Should You Buy A Polestar 2? Long Term Review and Honest Recommendations
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
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Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker ran this Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with Plus, Pilot and Performance Packs for six months, across four Australian states! After all that driving, do we recommend buying the Polestar 2 as a midsize electric sedan rival to the Tesla Model 3?
Our Polestar 2 spec:
- 2021 build, MY21 equipment
- Snow paint
- Charcoal Weavetech (included in Plus pack)
- Plus pack
- Pilot pack (MY21)
- Performance pack
- Continental ContiSport6 tyres
The Polestar 2 competes with the Model 3, but also an emerging wave of EVs from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 through to the BMW i4.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Polestar 2.
Disclaimer: this Polestar 2 was provided by Polestar, with Chasing Cars paying for all maintenance, charging, and other running costs in the time of our loan. We remain free to say everything negative or positive about the vehicle in that time.
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Read Tom’s logbook from six months with the Polestar 2: www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/large-cars/polestar-2-long-term-review/
I have to say. After having a TeslaM3 and MY my polestar 2 with performance, pilot and plus packages is MY FAVORITE CAR ever.
Love it’s look, build quality and performance!!
That's really good to hear! Waiting on my Polestar 2 to be delivered spring 2023.
rich
@@mr.bloxpeet lol. Hardly. Just worked all my life.
@@robc7563 im only 12 and my family car is under 25k. I think of 40k and higher cars really expensive. My house was worth 100k at purchase too so yeah
Thanks for a great review. I've got the dual motor, non-performance pack with the 20" wheels. I'm in the UK where the roads are a mix of quality and have found the ride absolutely fine. So if you're in the UK, I wouldn't rule out the P2 because of this review. I've had it for 2years and have enjoyed driving it enormously.
rich
I really really enjoyed this review. So honest and in depth, with some very valid criticisms. Bravo.
Thanks! I try my best to be even-handed
@@chasingcars It would be interesting to see a follow up with Polestar engineering and get their take on your review
@@chasingcars - I honestly have no idea how you achieved that ridiculous usage number or how you assessed the suspension adequacy. I have never owned or driven a better handling car (where a good compromise is achieved to provide a comfortable but still sporty feel. Way better than my X2 which i really liked).
A few viewers have asked how I'd spec a Polestar 2 if I was ordering now. Clearly, I'd skip the performance pack, as mentioned in the video, as the ride is just too firm for Sydney's broken-up concrete roads. Instead, I'd buy either the:
* Long range single motor, with no packs ($71K driveaway at the time of writing), or
* Long range dual motor + plus package + cooled nappa leather ($92K driveaway at the time of writing).
I still have a single motor on order however the dual motor is very tempting. Especially since you can later add the performance software upgrade to the dual motor (in Canada and other countries as well).
Honestly, the seats with the Plus package are really great. Haven’t noticed interior getting crazy hot yet either, so I wouldn’t recommend the Napa leather interior for most people.
Why don’t you let an aftermarket supplier fit a custom interior that you like, be it leather or some other material. For sure, that will be than polestar’s nappa leather option.
Very detailed and comprehensive report on the PoleStar 2. Technical to the nth degree. Kudos on your deliverance. Impressive.
Hmm we own a polestar 2 riding on the stock 19s and the ride is fine! No it’s not the plushest car I’ve ever been in, but it’s nothing to complain about on Sydney roads.
That’s good to hear. We had a rather nasty little urban ride loop in Canberra for COTY - and the PS2 still wasn’t very compliant on 19s/standard dampers, but we had deliberately found a very scarred loop. On 20s/Öhlins it’s very firm everywhere. Sounds like the 19s are more suitable.
First trip in my new car. A short trip to the Barossa. My car is a dual motor unit with plus pack and standard wheels.
2 points ..a) I did not find the ride harsh at all. My Giulia is more stiffly sprung
b) The car returned 17.7kWH/100km. It was a just over 100km round trip including rural windy roads on the way there and the freeway on the way back.
My cousin Wing Lu works in a Chinese polestar factory. They stand for 13 hrs a shift and are paid low wages. Some of the staff are recruited from rural areas with low literacy rates.
Thank your cousin and everyone he/she works with for still being so conscientious to produce such a amazing car. They should be proud of what they have produced.
@@AntonHandel-bw7vv thank you
Excellent assessment Tom. We agree.
Well done Tom. Great honest review!
Thanks! 👍
I agree about the over simplificztion of the option packs. Ive ended up ordering both the Plus and Pilot Lite which is expensive. It arrives January 23.
19” wheels dual motor without performance pack is the efficiency sweet spot for the dual motor version. Very happy with mine.
Very interesting review. I have to suspect that suspension stiffness is a personal taste issue: I test drove the dual motor performance pack PS2 on some rough Perth suburban streets & the freeway and just loved it as did my kids. Supportive in every way but not overly hard for me. I would've ordered the performance if I had the $ but a standard dual motor is on its way soon. I'm pretty happy to hear your comments on standard seats being better for heat, though.
For sure mate, Weavetech would be a nightmare in Perth! I can only imagine.
Great review. Love the yellow seatbelts though the main screen looks like a dust magnet. Great looking sedan.
