As an electric vehicle industry analyst and data geek, I‘ve spent the past few months test-driving and researching some of the newest EVs hitting the market. One model that stands out to me as an excellent option is the Polestar 2 all-electric fastback sedan.
Overview: Polestar and the Model 2
For those less familiar, Polestar began in 2017 as a high-performance spinoff brand from Volvo. With the Polestar 2 launched in 2020, the company is aiming to compete directly with the Tesla Model 3 while bringing Volvo‘s reputation for advanced safety to the EV world.
The Polestar 2 fastback rides on the Compact Modular Architecture platform shared across Volvo and Polestar models. As a 4-door liftback design, it strikes an athletic profile compared to the traditional sedan shape of the Tesla Model S yet offers ample cargo room.
I‘ll be upfront that the Polestar 2 can‘t quite match the raw acceleration of the quickest Model S versions which enable sub-3 second 0-60 mph sprints. But for an entry luxury EV starting around $49,000, the Polestar 2 brings together an unbeatable mix of safety, tech, customization and value aimed at the mainstream part of the market where demand is surging.
Now let‘s get into the details on 7 great reasons I recommend the Polestar 2 as one of the best electric vehicle choices today…
Reason 1: Choose Your Preferred Powertrain
One major advantage Polestar has over the competition is offering multiple powertrain configurations to match your priorities:
Single Motor
- 231 horsepower
- 0-60 mph in 7 seconds
- Up to 265 miles EPA range
- Starts at $49,000
Dual Motor
- 408 horsepower
- 4.5 second 0-60 mph time
- 249 mile EPA range
- Starts at $53,500
As you can see in the table above summarizing the variances, the single motor option favors efficiency and range while the dual motor brings substantially more torque and acceleration.
What‘s impressive is Polestar lets you decide what matters most rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits all model. This flexibility is an emerging trend in the EV space – for example, Ford Mustang Mach-E offers a similar choice between extended range and GT performance editions.
Reason 2: Supreme Safety a Volvo Strong Suit
While Polestar wants to compete with Tesla on technology, the Volvo DNA shows through when it comes to safety systems and crash protection. As one would expect from anything attached to the Swedish brand, the Polestar 2 aces occupant safety tests:
- 5-star overall rating from NHTSA
- Top "Good" score across all IIHS categories
The sleek exterior may not look as rugged as Volvo‘s SUVs, but clever engineering like a strong safety cage and extensive use of boron steel provides hidden protection.
As an analyst, I also admire the impressive suite of active safety features which use cameras, radar and computing for functions like:
- Collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot warnings
- Cross traffic alerts
- Adaptive cruise control
These systems can intervene to prevent accidents before they happen. Having personally tested them for thousands of miles, I‘ve seen firsthand how sophisticated Volvo/Polestar‘s tech is compared to competitors. If safety matters most, Polestar 2 is a top choice.
Reason 3: Clever Pixel LED Headlights Adapt to Conditions
An area that Polestar‘s engineers got really creative is the front LED headlights. These contain an array of molded lens "pixels" which enable very precise beams of light. Software controls each pixel dynamically to shape the beam pattern based on driving circumstances:
[] Insert data table comparing Polestar 2 headlight capability vs nearest competitorsSo why does this matter? Having tested the Polestar 2 myself around Los Angeles at night, I was amazed by the enhanced visibility. Unlike normal high beams which have to flip on and off, advanced LED arrays allow for keeping high beams on but masking out sections to avoid blinding oncoming drivers or pedestrians.
I could notice pedestrians and cross streets earlier without ever feeling the need to manually toggle between high and low beams when traffic approached. Not having to take my hands off the wheel keeps my eyes safely on the road. It‘s a small detail, but the kind of clever innovation that excites me about Polestar.
Reason 4: Google-Powered Infotainment Just Works
One pain point I‘ve observed testing everything from the Tesla Model 3 to Ford Mustang Mach-E is subpar infotainment systems. Laggy response, confusing menus and lacking features frustrate. It shocks me that basic touchscreen functionality still causes problems for some automakers in 2022!
Polestar takes a different approach by partnering with Google. The Polestar 2 runs Android Automotive OS – a native operating system optimized for in-vehicle use rather than Google‘s phone/tablet platform.
I‘ll save you the technical jargon, but benefits include:
- Snappy response thanks to beefy underlying processors
- Google Maps and Assistant built-in
- Add more apps like your favorite music services over-the-air
- Intuitive touchscreen interface everyone already knows
Too often, onboard tech feels outdated the moment you drive a new car off the lot. With Polestar‘s approach, continuous over-the-air updates will bring new features and functionality via the embedded cellular connection. It‘s the same revolution we‘ve seen on phones applying to vehicles.
