As an EV enthusiast, you likely already know about Polestar’s sleek electric cars that combine progressive Scandinavian design and high-performance. The Polestar 2 fastback premiered in 2020 as the first all-electric model from the Volvo-owned brand. Deliveries of the upcoming Polestar 4 electric midsize SUV start in 2024.
So you may be wondering—which Polestar EV is right for you? Below I’ll compare the Polestar 4 vs Polestar 2 across all major factors. Read on for a complete overview on performance, range, pricing, and more to decide which model best fits your needs.
Overview
First, let’s look at how the Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 differ:
Polestar 2: Five-door electric fastback coupe classified as an entry-level luxury EV
Polestar 4: Midsize electric SUV targeting a more premium market segment
Key Differences:
- The Polestar 4 promises more power, faster acceleration, and a higher top speed
- Larger battery capacity results in over 300 miles max range on the 4, versus 270 miles for the Polestar 2
- More passenger and cargo room inside the SUV-bodied Polestar 4
- Being a brand new release, the 4 gets latest tech; 2 may feel dated in comparison
- Higher pricing expected for Polestar 4, estimated around $60,000+
Now that you know how they compare at a glance, let’s look at the details across all the major consideration points:
Driving Performance and Handling Dynamics
When it comes to driving excitement, the upcoming Polestar 4 looks clearly superior on paper. Its total output of 544 hp and sub-4.0 second 0-60 mph acceleration leave behind even the highest-tier Polestar 2.
Polestar 2 Performance Specs:
- Single motor: 231 hp, 258 lb-ft, 0-60 in 7.0 seconds
- Dual motor: 476 hp, 502 lb-ft, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds
Polestar 4 (Estimated) Performance Specs:
- 544 hp
- 3.8 second 0-60 mph time
Clearly, the Polestar 4 promises intensely quick acceleration on par with today‘s most powerful supercars. Even in the SUV form factor, drivers can expect a thrilling ride.
However, the lower center of gravity inherent the 2‘s car platform allows it to carve through curvy canyon roads and highways with deft, agile moves. By comparison, the taller SUV design of the 4 exhibits more body roll interfering with handling precision. Performance through corners noticeably favors the 2.
Still, with over 100 more horsepower on tap, the Polestar 4 likely pulls ahead of the 2 again on long straightaways or high speed highway runs.
Battery Capacity and Driving Range
For EVs, battery range sits as a top priority for most drivers. Polestar looked to position both the 2 and 4 as category leaders in this area.
The 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack carried in the Polestar 2 delivers an ample EPA-rated 270 miles range. That places it among the upper echelon of non-Tesla EVs. Expect to reliably achieve 200+ miles range in real world driving.
When the Polestar 4 launches in 2024, it should surpass the 2‘s max range noticeably. Polestar currently targets an over 300 mile maximum range.
With a 102 kWh battery pack onboard, that‘s nearly 25% higher capacity than what the 2 offers. Add in expected efficiency gains over the 2‘s now dated 2020 engineering, and the Polestar 4 seems a lock to lead its range category.
For charging, both Polestars accept DC fast charging to minimize downtime refueling. Polestar lists a 10-80% charge time of just 35 minutes for the 2. With a larger battery to fill, expect somewhat slower but still speedy charge times from the 4.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
The low-slung Polestar 2 pays a price in interior space to achieve its curvy fastback styling. Headroom and leg room get especially tight in the rear seats and cargo area.
By contrast, the traditionally boxy Polestar 4 gains back that lost room courtesy of its SUV form. The spec sheet tells the story:
- Polestar 2: Roof height: 58.2 inches | Cargo volume rear seats up: 14.3 cubic ft
- Polestar 4: Roof height: 61 inches | Cargo volume unknown
So the Polestar 4 stands over 3 inches taller. All that extra height gets allocated towards easier entry/exit, a lighter/roomier cabin, and capacious storage behind the rear seat. Families especially benefit from the 4‘s added practicality.
Technology, Entertainment, and Connectivity
Part of Polestar‘s appeal lies in its progressive connectivity and infotainment. The Android Automotive OS smartly integrates Google‘s ecosystem into both the 2 and upcoming 4. Expect an intuitive, cutting-edge experience interacting with either model.
However, as the next-gen flagship, Polestar plans the 4 fully loaded with all its latest and greatest tech. The expansive 15-inch media display alone promises easier access and legibility controlling all the advanced features. We‘ll know more as Polestar reveals further tech specifics closer to launch.
Until then, both Polestars feature phone app connectivity, over-the-air software updating capability, and built-in Google services powering navigation and entertainment. Given the 2‘s existing cutting-edge features, it‘s hard to imagine how Polestar could push the envelope much further—but no doubt they‘ll surprise us!
Safety
Safety remains paramount, especially with the high power these electric Polestars serve up. You‘ll be relieved to know both vehiclesequip plenty of accident protection.
Expect similar robust safety engineering carry over from Volvo here covering active collision avoidance, road monitoring, and mitigation features. Polestar also confirmed that their signature advanced drive assistance system enables Level 2 autonomous driving capability.
So while these Polestars maybe can‘t chauffeur you around while you take a nap, their vigilant ADAS suite self-corrects errors that could cause accidents before the driver even perceives any danger. Peace of mind comes standard here.
Availability, Pricing, and Value Proposition
Being available today clearly favors the Polestar 2 if want to get your hands on a cutting-edge EV quickly. Otherwise, you‘ll be stuck playing the waiting game for the Polestar 4‘s mid-2024 delivery window.
However, bidding your time until the 4‘s launch could reward you with the latest and greatest Polestar technologies. As a clean sheet design, Polestar engineers get to cherry pick the best ideas that have materialized since the 2‘s 2019 engineering. You‘ll also own a vehicle at the cutting edge of its lifecycle rather than one potentially showing its age.
Value-wise, the Polestar 2 holds down a lower price point, with an MSRP around $48,000 in base trim. Expect a higher barrier to entry when the Polestar 4 hits the market, perhaps around $10,000+ more given its larger battery, brand new platform, and range topping performance.
Of course, claiming a federal tax incentive of $7,500 helps ease the sting on either Polestar purchase.
Verdict: Which Polestar Reigns Supreme For You?
In the battle between Polestar 4 vs Polestar 2, no objective winner emerges to rule them all. The upcoming Polestar 4 offers tantalizing performance and specs, but the 2 impresses all the same while costing noticeably less.
If you want the overall quickest, longest ranging model with extra interior room, hold out for the Polestar 4. Accept no compromises.
If a lower price and nimble driving dynamics appeal more, lock in the Polestar 2 to enjoy class-leading EV technology right now.
For my money, I‘d choose the 4 to gain that incredible power and next-gen tech. The wait until 2024 gives me more time to save up for the higher MSRP too! But you really can‘t go wrong picking either stellar electric offering from this Volvo-affiliated upstart brand.
How do you think the Polestar 4 will stack up against the Polestar 2? Share your predictions or opinions on these two exciting EVs!
