{"id":16953,"date":"2021-12-09T14:51:52","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T10:51:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autoscommunity.com\/?p=16953"},"modified":"2022-06-05T22:26:37","modified_gmt":"2022-06-05T18:26:37","slug":"polestar-2-superb-build-quality-and-decent-to-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/autoscommunity.com\/2021\/12\/09\/polestar-2-superb-build-quality-and-decent-to-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Polestar 2: Superb Build Quality, and Decent to Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Polestar was once Volvo’s racing arm but has evolved into a standalone electric car offshoot jointly owned by Volvo and its Chinese parent Geely. The cars are built in China and sold worldwide.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Polestar’s first in-house development was a plug-in hybrid – the beautiful \u00a3140,000 Polestar 1 – but now it’s serious. The 1 was a limited edition that made headlines. This is the Polestar 2, a full production car that aims to make Polestar a force to be reckoned with on the electric car scene. It aims at the biggest target of all: the Tesla Model 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prices start at\u00a0<\/span>\u00a339,900<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for the entry-level ‘Standard Range Single Motor’ version, with a 64 kWh battery giving a range of 273 miles and an electric motor producing 221 bhp. The next version is the ‘Long Range Single Motor’, which upgrades the battery to a 78-kWh unit capable of 335 miles on a full charge and slightly increases power to 228bhp. It costs\u00a0<\/span>\u00a342,900<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there is the top-of-the-range “Long Range Dual Motor” version, which has electric motors on the front and rear axles. The car<\/a> develops over 400 hp, split 50\/50 between the front and rear axles. So it is speedy despite its weight of 2.1 tonnes. The asking price for it is\u00a0<\/span>\u00a345,900<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Polestar 2, which was unveiled as a concept car by Volvo<\/a> a few years ago, uses its height to offer a better view of the road than a conventional saloon and make room for the water-cooled battery pack, which sits under the cabin. This allows the top of the range 2 to travel almost 300 miles, with or without the optional \u00a35,000 Performance Pack.<\/span><\/p>\n

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CEO Thomas Ingenlath (a former Volvo<\/a> design chief) hints that Polestar’s unique selling points will build quality and completeness of the car<\/a> and owner experience, not YouTube-friendly 0-60mph times.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He admits that the learning curve will be steep but points out that Polestar has only been in the electric car market<\/a> for a year or two, not decades. He believes that the world is now warming up to electric cars,<\/a> and the idea of any car having to carry all the weight and cost of a 300+ mile range will soon seem as absurd as a car carrying a second engine as a redundancy measure, just in case. Polestar wants to build desirable and fast electric cars with Scandinavian common sense. And Swedish fashion sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the design, the job is done: this is a sensational-looking machine in metal, crisp and fresh and clean-cut, full of presence but wonderfully unadorned with fake vents or aero dummies. It looks like the car that promises the future but is far enough from a Volvo S60<\/a> not to look gimmicky. When you see a vehicle like this go by, you’ll want it.<\/span><\/p>\n

“One of the complete electric cars money can buy. Excellent build quality<\/a> and decent handling.<\/span><\/p>\n

We love the Polestar 2 because it looks good, the build quality will drive Audi drivers mad, and the car exudes common sense – it’s designed to work seamlessly, not to impress you with gimmicks that later lead you astray. Single engine options also make it more accessible to most.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s more, Polestar has now really hit its stride – the design is perfect<\/a>, the interior concept<\/a> seems future-proof, and yet this newcomer exudes a very refreshing modesty. Of course, it is not without its quirks – the ride should be less shaky, and it might be a challenge to lure Apple<\/a> fans into a cabin with Google Android<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[metaslider id=”16985″]<\/p>\n

Fundamentally, though, the car<\/a> is well-made, practical, and a pleasure to drive. The exciting thing about Polestar in general, and the 2 in particular, though, is the feeling that a brand believes in its approach and is starting to show its potential. And yes, Tesla should pay attention, and as should anyone else who wants a piece of the electric future.<\/span><\/p>\n

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PROS<\/h5>\n

they are beautifully designed, have an intuitive cabin, effortless performance, exceptionally excellent image, and a look on Tesla drivers’ faces.<\/p>\n

CONS<\/h5>\n

The Performance Pack’s adjustable dampers are too complicated.<\/p>\n

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