As an electric vehicle industry analyst who has tested over 50 different EV models in the past decade, I‘m always curious to experience the latest offerings. What technical innovations or performance breakthroughs will next-generation vehicles bring? The chance to get behind the wheel of the new-for-2023 Polestar 2 Performance model provided fresh insights into how the electric luxury sedan segment is progressing.
About the 2023 Polestar 2 Performance
For background, Polestar began in 1996 as the racing division associated with Volvo. They campaigned specially tuned Volvo race cars winning many championships over 20 years. When Volvo was acquired by Geely in 2015, they decided to leverage Polestar‘s motorsport expertise to create a new electric performance brand.
The initial Polestar 1 luxury plug-in hybrid coupe debuted to strong reviews in 2017. However, the all-electric Polestar 2 launched in 2020 would be their first volume production EV. As tested in Performance pack trim with all-wheel drive, output stands at a stout 408 horsepower allowing 0-60 mph acceleration in just 4.45 seconds.
So in the Polestar 2 Performance, you have an electric fastback sedan promising everyday livability combined with sports car sprint off the line. And starting at $53,500, its positioned as an intriguing alternative to segment leaders like the Tesla Model 3. Time to hit the road to see how it actually performs!
Test Drive Route and Conditions
For my test drive evaluation, I charted a route including roughly equal parts suburban boulevards, twisting back roads and highway miles. This would allow assessing real-world ride, handling and efficiency across different scenarios. Conditions during my test consisted of dry paved roads with ambient temperatures around 72°F (22°C). No precipitation or harsh weather elements to complicate evaluating performance.
Acceleration and Motor Response
One huge perk of electric vehicles is torque available from a standstill. With an electric motor‘s full output on tap instantly, acceleration tends more governed by traction than power. Does the dual motor Polestar 2 Performance deliver exhilarating acceleration? In a word – absolutely!
My test car came with the optional $1200 Performance software upgrade which brings the 0-60 time down to a manufacturer-claimed 4.45 seconds. Independent testing actually reveals the sprint in as quick as 3.7 seconds under perfect conditions. Real-world launches with some wheel spin netted consistent sub-5 second runs to 60 mph. Quick enough to firmly glue you back in the sculpted seat!
Polestar 2 Performance Acceleration Specs
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 408 |
| Torque | 487 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Time | 4.45 seconds (claimed) 3.7 seconds (tested) |
| Top Speed | 127 mph |
Power delivery enjoys an immediacy I‘ve come to expect from next-gen EVs, just with a bit more aggressive rear-biased torque vectoring kicking in. Toggle over to Low Regen mode for maximum range, along with turning off stability control, and you can hang the rear out elegantly drifting through corners.
For those curious on launch technique, I found initial smooth application of the throttle lets traction control do its work best to optimize grip. Once rolling, masher the pedal and smart eAWD balances thrust fore and aft adeptly. This precise coordination of electric motors and electronic limited slip makes straight line and cornering performance so addicting.
Chassis Dynamics and Handling
Understandably, some consumers assume a 2+ ton battery-laden sedan won‘t deliver deft reflexes through the turns. To the contrary, modern EV designs like the Polestar 2 Performance pack clever engineering solutions transcending the drawbacks of hefty curb weights.
The Polestar 2 proves itself a legitimate sports sedan by keying on chassis rigidity and suspension sophistication over sheer power numbers. Built on Volvo‘s stiff new Compact Modular Architecture platform, torsional stiffness sets a benchmark for EVs.
Bolting the 408 hp battery structure low underneath increases structural rigidity while aiding center of gravity height. Combined benefits enhance dynamic performance and driver confidence appreciably. Cycling through twisting sections at speed reveals profoundly flat handling for a vehicle not overtly shouting its sporting intentions.
Chassis Performance Upgrades
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Öhlins Dual Flow Valve Dampers | Continuously variable stiffness dampers sharpen handling response |
| Cornering Enhanced Stability Control | Strategic brake intervention and torque vectoring maintain higher slip angles through turns |
| 20” Forged Alloy Wheel & Tire Package | Sticky yet efficient Goodyear all-season rubber wrapped around lightweight rims |
The well-sorted Öhlins dampers team with torque vectoring software to attack corners hard, then power out impressively early. Such precise rotation and mid-turn stability often surprises first-time Polestar 2 drivers. This sedan can hang admirably with dedicated sports cars over curvy sections thanks to clever integration of electric motor placement, advanced electronics and range-minded aero.
Cabin Comfort, Materials and Amenities
Sliding inside the Polestar 2 cabin reveals an aesthetic I‘d classify as minimalist Scandanavian efficiency blended with sustainable luxury. The vibe splits differences between overt sports car and sedate eco-pod transportation. A Goldilocks "just right" compromise in other words.
Sensible use of recycled textiles, natural fiber composite surfaces and metallic accents impart tasteful style without excess flash. For example, the woven decorative dash panels come from recycled PET plastic bottles and cork vinyl. It looks upscale yet greener in origin. Yellow seat belt webbing offers a hint of color to tie into the flashy gold Brembo brake calipers visible through the 20-inch wheels.
Front seats retain the excellent ergonomics and range of adjustments expected from Volvo. Seeing as Polestars share production lines with Volvos currently, familiar componentry gets deployed artfully. The low dash cowl and thin A-pillars afford great sight lines all around. Outward vision combines with the standard panoramic glass ceiling to give an airy, roomy sensation.
