Polestar 2
AMPACITY SCORE:
78 /100
A better alternative to the Tesla Model 3 for those that value driving pleasure.
😍
Unique styling
Great driving dynamics
Practicality of a hatch without being an SUV
😒
Disappointing efficiency
Expensive to justify
Is Google OS private?
Average Price ($000's)
Range (km)
Looking for a Polestar 2?
Styling: 4/5
Polestar 2 is handsome, but not groundbreaking. Its chiseled design is minimalistic. It’s stylish enough to turn heads, but conservative enough to keep people from gawking.
Interior: 4/5
It presents like a well-designed piece of Scandinavian furniture. Full of sustainable materials, though at times not feeling worthy of an almost $80k car.
Comfort: 4/5
Volvo-like ergonomic seats, easy entry/exit and plenty of room in back. Ride is firm but never jarring. Driving position can feel a bit FWD crossover-like.
Practicality: 4/5
It’s a fastback…a fancy way of saying coupé-like proportions with a hatchback. Similar space to a Model 3, but more usable. Smaller frunk though.
Dynamics: 4/5
Power delivery is linear, but not as sharp as a Model 3 Performance. However, a noticeably stiff chassis and the Öhlins dampers makes the car feel more agile.
Efficiency: 3/5
Without a heat pump, the Launch Edition is noticeably thirsty in the cold. Newer cars will have one available (recommended). Polestar gave conflicting answers on whether it could be retrofitted.
Technology: 4/5
It’s the first production vehicle running Google Automotive OS. The UX is fantastic, with an intuitive interface and lightning quick voice recognition. Driver assistance features are good, but not class-leading.
Value: 3/5
It’s not cheap. The superior dynamics and unique-ness make up for it, but if you don’t care about those things you might be better off with a Model 3.
Experience: 5/5
If you’re lucky enough to live near a Polestar Space, the buying experience is terrific. Besides the ambience, the staff are very knowledgable and the configuration process is simple.
Smile: 4/5
The Polestar 2 feels like a sports sedan from the early 00’s. Stylish, yet classy. Dynamic, yet smooth. Its character is quintessentially European. It brings a big smile, but it’s not the most rational choice.
Yes, the Polestar 2 will exist in constant comparison to the Model 3 and many buyers will cross-shop them, as they should. But the design priorities and execution are fundamentally different.