While perhaps not as flashy looking as Tesla‘s UI, I‘ll take function over form any day. Familiar Google backed by serious computing muscle just works – and that lets me keep eyes on the road.
Reason 5: Sustainability Inside and Out
Environmental责任 has emerged as a major priority for automakers in recent years. But between manufacturing processes, supply chains and materials sourcing, actually achieving sustainability requires serious commitment.
Polestar aims higher than most with ambitious goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. And that consciousness shows in Polestar 2 details like:
- Vegan interior options avoiding leather
- Recycled plastic bottles used in textiles
- Sustainably forested wood inlays
- Focus on lightweight yet strong materials to reduce energy usage
The company also made waves by releasing a world-first "climate neutral" car in late 2021. Essentially, Polestar is heavily investing in renewable energy and carbon offset programs to reduce lifetime emissions. They‘re considering the full picture rather than easy greenwashing.
There‘s something special about driving a rapid, silent EV knowing both the vehicle itself and charging process contribute minimally to pollution thanks to renewable energy use. Polestar shows climate responsibility doesn‘t have to take a backseat to performance – the two can beautifully coexist.
Reason 6: Personalization Via Your Phone
Tesla gets a lot of press for futuristic things like Dog Mode and Boombox pranks (guilty as charged for enjoying the latter). But Polestar actuallyleapfrogs Musk when it comes to convenience and customization powered by your smartphone.
Through the iOS/Android app, the Polestar 2 recognizes your phone as you approach, unlocking automatically without the need to lug around an extra keycard. Nice start – but it goes further.
Your Polestar vehicle profile saves over 125 personalized adjustments like:
- Acceleration and regenerative braking characteristics
- Seat, side mirror and steering wheel positioning
- Adjustable suspension damping
- Preferred climate control temperature
All these settings sync over-the-air automatically. So the car greets my 6ft height versus my wife‘s petite frame with appropriate changes every time we swap driving duty. It‘s an amazingly tailored experience for a shared family vehicle.
This combination of mobile connectivity, automatic adjustments and cloud syncing helps justify the "smart" terminology thrown around so loosely with modern cars. Polestar 2 represents the future of personalized mobility I‘m so enthusiastic about as an industry analyst.
Reason 7: Strong Value Proposition
I‘ll wrap up this overview of my top reasons to buy a Polestar 2 with what may be the most important consideration for many: pricing.
There‘s no question you‘ll pay a premium over an internal combustion engine vehicle – but Polestar hits a nice sweet spot on value when compared with other luxury electric rivals.
At around $51,000 on average for the dual motor once you factor current federal tax credits, Polestar 2 neatly splits the difference between standard and premium market EVs:
|| Entry Pricing | Top Trim Pricing |
|-|—————–|——————-|
| Polestar 2 | $49,000 | $59,000 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $47,000 | $57,000 |
| Tesla Model S | $105,000 | $135,000 |
| Mercedes EQS | $103,000 | $126,000 |
I‘ve included base prices all the way up to loaded performance versions to showcase the range. You‘ll notice the Polestar 2‘s sweet spot right between the high volume Model 3 and truly premium luxury brands.
Considering all the technology, customization and 270+ mile range on tap, I think the Polestar 2 presents an absolute steal relative to its all-electric competition. If you‘re turned off by the six-figure price tags of the flashiest Tesla or Mercedes models but want more style and features than the Model 3, Polestar hits the bullseye on value.
I‘ve focused this guide on why I believe the Polestar 2 is one of the best electric vehicle choices for a wide range of drivers. But it certainly isn‘t the only intriguing option worth checking out:
Tesla Model 3 – With simpler styling but blistering performance, vastly extended Supercharger network and controversial Autopilot driver assistance, the popular Model 3 wins on power and charging infrastructure. You‘ll have to spend over $12,000 more for parity on range and interior luxury though.
Ford Mustang Mach-E – Sporty crossover styling with up to 300 miles of range and exciting acceleration in higher GT trims make Ford‘s first dedicated EV a serious consideration. Availability of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving adds futuristic tech Polestar lacks. Pricing similar to Polestar.
Volvo XC40 Recharge – As corporate cousins share technology, Volvo‘s first EV mirrors Polestar in many ways with familiar Swedish styling cues adapted for a taller crossover body. If you prefer riding higher and need all-weather capability, it could be a perfect match.
There you have it – my overwhelming data and analysis shows the Polestar 2 as one of the most compelling electric vehicle choices available today, positioned at an appealing confluence of technology, customization, sustainability and value. I hope this detailed EV guide helps you make sense of the exciting but crowded market for your next green vehicle. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Yours electric,
Arun the EV Analyst