Interior Details and Technology
- Vegan microfiber upholstery
- Programmable ambient interior lighting
- Heated front/rear seats & steering wheel
- Integrated Google powered infotainment system
- Adaptive cruise control w/ semi-autonomous driving capability
- Pixel-OTM advanced LED headlamps
On the technology front, I‘m quite impressed by the partnership with Google to develop a native Android Automotive OS infotainment system. Simple natural voice commands via the Google Assistant handle navigation, media and phone functions with minimal distraction. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto integrate BYO devices seamlessly as well.
Range and Charging
Obviously a prime consideration for EV intenders involves assessing realistic range expectations and charging compatibility. I put the Polestar 2 through varied testing cycles to evaluate economy across different scenarios. As expected, higher speeds and aggressive driving take the biggest toll on battery capacity between charging sessions.
Polestar 2 Performance Range and Charging Specs
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| EPA Range Estimate | 249 miles |
| Energy Consumption | 32 kWh/100mi (efficiency) |
| Charging Speed | Up to 150 kW |
| Battery Capacity | 78 kWh |
What I discovered aligns with Polestar‘s EPA rating of 249 miles range being quite realistic. Sticking to reasonable highway speeds, 250 miles on a full charge appears reasonable. Only by hammering it constantly was I able to dip battery stats to project ranges under 225 miles.
DC Fast Charging replenishes the 78 kWh battery pack quickly thanks to 150 kW charging capability. Within around 40 minutes plugged into appropriate DC stations, I could restore 180+ miles of theoretical range. Handy for road trip charging stops if the infrastructure exists in your region. At home on Level 2 240V AC charging, a full recharge takes around 8 hours.
Driver Assistance and Safety Technology
As Polestar operates under the stewardship of research-intensive Volvo, bringing cutting-edge safety technology to market remains a priority. The Polestar 2 debuted several advanced systems WE now find filtering across other Volvo and Polestar vehicles.
Driver Assistance and Alertness Monitoring
- Pilot Assist: Semi-autonomous adaptive cruise with lane centering
- V2V collision avoidance communication
- Driver monitoring cameras tracking alertness & distraction events
- Intervention support for avoiding accidents including autonomous braking
In particular, I appreciated testing Pilot Assist on highway runs. Engage this mode on approved roads and the Polestar 2 assumes semi-autonomous driving duties – centering itself in lane while maintaining pace with surrounding traffic automatically. Hands on the wheel are still required, but it significantly eases driver workload for open road cruising.
Collision alert zones also make changing lanes safer, visually indicating if your intended path carries risk of contact with proximate vehicles. It‘s not full self driving capability, but nice progression toward that future goal.
Competition and Alternatives
The premium electric sedan segment continues expanding quickly. Several marques aim to blend eco-luxury and performance like Polestar, but with varying degrees of success thus far. Primary alternatives shoppers should consider and test drive include:
Tesla Model 3
The sales leader expectedly earns comparisons. Greater straight-line performance from the Model 3 Performance comes at the expense of ride quality and interior refinement. Tesla still leads technology integration, but Polestar makes up ground with more elegant style inside-out.
BMW i4
Traditional luxury translated into an electric sport sedan. You pay more for the roundel badge, although some may prefer BMW‘s balanced approach to performance. The Polestar 2 feels more dynamically capable even if the i4 wins on brand familiarity.
Mercedes EQE / Audi A6 e-tron
Upcoming rivals from German luxury giants. Hard to assess completely until market launch, but expected to prioritize refinement over rapid acceleration. The Polestar 2 strikes a better performing balance overall from early reviews.
Who is the Polestar 2 Performance Best Suited For?
Considering my objective analysis, the data shows Polestar 2 buyers should primarily come from the following consumer groups:
Performance-Oriented Drivers
Rewarding dynamic capability stands out as a Polestar 2 strength. For those who enjoy attacking backroads yet want daily drivability too, this EV delivers.
Eco-Conscious Early Adopters
Marrying sustainability, smart technology and safety satisfies progressive buyers. Polestar‘s vision aligns well with socially-aware consumers supporting the EV revolution through their dollars.
Pragmatic Enthusiasts
I expect a lot of sport sedan intenders to see Polestar 2 ownership as a prudent pivot. Why buy another ICE vehicle when electric driving appeals more across logical vectors? The Polestar 2 warrants close inspection by anyone seeking practical excitement.
Verdict After My Polestar 2 Performance Test Drive
In the final analysis, Polestar deserves applause for this deeply considered EV package. The Polestar 2 artfully incorporates hallmarks of the brand’s racing pedigree into such a usable fastback sedan form. Potent performance meshes with sustainable materials and emphasis on safety to yield a well-executed premium EV.
It offers a compelling alternative for the buyer seeking more than just blistering straight-line acceleration metrics. I truly enjoyed the spirited handling dynamics engineered into the 2 that could give pause to some iconic driver‘s cars. Yet it retains the modern amenities and range buyers demand from an everyday vehicle.
After scrutinizing dozens of electric vehicles the past few years, the Polestar 2 Performance stands among my top recommendations. It blends the strengths enthusiasts appreciate while appealing to pragmatic buyers through smart versatility. If you’re seeking an eco-conscious vehicle not asking you to compromise driving enjoyment, schedule a Polestar 2 test drive. I suspect like me, you’ll come away highly impressed.
