2024 Polestar 2 Dual Motor | Review & Road Test
For the latest Polestar 2 pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/polestar/2/
The Polestar 2 comes from a company rich in racing heritage and forever attached to the Volvo brand as the ones who made their performance cars. They've since branched out to become a pure EV car company and we're reviewing their second production car, the Polestar 2. #KBB
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00:00 2024 Polestar 2
00:33 Powertrain options
00:44 Pricing
01:21 Driving impressions
04:29 Interior impressions
06:33 Adaptive Cruise Control
08:42 Interior Design
09:43 Range and Charging
10:46 Competitors
11:34 Exterior impressions
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A little side note about the state of Polestar. Volvo pulling out was just Geely moving money around. Both brands are owned by Geely. Volvo will still collaborate with Polestar in many areas. Polestar also just last week secured 1 billion dollars in funding on their own from third parties as well as had a 10.3% increase in their stock price. They're doing fine.
They had a 40% drop in sales 1Q.....that's not good
I think there's a big misunderstanding on the whole volvo pulling out thing. Geely owns volvo, Geely also owns Polestar. I think what was done is that they restructure ownership (basically removing volvo as the middle man) to make Volvo balance sheet not be dragged down by the cost of developing a new car. It's still owned by the same people either way.
There is a home button for the infotainment system at the bottom of the screen. Please don't misinform people.
Screen grab of where. Was in that car for four days and only found the app page. Would love the info.
@lynwoodward9156 4:34 the white horizontal line at the very bottom of the panel, below the Google Play Store icon. It's a capacitive touch button. If you weren't vibing with it, that home button is unlikely to have changed your review.
Definitely messed around with that part of the screen and I don’t recall it taking me back to a “Home Screen” or even back to the previous one. The closest I eventually got to simple was the four buttons that takes you to the app page then I could get back to CarPlay. But that was always at least two steps. Perhaps if it’s set up differently? My point was that it didn’t feel intuitive or simple. If there was a short cut bar up at the top (it looks like there is but it never worked when I pressed those small icons) that would help. When I test systems I have a routine. If it takes me more than 15 minutes to initially figure out the flow to me that’s a problem. Perhaps to someone else it works well. Our brains all operate differently. As always this was my opinion. And in my video I definitely said I am routing for them. I think it’s a beautiful car and a fun drivers car. But for several reasons I think they’ve got an uphill climb. Appreciate the constructive discourse. I’m always open to being a better car reviewer. My intention is to help people make complex and expensive decisions. So thanks for chatting.
@lynwoodward9156 for sure. Even if you had a bad home button, I don't think you missed anything from that that'd change your review. I definitely look forward to your stuff, and I like seeing negative-for-cause takes on big buying decisions. Thanks!
Yep. She's just not seeing the button. It is there as you describe. Also, when she's complaining about changing the temperature she also doesn't see the +- buttons to the left and right of the temperature setting. No need to go to the detailed view.
Honestly buying one of these used for $30k is the bargain of the century
just did this
I agree that $30k is a good price... but I'm holding out for under $25k to get the $4k used tax credit.
@@emoney9931 lol u can find them out there... Especially if you are willing to nab a high miler base model
@@emoney99314k incentive?
Bought one for 26.500!!
This qualifies for a review that should #RTFM. The suspension is stiff? Did you know that car has an adjustable suspension? Did you check to see if the prior reviewer might have adjusted it to a stiffer seeing? The car display doesn't have a "home" button? Did you try tapping that white sliver strip so prominent on the bottom of the display? The menu system is complicated? Have you tried the "Hey Google..." command to quickly and easily change settings (like climate control)? Only one model offered? Then 2 minutes later you use Polestar stock footage that includes the Polestar 3 and comment on the beauty of Polestar.
Love the Polestar/Volvo design. But the centre console is such a waste of legroom. It feels very cramped for a taller person. Put a gearshift stalk on the steering column. And that single cupholder is in the worst spot ever. Do what the Ioniq 5, Model 3 or Model Y does. So much nicer to have so much space in those. If Tesla can create so much passenger and cargo space in their similarly sized Model Y then WHY can’t anyone else?! What’s so difficult about it!
Agree. I rented one, and the kneeroom bugged me until I got the seat dialed in, but the shifter location is using a ton of space that could have been used to make better cupholders and cubbies. Do that, then move those USB-C ports into the center console. The Volvo C40 and XC40 are on the same platform and did so much better there.
The Polestar and the Vovos C40 and XC40 are based on an ice Plattform.
@@stefanfalldorf6573 Right. The CMA platform. If you want a bespoke platform opt for the Polestar 3 and 4. The Polestar 2 was made from the Volvo Concept 40.2. It was originally intended as a Volvo sedan version of the XC40.
