelerations.

Behind the wheel

Before being acquired by Volvo and subsequently becoming a brand in its own right, Polestar first made itself known on the race tracks in various touring championships. We detect this connection in the precision of its driving behavior. The evenly firm steering confidently guides the front end, but remains free of sensation. The repositioning of the engine at the rear does not fundamentally change its personality. Except on certain wet surfaces which expose its 361 lb-ft by a very discreet evasion immediately braked by the rear axle, this Polestar 2 remains impassive. Freed from the electric motor, the front nevertheless reacts with more consistency than before, making the experience more pleasant. The roll is also well contained, however at the cost of a surprising firmness given its ground clearance.

Embedded technologies

The first vehicle on the market to receive an Android-based multimedia system, the Polestar 2 benefits from constant improvements thanks to cloud updates accessible throughout the life of the vehicle. We now benefit from the marriage to CarPlay in addition to the integration of various applications controllable by the Google voice assistant. The system itself is very well thought out, maximizing its 11.2-inch vertical screen using customizable tiles that house the chosen tabs. As with many competitors, certain controls require too many manipulations, including adjusting the intensity of the interior lighting which could be done using a simple dial. The technological aspect is completed by a second digital instrumentation screen that is very simple in its design, which makes it not very distracting, but also not very configurable.

Verdict

With an estimated range that exceeds 500 km (with 19-inch wheels) and a starting price just under $55,000 ($54,950), this revised production version of the Polestar 2 breathes new life into a sedan intriguing, but imperfect. The interior remains as curiously arranged as ever and the suspension is too firm for the cause when this car is adorned with 20-inch rims. Notwithstanding these observations, this model displays a beautiful dynamic eloquence and an impression of safety and solidity which refers to its Volvo genes. We also cannot rule out the fact that it is available quickly after ordering, a serious advantage compared to many rivals which are far too rare on dealer lots.