Those are some whacky option packages. How is adaptive cruise control not standard on a pricey electric car? Before paying $6000 for napa leather seats to solve the sweating issue, I'd look at cheaper options such as custom fitted sheepskin.
Didn’t even think of the sheepskin option. Not a bad idea. That said, active cooling nappa is nice to have on its own merits, not simply because it’s “not WeaveTech”. Expensive, though.
Adaptive cruise is overrated
@@mharro88 It's handy for country roads. Takes the sting out of long distance driving. I wouldn't use it on busy roads though.
Wish I had ye olde cruise control on the Model 3 sometimes...
It’s even whackier with the German manufacturers that’s why I chose the Polestar. You want a rear view camera on a massive car like the Q4 that starts at 60k euro? Well you have to get it as an option.
Single motor long range with no extra packs owner for 6 months, and love it. For me, it’s not about how fast you go. For a day to day drive it’s so much fun and a pleasure to drive. Yes the car is heavy and you notice the weight as it plonks over a speed hump, but which condition do you build for? I’ve had no dramas apart from a couple of Optus(Singtel) network outages, but all that really affects is your Spotify, and does not stop your ability to drive. As my step into the EV world from a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, it’s an easy transition as it feels familiar and simple to operate. Cleaning is super easy and my average consumption rate is 15.4Kw/100kms on a mix of daily drives and regular long drives including Newcastle to Glen Innes and back (1000kms and no cost to get there except for food). Coming up on 13000kms travelled so far. As with every car, none are perfect and every buyers wants and expectations are different. Reviews are good to make you aware of things but go out and test drive some different cars (NRMA EV drive days etc), talk to owners and choose what you can live with and of course can afford.
Nice. After having a lot of time to reflect on what PS2 spec I'd buy, it'd be either:
* Long range single motor, no packs - like yours, or
* Long range single motor + plus pack + nappa leather
@@chasingcars I feel if you are looking to tow stuff, then a dual motor is probably the best choice. Torque steer can definitely catch you if the wheels aren't straight. For winter times the precondition feature from the app (app needs work) is a great thing even just turning it on for 5-10 mins before you go out creates a nice whoosh of warm air when you open the door to get in.
This is a great review.
I think the self centering is pretty good. I have absolutely no complaints.
Good review Tom. At this cost and car level the problems you mention should be overcome with adjustable suspension as in like DCC as standard. Removing the Matrix lights and putting the price up wasn't helpful either. I live in Queenstown and on my 120km test drive of the DRLR non PP this wasn't going to get over 350km in summer on a charge with the 100kph roads and gradients. Winter would obviously be even worse.
So I still can't see why this is value for the money yet at $107k here or worth getting over a Cupra Formentor VXE at $72k, which is pretty much the same class, size, performance and comparable vehicle spec wise.
This was a great video to watch. Definitely feel the same when it comes to limited options between different packs. Definitely starting to think its better value for money to buy a Volvo recharge
Great review mate. The lack of range is a massive problem. I am so appreciative of this honest and open review
It doesn't have a lack of range. It has adequate but not outstanding range.
im about a week away from getting my ps2 awd base model. and i still cant believe for 70 grand CAD that you dont get blind spot monitoring or 360 camera as stock...but im still really excited about this car vs other brands and their waiting times
Loving your content guys. Hard to find hot climate reviews of EVs. I've been looking at the Polestar, but still thinking of SUV styling XC/C40, Ioniq 5 or Model Y.
Great echidna shot. Love that walk 😂
I dont know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but the self centering on the steering wheel you describe is due to the "toe" adjustment of the front wheel of a car. Typically you want some level of "toe-in" to help keep the car centered while travelling straight
I have had Tesla 3 and Tesla Y, also drived the Tesla S for 1 month. I upgraded to polestar after renting one in France from hertz. Polestar 2 2024. Best car I have ever owned or drived. Orderd the Polestar 3 last week. Polestar is a car you can be proud to own.
Thanks for an excellent review. I just bought the long range dual motor with pilot and plus. I have the leather seats. I'm very pleased with my purchase. As a former multiple Saab owner, this car reminds me a lot of my Saabs, especially the 9-3. It even looks like a 9-3 from the side profile.
Sadly I'm going to have to sell my former daily driver, a 2011 Mazda MX-5, to help pay for the Polestar. Driving the Mazda, I'm very used to, and prefer, a stiff suspension with feedback from the road surface and I get that same sporty feel from the Polestar. (The roads are equally potholed in many places here in California even in suburban streets due to America's notorious reluctance to invest in its infrastructure. )
The only complaint I have in ride handling is that the Polestar has a little too much body roll around the bends at speed, but not in an unsafe way as it does stick to the road. I felt just a tad nauseous after putting the car through its paces around the winding back roads the other day. I can live with that, though as the car is gorgeous in every other respect.
Team Saab! I was driving an '09 9-3x prior to my polestar 2. I agree with you. It’s very much the same but modern. Even the ski pass thru from the boot is the same. I feel kind of guilty to have switched to a Volvo spinoff but we gotta do what we gotta do.
I totally agree Polestar is the re-invented Saab of the EV age - so many design cues happening for this ex-9000 / 95 driver !
