2023 Polestar 2 review: Stellar performer

Bit by bit, almost car by car, EVs are starting to make more sense. More sense that is, if you’re one of the lucky few blessed with off-street parking (and therefore guaranteed home charging) and a second car.

The Polestar 2 was always among the better examples of its ilk and this one, fresh from mid-life revisions, is perhaps the best yet. The lengths gone to are fairly amazing and reflect the rate of change in the EV world. Not only does it have a new, bigger battery, but different chemistry within it. In addition the Single Motor model has gone from driving the front to the rear wheels – yes, really.

For myself I couldn’t give two hoots about the lack of a 400-plus hp powertrain that the all-wheel drive models give, for it is plenty fast enough for this kind of car as it is. Of infinitely greater value is the claimed WLTP range of 406 miles. Of course that’s nonsense but it probably does mean 300 miles before you start looking for somewhere to charge. In the meantime you’re driving a svelte, attractive, comfortable and quiet family holdall with premium feel far in excess of what you might expect for the money. Polestar has even managed to keep the weight below two tonnes, which may not seem like much of an achievement, but is actually quite impressive by family EV standards.

Polestar has come on in leaps and bounds in the few short years it has been a fully fledged manufacturer. Polestars 3, 4 and 5 are expected next year. Don’t expect it to stop here. AF

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Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor

• Price £64,500
• Engine Front and rear electric motors, 82kWh battery
• Power 295bhp
• Torque 361lb ft
• Weight 1994kg
• Power to weight 148bhp per tonne
• Transmission Single-speed, rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 5.9sec
• Top speed 127mph
• Economy 406mpg (WLTP)
• CO2 0g/km
• Verdict As EVs go, a genuine star.