Great review. Leasing a 2022 P2 with Plus and Pilot Pack and Napa leather seats. Not going to track the car so didn’t see the need for Performance. Agree with your findings. Have gotten used to the stiffer ride. Maybe it has settled in (6 mos). Such a fun car to drive. Piano Black surfaces are annoying. CarPlay was a nice addition. (Waze). AC seem finicky at times. P3 looks nice. But not pleased with the weird rollout. LIDAR ‘sometime’. Happy to hold onto the P2 and see what’s available in 2 yrs.
Good thoughts, John. Sounds like a nice spec you've got.
I got my DMpilot plus P2 last month with 20 inch wheels and our roads in California I guess are much better then Australia. I haven’t noticed a ride problem at all but I certainly was expecting it. I have a had an Outback, EOS, Forrester XT and it the ride is certainly much smoother then those but it’s not a Lexus or Caddy. This car is amazing though and I am always looking for excuses to drive it somewhere. It handles like a dream and I have I have lost a lust all other vehicles.
36 ball storage? Pfft was hoping for 40 ball storage, but I'm glad you're catering all metrics for our US and international friends
You are most welcome
This was on my shortlist along with the Q4 eTron, eV6 and iX3. I went with the BMW iX3. The drive and interior feel is simply superior and felt a notch above all of these. Especially in this review where you say the drive/ride quality is poor, the BMW smashes it out the park and is a joy to drive. Polestar 2 v2 will hopefully improve on the issues you described.
Agreed -- the iX3 is a charming product. Specs look middling on paper but it drives really well and, as you say, the interior quality is great.
Just optioned a long range single motor with pilot lite & plus packs. Comes to $83,930. With the stamp duty abolished in NSW that would bring it down to $80,930.
I have purchased a dual motor Polestar 2. I get delivery in about a week.
Tesla was never an option for me. The Hyundai and KIA twins were options, but availability and wait times on those are ridiculous. That ruled them out, but I think the Polestar 2 is a way cooler car anyway.
I do have the plus pack so I hope you are exaggerating about the heat retention in the seats. (Maybe some wool seat covers if it really proves to be a pain.)
See how you fare with the Weavetech, Gaetano. What I said in the video was an accurate reflection of my experience with the material, but our bodies are all different. As you say, sheepskin seat covers are always an option.
I have 2022 P2, fully loaded. Same color. I wish they'd released it in Swedish racing blue. I think the comfort package is must-have and Plus as well. Performance I could have left off but I gotta say it has a high fun factor. ;) It was worth the 6 month wait. Also, I don't have the same ride quality complaints as the tester.
Perhaps because the Ohlins are adjustable.
Love the static shot with the car parked across the double yellow lines on the bend. Very edgy. Somewhat relieved to hear later in the video that you were on a test track but figured it had to be something like that. 😂
I have owned mine for about 6 weeks now, and went knowingly into some of it's issues, because it's the cheapest EV to offer 4wd and a 1500kg towing capacity (Norwegian market). The rear hatch is also a definite win against the Model 3. I knew it was hard to see out of, so I got the Pilot Lite package with the 360 degree camera, and I knew the efficiency was poor, but I can live with that 360 days a year (towing a caravan will be an adventure next summer)
The crashy ride on bad roads at low speeds was a surprise though. Especially when coming from a 10 year old Civic hatchback which weighs only just over half as much. It reminds me of older German cars like my '88 Audi 100 Quattro (which also had a similar low roof and high ground clearance) and a '90 BMW 525IX. Much like the Polestar the suspension seems to be tuned for higher speeds, and can't cope with low speed bumps.
What sort of range are you getting towing something like a 1400kg van?
@@SuperMattb17 Although i haven't tried myself yet it seems you can expect to charge every 150kms if you want to keep charging speed up. Maximum range at a steady 80km/h in 20+ degree weather should be over 200kms. Caravan aerodynamics is a range killer.
Tom I’m ruinous about two things. 1. What would you compare the boot size to? A Kia sportage? A golf? 2. What is the screen like the bezels always look huge to me
Polestar 2 will be my next car for sure. Regarding the suspension I disagree with you though, I would like it stiffer and lower.
Nice shot with the baby porcupine ❤️
New 2023 P2 owner here with the latest SW (i.e. efficiency) updates. Only Plus & Pilot packs with the standard wheels. After 1 month of driving 70% suburbs and 30% highway in mild (60F) weather, I’m averaging 26-28 KWh/ 100 mi. This maps to approximately 270-280 miles of range from the usable battery, which is pretty much on target with the US EPA rating.
Very happy with mine. Owned a Tesla S before and yes, the P2 is much smaller but is so much better put together. No more creaks from the god awful plastic interior, or dealing with Tesla’s absolutely shit service system.
lol my friend is a Tesla service advisor. He drives a Prius PHEV which should tell you something! Do you have a single motor or dual motor?
@@touringteg DM. Needed it for the northeast winters in the US. And the fact that loss of range vs the SM was almost negligible.
@@kromeassassin Understandable. We are getting deeper and more frequent snow in the Pacific northwest so dual motor makes sense.
Yeah thanks for telling it like it is about that suspension. I was shocked how harsh the perfomance model I test drove was over a bad section of pavement and ruled this car out for me. The other major no was that counsole between the seats made the space for my legs feel really cramped and I am not even a big guy. I like a lot of other things about this vehicle including its looks and size so was disappointed about these things. Incidently I found the EV6 in the sportiest GT trim to have a comparably comfortable ride and may get one despite its range limitations. No reason Polestar couldn't do something similar with its suspension.
I have driven the single motor long range mdl. and I actually think it's a better car than the dual motor. It´s ligther and much more efficient. I got 442km on a single charge.
SInce you bought the Performance Pack it would be interesting to know if you did adjust the damper for comfort since you said they were too firm. Those awesome Öhlins dampers have an incredible range of manual adjustment. Much more range than an electronic damper. If you have a jack it doesn't take more than 15 min to adjust all 4 of them if you have done it before.
I own a p2 dual. Without the performance pack. My previous car was a BMW x2. I thought my BM was as good a handling car as I could get. The polestar is so much better. I don't know what this guy's talking about re suspension. My avg usage is high 18s to low 19 kw/hr
We also have the new Y and it's is absolutely jittery in comparison.
I have had my Polestar 2 since January and I do not have the performance pack but I do have the pilot and plus with Napa and I have literally no idea what you’re referring to about ride quality. That has to be an Australian thing and something to do with your roads because I think the car rides spectacularly and I have zero clue what you are talking about or referring to. I’m 55 and I have owned 30+ cars and P2 one of the top rides I’ve ever had in a car. I love the P2. Have recommended it to many people. Thorough review though. 😊
I have no idea what he is talking about either. I am in Adelaide, South Australia and my Polestar rides beautifully.
I live in Miami and the weavetech is fine!! The pano roof is NOT causing all that heat. It's the other SIX windows, get them tinted!! Also you can turn on the AC via the app, if it's still too hot for your "I don't sweat much" back, lol!!
Did you try the medium/firm steering feel in the settings??
We have no issues with the ride, no "jiggles". You are the only "reviewer" that has complained about the "jiggles".
He IS a reviewer, just as much as you are a “person” 😂
Thanks for the video. Over here in BC Canada I have a 23 P2 single motor on order. No packages. Est delivery March or April 2023. Here the single motor still qualifies for the most EV rebates so it brings the price down. The dual motor qualifies for federal $5000 CAD rebate only. Looking forward to taking delivery.
Enjoy the car and thanks for watching.
In Australia too - if you choose just about any of the options, you go over the threshold for government rebates.
Good objective cristicisms. Sat inside a non moving display at a shopping mall, found the interior cramped in the driver seat, left leg kept banging on the the centre console. Looks nice though.
I have a long range single motor with no packs, 8 months old. I'm getting 16.3KWh/100Km with average driving and climate always on in Brisbane. On a long trip to the Blue Mountains I calculated I could have gotten over 520km on a charge but I didn't need to stretch it this far. (calculating range achieved over percent used). I guess the battery is outperforming the specification a little.
This is a big disparity to Tom's range but I guess when you have a the dual motor option you drive like you have two motors.
I am interested in this car and the Mach e. Any suggestions on which is a better car? 🚙
Did I hear you say stopped 5 times for charging between Sydney and Brisbane
I am more interested in the watch you wearing 😂 but as always great review
Renting one right now. It's fun. Fast and very smooth. I usually drive a Leaf though.
Thanks for review. Planning to buy either Polestar 2 LR single +package, or Tesla 3 LR dual. It's a hard choice.
Polestar 2 feels like a real car, but then it's 30% less efficient and 150-300kg more heavy. The heat pump and glas roof are not standard. It achieves the range by adding more battery cells.
When we were test driving the polestar, I recognised why there is no comfort/sports button? the dealer answered its part of the design philosophy. I suspect budget cuts.
For relaxed driving, the pedal was two responsive accelerating decelerating. Suspension could be also hooked to a mode dial. Basically all mid-upper cars have this kind of feature.
Tesla 3 LR dual has everything standard, own top one extra engine and charging network vs Polestar requires optional +package.
Tesla 3 on the downside has no cockpit and some extra buttons which really would make it so much more a drivers car increasing safety - purely for cost cutting; the trunk accessibility is one of the worst I've ever seen. And every looks and feels more plastic.
In the Tesla you can chose between sport or comfort. My wife would drive much more cautiously and in comfort then while I would drive alone, makes such a mode dial important.
Nowadays both have 250kW fast charging.
I'm car shopping as well and just started looking at this one. These cars seem really inexpensive on the used market. Was shocked to see the depreciation!
Wasn’t there a software update that significantly improved the efficiency during the time you reviewed the car? Also, you didnt even mention the addition of Apple CarPlay. The car seems to have improved with software upgrades.
Thanks Tom - I didn't test drive the car for long enough to get those comprehensive views but a couple of additional points I'd add. The rear door entrance was small and I did find the rear seat room cramped and I'm not a big guy. The steering was vague even in my city test drive, especially compared to the Model 3. I'm going to give them a pass on ride quality because Polestar is supposed to be Volvo's performance division. Having said that, my 2022 Model 3 RWD is a much better, more comfortable ride while still handling particularly well. Even hitting potholes at 100km/h I havent had the suspension bottom out, and I actually think the RWD is the pick of the Teslas. As it's a Volvo, I was disappointed that safety features were optional. And really the cost of the option packs turned me off as a potential buyer. The Model 3 basically had all those features (Pilot and Plus) as standard with the exception of the pixel LED headlights which are no longer included in the lite pack and the sound system. And it goes further on a smaller battery than the LR Polestar 2. Efficiency may even surpass range as the most important EV feature.
To each his own, but in my book the safety features are well and truly covered in the base spec. What you are talking about are driving 'assists' which for me more often than not I see as driving distractions. But of-course if you really want the electronic gimmicks, you can get the pilot lite pack.
I would back the safety credentials of a Polestar/Volvo over a Tesla any day of the week.
Polestar 2 is a great car. Drove it for a week on hire from Hertz. Amazing. Polestar now need to start producing a base model Polestar 2 LR RWD that's affordable, with fast charging capabilities, trustworthy battery warranty, and mass produce it. Then I'll buy one.
Stunning car
Its really nice that the new 2024 model changed to RWD and put in some brand new efficient motors.
That was Brutal, regarding the suspension... 🤔
I am always honest. I really like the Polestar 2, but I would like it much more if the ride wasn't so unnecessarily stiff at low speeds on Sydney roads. I'd recommend Polestar give the car a suspension retune, and perhaps adaptive dampers (switchable on the fly in the cabin, not manual!) at facelift time.
@@chasingcars that's why I watch you guys tell it how it is 👍
Thanks for your trust!
I've seen a few 2021 and 2022 used for sale; wonder if it was worth buying used at the 20k-30k price range; btw I am in the states
I'm currently debating possibly getting a Polestar 2 or a Volvo C40. I'm now wondering if WeaveTech is the same as Microtech given the seats look to be exactly the same design
They’re different, actually.
I agree completely.
Huge center console make the front, in my opinion, somewhat “claustrophobic” vs being “roomy”. You say you’re 6’ tall as I am , however, I had to twist myself into a pretzel and still had difficulty getting into the back seat.
I'm really interested in purchasing this car, but find some key features missing and impossible to configure to my liking. Unlike other EV's in the market, the P2 doesn't have "dog mode" to keep the hvac on when quickly popping into a store. This is a bummer since it can be easily implemented with software. I also wish you can omit the glass moon roof regardless of the plus package being selected.
Would love for Polestar to implement dog mode. I will pass on your suggestion.
Dog mode can be enabled! I believe you need to press and hold the play/pause button and the car will stay on even after you leave.
Is it possible to tune the Ohlins to be more supple? I Have an Audi S4 B9 2017 which is also quite firm but I don't mind it. Would you say it is similar or worse than the S4?
Definitely much stiffer than the B9 S4. These dampers have 20 levels of adjustment and I had them on the least firm. They’re still like coilovers! Of course a suspension shop could fit different dampers, or you could not get the performance package. It sounds like the ride will be improved for 2024.
Spare wheel/spacesaver available?
If your poor, is the BYD Atto3 a good opinion? Stay safe and healthy 👍🏼👍🏼
Is it only Android Auto, or does it support CarPlay?
The Ohlins suspension is adjustable (albeit manually). Did you try different settings?
Yep, changed it several times
Great review.... Love the look of the Polestar 2 but have to admit I couldn't get over the lack of internal functionality after testing the Model 3 just prior.
I recently test drove the dual motor performance and I thought the suspension was fine.
Miles and miles away from the closing comment of finding it difficult to continue driving it.
Is your test car faulty?
Hard to imagine four individual manually adjustable dampers would be faulty - they don’t talk to each other at all. The ride was particularly brutal over Sydney’s extensive concrete road network. If you have smoother roads where you live, this won’t be a big problem.
@@chasingcars it would only take one to be faulty to upset the whole balance across an axel.
Brisbane roads are still full of holes after the floods and heaps of rain since so I don’t think high quality local roads gave me a false impression.
My current car has bilstein electrically adjustable aftermarket coilovers so I do have a yardstick for how unpleasantly stiff suspension can be on poor roads and honestly the dual motor performance pack I drove a few weeks back felt lovely.
Your assessment of the ride is probably the most critical I’ve seen any reviewer of a new car be in a very long time. Which is not at all a bad thing, it’s good to see criticism. I’m just surprised I came away with such a different impression.
Yeah. I totally agree that informed minds may differ and you are clearly well informed. Thanks for your contribution. I did a lot of kays, perhaps this car was especially highly-strung. Also worth noting that I took delivery of it with just 17km on the clock and hopefully nothing happened to it kerb-wise before then! It's also worth saying that at high speeds, the Öhlins help significantly, affording awesome great wheel and body control. But at low speed on pockmarked stuff it was never happy.
@@chasingcars Your significantly more extensive driving experience with the car over a few months is probably more informed than my ~hour long test drive though. So I give your opinion a bit more weight than my own at this stage which is concerning personally as my fully loaded (except leather - couldn't stomach $6k for that. I'll live with the sweat...) Polestar 2 allegedly arrives in Feb!!! 1 hour in the Polestar completely ruined my appreciation of my current car which has felt like an unpleasant dinosaur since.
I’m sure you’ll still like the car on the whole - as I did - but even more, because you have the best seats! On ride: you do get used to it, and I could have tried changing the tyres to a different brand/compound to try and soften it a bit more, but I ran out of time.
Hello from Canada. I checked a couple out, looked ok with price but it works out to be the same price as a Tesla Y $70,000 Canadian.
It's the 20 inch wheels and the Ohlins dampers that are the cause of the harsh ride.
Do you have to close the roads Tom when you film in the middle of the road?
Yes, definitely - but this video was shot at two of our private facilities
@@chasingcars thanks Tom; if you had the choice between this and a Tesla model Y RWD, which would you pick?
Between PS2 and MY RWD, I’d say the Polestar 2 - but I’d buy mine in either LRSM/Plus+Nappa or LRDM/Plus+Nappa rather than performance pack. But if the Model 3 RWD was in the mix I’d consider that closely. If I wanted to spend $100K, I’d probably go for an i4 RWD.
@@chasingcars I’ve found the PS2 extremely cramped in the interior, a very high dash, and transmission tunnel. The new PS looks better!
Some have said that, Nick. Depends on the size/shape of your body. As you can tell I am pretty thin in the frame and thus the strangely wide centre arch didn't bother me.
As with any car with racing bones, the Polestar needs to be set up properly. I have been driving German-built high-end cars most of my adult life--an affection inherited from my father. When I drove the Performance Polestar, I thought it was much too stiff and difficult to feel the road. I didn't notice the instability this reviewer did but I knew enough that this set-up wasn't for me. I preferred the regular Polestar with the two other packages but with proper 20' wheels that come with the Performance. I added the performance package but *without* the suspension and brakes and it rides much better. Better road feel, less stiff, better agility. Again, the Polestar needs to be carefully set up, but once this is done, it's simply a great car for the money. Much better driver than our Tesla or even BMW.
Very early days in my Polestar 2 ownership ... but ... I have no issues with the weavetech seats, I have no issues with the economy, I have no issues with heat though the glass roof (maybe this needs to be revisited in the middle of summer) ... so all the negatives mentioned just are not valid IMO. The idea that 20kWH/100Km is as good as it is possible to get just does not gel with me. I am on 17.6 in my first few days of ownership and I have definitely been trying out the performance. Also the harsh ride ... it is not harsh at all and comparable to many high end cars. Compare to a 3 series to see what a harsh ride is.
However it is not all smooth sailing. The audio output on my media system just stopped working. I have no idea why. Everything stopped including the indicator sounds. After resetting the system it is working again, but that is not filling me with confidence.
It's not respectful to say "all the negatives mentioned just are not valid" (quoting your comment, above). That's not how disagreeing works - your opinion might be your honest view, but it does not invalidate the view of others.
@@chasingcars Sorry Tom, I did include an "IMO". I stand by my comments but I did not mean to offend, The 'economy' thing has me puzzled though. Other bits are very subject to opinion, but the economy is an actual number. Could the smaller wheels on my car make that much of a difference?
The ride quality was ok on my test drive.
So glad I got the base Tesla model 3 rwd. You really need to spec the Polestar 2 very high to get something you would be happy with in 2022. We got the basic Tesla and we don't feel like we are missing out. Keeping the close to $15k difference between the two cars in my back pocket feels even better. Plus the model 3 is more efficient 😅
I’d be fairly happy with a base Polestar 2, because the base cloth upholstery is fine (but sad about missing Harman-Kardon). If I wanted premium audio, you need the plus pack… which gives the dreaded Weavetech… so I’d have to them spend $6000 more on cooled nappa.
Unfortunately, you have to also be a Tesla driver now.
@@chasingcars But the base Polestar also lacks the adaptive cruise control (I think also lane keeping?), which of course is standard on the base Model 3, and to me is a must.
I compared the two, and ended up putting deposit on the Tesla as it turned out cheaper by the time I added the relevant upgrade to the Polestar.
Also, I wasn't impressed with the quality and design of the Polestar interior (that massive centre consol!), but that's subjective I guess.
Some people don’t place super high value on adaptive cruise control. I think it should be standard, but I have known people who have deliberately skipped ACC on factory orders because they prefer manual cruise!
@@chasingcars It depends on the vehicle. The subaru system is great, the Renault version not so much. Audi and VW are great, so I think it depends on your experience. (personal experience)
I took a base model for a test in melbourne and came away unimpressed with the ride quality after only half an hour. I know its a heavy car but they need a fix for this
Yeah. It’s a really enjoyable car, but with 3 flaws Polestar could address, and is in their power to do so:
1. Overly stiff ride
2. High energy consumption
3. Options structure / WeaveTech is too hot for Australia
I was getting so pissed off that Polestar has yet to have a presence in SA for test drives or to even see the car - as I love the look of the thing and I thought it could make a good daily driver. But your review of the abysmal ride quality has immediately ruled this car out, no matter how cool it looks. In other news I recently test drove a Giulia Veloce. FANTASTIC ride quality, amazing handling, lovely interior with the Lusso pack and very very good looking. My shortlist for a daily to sit next to my 981 GT4 are - 2023 Civic Type R, depending on reviews, ride quality in comfort mode and pricing /// Giulia Veloce 2020-21 model that still has adaptive dampers and tilt adjust on the seats (these have been removed from 2022 models). /// Or if I get brave, a lightly used AMG A45s - I was surprised how liveable this car was in comfort mode, and it was IMO a way better car than the new RS3 I test drove. RS3 chassis felt undercooked, unstable under hard braking, and the seats were too squidgy - not enough lateral support. I can see why many people would love the RS3 but it's chassis was too underdone for me. The AMG was locked into the road and felt like a modern take on an EVO 9, but with a beautful interior and awesome optional bucket seats. Very impressive car.
Yeah. The ride on the performance pack is brutal. It isn’t as bad without that pack, but it is still far from the suppleness of a Giulia or W206 C-class on passive dampers.
I have a Giulia Veloce with the tri-pack competizionne red paint option. Stunning car and absolutely wonderful to drive.
I am just about to get my hands on a dual motor Polestar 2. I guess I will find out soon enough which one I prefer driving.
@@colossus_g I’d be grateful if you could post your thoughts here
@@JBOsurf even the change in wheel size from the performance 20" down to the standard 19" makes a difference in the ride. Many people have noticed the improvement on a smaller wheel.
@@BreakingWildGaming Thanks for this. I did watch Dan Prosser's review on Pistonheads of the base PS2 on the smaller wheels and that was what sparked my interest. Maybe one day I will actually get to test drive one in Adelaide...if Polestar ever gets its fvcking act together. They have a presence in Tasmania, but not SA. Clowns!
No apply CarPlay ?
Parking the car on a traffic lane and worse, at the peak of a curve has amazed me. There may be some safety advance warning arrangement for both directions, but do you have to do this presentation this way?
This is our private test track...
@Binh Bui, say sorry!!!
I took a Volvo C40 Twin for a test drive (to compare to the PS2DM I tested a few days earlier) and was shocked by how hot the C40 glass roof was after it had sat in the Brisbane sun for an hour, especially the heat that radiated from the glass roof so close to my head when I sat in the rear. I was wondering if the PS glass roof would also be unbearable if it was parked outside all day, as the PS test vehicles sit in their garage. Does Polestar offer a blind or sun shade option for the PS, as the Volvo C40 does not. I wonder if anyone who lives in the tropics (Latitude 27S is the same as Baja Peninsula in Mexico) has found the PS glass roof an issue when parked outside in the sun and would a body colour wrap covering it help if there is no internal sun shade?
I can answer this as we've owned our Polestar for 7 months in Brisbane. I don't know what they built into the glass roof for IR/UV rejection, but it works really well. We've not had any instances of the car being too hot when parked outside, even with the recent warmer weather we've had the last couple of weeks. The Tesla Model 3 fairs much worse in this regard, as it performs much worse in terms of radiating heat into the cabin.
Also RE the sweating in the seats. Tom mentioned he doesn't normally sweat, but this absolutely has to be a person to person thing as nobody in our family have suffered from sweating in the Weavetecs (front or rear), even when the seat heaters are cranked.
More than happy for you to come and check out the car in the Brissy sun anytime if you're on the fence.
Also, you can get a sun shade now from Polestar, but I can't see why you'd need one 🤷🏻♂️
Thank you Caillin, that helps a lot. Sounds like the Dual motor plus with the standard wheels are a popular solution to that potential ride issue. I am tempted to order the leather seats, not only for the fan cooling but also to add a bit more colour to the interior. Could not believe both the Volvo XC40 & C40 Recharge only allow you to order black interiors. Lastly, has anybody upgraded to the 350KW spec and is it worth the AU$1,600?
@@qacademytube5445 Yes, we also have the 350kw upgrade, and for us, definitely worth it 😎
All the usual niceties in the boot except a spare of any kind? Not really irrelevant in a country like Aus. Is that a standard omission with EVs because of the need to maximise range? worth mentioning.
Great review. Comes across as a playboy vehicle for the Wealthy; I.e. those who could purchase whatever package and not worry about whatever package they are purchasing because paying close to 100k for an Ev is nothing.
A 2021 dual motor with 20k miles on it is going for $25k. Crazy cheap for what the MSRP is
Owned Polestar 2 few months, comfortable to drive with it, looking good, BUT!!! there many issues, I had return it to service within first month for no internet issue and the paint Hard coat is too thin Bird poop very easy damage the paint, then WINTER TIME NOW!!! windshield Popping noise occurred when weather getting cold and also rattling noise came from all windows as well in cold weather. And you can search online most of the owner had same issues.
This is actually legit feedback thanks
Don't agree here. I have a P2 Dual Motor w/Pilot, and I haven't had any issues with rattling. Any minor issues with internet was fixed with a quick system reboot, and I took my car in for minor paint correction and ceramic coating, and was told that the paint quality was good and thick.
@@SuperDryDiver you just lucky one that's all, many people sent the car to service multiple times for rattling issues and internet issues, included me, I sent the car to service few times already, the rattling issue still not fixed, why the correction and ceramic coating needed if the paint good enough? don't misleading people, I said many people got the issues not meaning don't buy it, just beware of those issues.
Strange... normaly the suspension and ride quality score pretty good (comparing to most competition, especially the model 3)
I think it rides better in some situations to the Model 3, but it is still some way off the benchmark of similarly priced ICE luxury cars (G20 330i, W206 C200, XE, Giulia). I get that it's an EV (and it gets points for that), but we need to see EV-building OEMs really focus their efforts on balancing control/compliance. Not an easy job when the car weighs 2000kg and needs these enormous, heavy wheel tyre/packages. It's hard, but we should expect OEMs to make it work.
I think the 300 or so kg less weight in model 3 makes the suspension engineers' jobs slightly easier.
@@chasingcars You should probably better compare to other BEV-vehicles. I have a G20, and I know that the M-sport have some critisism (understandable) for the ride quality.
Completely opposite to my perception trying the car in Europe, in multiple country roads.. very good suspension tuning. Only perhaps some vague steering, but nothing really bad at all
My other car is a 2021 Macan GTS, in theory the reference to all medium size cars, and honestly, the P2 was relatively close in all sensations, but steering, where Porsche is in another league
Excellent detailed review. Next time, take everything out of your front pockets.
the plus pack is indeed a problem because it’s very expensive and it includes thing you don’t really need with upgraded audio and better and full electric seats plus heat pump.
and for that you are forced to take the whole 6000k pack.
and if you already took a LDRM plus the pilot the price is becoming quite huge.
so i gave up the plus and only took a pilot pack with LRDM.
i hope the basic sound will be decent enough.
otherwise great car
Decided for the 3rd Model 3. Was a hard decision but the 180 km/h max speed of the Polestar and the high consumption at 150 km/h was the deciding factor. I love the high speed range with my m3 LR. Minior points are that the Polestar has less space with 2 kids and the infotaiment is not developed far enough. Also the WeaveTec sweatgenerator is on the same level a the stupid model 3 seats. If you have your focus on long range highway and country road trips there is no electric car over the model 3 if you need space for 4 people in my opinion. I also considered the ID 5 GTX. But this car is insane bullshit regarding range, chargespeed, power and infotaiment...
Where are you regularly driving your car at 150kph?
The single motor's top speed is only 160km/h, the dual motor has a 210km/h top speed.
I have the feeling your PP experience has tainted your harsh suspension critism quite a bit. I really like my dual motor 20 inch rim version (which probably has less roll because of smaller tirewall...). To me it felt like the perfect combination between handling and comfort. Then again, roads in Belgium are probably not as bad as in Australia, although we do have a fair amount of potholes and the like on the backroads. The P2 never felt like a downgrade from my Audi S1 (harsh!) and BMW 335i (dreadful with runflats, quite okay with Michelin Sport 4s) in the ride-quality department.
I disagree on the ride quality. If you believe this to be terrible, then my previous 2016 340i m-performance would have been complete garbage. my p2 DMLR is wayy more comfortable to drive than that car. So I'm a bit confused to say the least on how you feel about the ride quality of the P2s.
I never road tested an F30 340i, I’m afraid, but I can imagine on run-flats it would have been stiff. You’re of course welcome to your own observations, but my view was that the PS2 with performance pack has a remarkably hard low speed ride.
@@chasingcars is it stiffer than the i30 n sedan? Lol
@@chasingcars I had very little ride time back when i test drove the PP on the P2, but even when test driving it back to back after getting out of my F30 i remembered thinking, oh this is actually softer than my m-perf. and the non PP DMLR is much less stiff than the PP. but yes, i suppose it is very subjective. also, here in florida, our roads are generally pretty good. so there's that also.
Never watch a review of a car you already own
An M pack BMW is supposed to ride stiff. It’s got an M sticker on it.
Hey guys, in case you don't know, it's 2022. Please add time stams.
Suspension stiffness can be manually adjusted on the performance package. So you can choose the ride you want on a grade of 0 to 20 on each suspension arm. I ordered my Polestar fully equipped in May, it should arrive in 2-3 weeks.
Yes - this was acknowledged - but even on maximum softness, it’s still extremely stiff.
Does polestar overinflate the tires from factory? When I got my Giulia TI I first thought I made a mistake, the ride was brutal. Then checked tire pressure, it was way over recommended, and the ride was just fine on the recommended settings with 19” tires. I also rented a fwd 19” polestar from hertz. The ride felt ok mostly. Except when I got to some back roads at Palo Alto near the polestar service center. The ride was very bad there. Maybe it just cannot handle uneven road at slow speed? Honestly that road was quite bad
I’m from America, one thing definitely wrong with is the wheel is on the wrong side.
I personally think that EVs should quote City and Country cycle range, because there's virtually no regeneration when travelling on rural roads and motorways.
This is the inverse of what we are used to with ICE vehicles.
You complain about the suspension 'harshness' but since you have the performance pack with the Ohlins dampers, you don't mention what setting the suspension is set to...
The most comfortable end of the spectrum.