The home button is right at the bottom of the screen, super easy to use, there is even a light.
My biggest issue with the Polestar 2: the cabin space is so cramped. Lyn is smaller than me, but as someone with broad shoulders and 6’1, it sucks. I actually had signed for a lease on one two years ago but cancelled last minute after test driving a few other EV sedans. I hope polestar well, but it’s just not compelling for the price
The Polestar 3 and 4 have a ton of cabin space. That's rectified. I think Polestar putting in the big center console gives it an impression of less space. Plus it isn't as tall as the XC40, it's sister car it is based on.
Had mine for over a year now, no regrets
Anyone used the rear seat?????
@@user-td8ig7yb7b Yes, I have even used it (6'). Not roomy, but sufficient. My daughter and friends (16) are fine too.
@@user-td8ig7yb7b yes, had adults back there a few times. No one six foot tool, but they were ok
I love the look of the car, is the cost and range an issue?
Buy a used 2022 AWD version for basically 40% off MSRP to save on cost. The range of 200 miles at freeway speeds (with 10% reserves) is plenty for daily driving or the occasional longer trip. Polestar gets access to Tesla Superchargers starting summer 2024 via an adapter.
Polestar drivers are aggressive? Not compared to Tesla owners who don't seen to know anything about safe distances. They either cut you off at speed or suddenely jump in front of you with no gap for safety but other EVs drivers seem to careful including those in the Polestar.
The model you are driving only charge up to 150 kw, not 205kw. And the tunnel is not for transmission. It is for the battery since it is not a skateboard platform. There is an attachment to the glovebox for cupholder for passenger. Some other misinformation has already been addressed.
Regarding the OS - I'm a self-defined Apple fanboy. I think Apple CarPlay is the best thing that's happened to car tech - ever. My wife recently leased the Volvo C40, which is the same car platform as Polestar 2 and uses the same Android OS (albeit with a different UI layout). It does have CarPlay so I was like, "OK, this will work out." Guess what, you don't need CarPlay. The Android OS works very well. I've had zero complaints with it. It's just as easy and intuitive as Apple CarPlay and just as integrated (even more so when it comes to navigation and charging). Just my 2 cents. I see no issues with the Android system.
Dang. That sun visor really got under Lyn's skin. LoL.
I drive a lot. Don’t like a burnt face. Go figure!
@@lynwoodward9156 LoL. Don't blame ya!
Has she driven Volvos? The sun visor don't extend in any of them. The sun visors are straight out of the Volvo XC40.
Great review Lynn!!😊😊
Is it possible to use Spotify, google maps without connecting your phone? I thought it has those apps built in like Tesla
Yes. Spotify and google maps are there.
The Clean Vehicle Credit is actually $7,500 versus $8,500 according to the Polestar website/cost calculator.
The one she's driving looks to be the Dual Motor with Performance Pack trim level with 455hp (versus 416hp). And as of 2/16/24 the online price for the car she's driving is $69,650.
I love it when I can rent a polestar and drive it. It’s my favourite by a MILE. Having said that… …that backseat ceiling is crazy low lol. It’s my only complaint from an otherwise (imho) perfect car.
I’ve test driven the Polestar 2 twice and really want to like the car more than I do. It drives fantastic and looks stellar, but it’s got a very cramped interior and doesn’t work very well for families.
The UI is one of the best in any car available. There are a home button, and there is common among owners to ditch Apple carplay since Google Automobile is so good. The thing with Volvo and the ownership is a papper exersice. Geely owns polestar, and Volvo. Only thing changed is that Volvo now will not be affected in their finansial numbers by Polestar. Geely are big and isn't going to ditch Polestar sometime soon. Charging from 10-80% takes 28 minutes and not 40 minutes. (In the old one it takes 35-36 minutes.) Also, not a sedan. Cross ower between a hatchback and a SUV but with a smooth profile. Still it's pretty high, and have a ground clearance that is a bit higer than ordinary cars.
Excellent video Lyn!😸
It’s a shame how one persons video with minimal time with a vehicle is going to harm the sales results of the vehicle.
I’m not that influential. Besides, when I say good things about cars people think I’m bought. It’s always my opinion and I’m very clear about that. Certainly was in this video. The person who matters is the buyer. I’ve had cars in my life other people have railed on and I loved them. Find someone who has similar tastes as you and lean into them. I drive hundreds of cars and know them all pretty well. Don’t trust me? I’m not offended in the least.
@@lynwoodward9156 I have had P2 for a year and I think you mostly nailed pretty well. Only thing I strongly disagree is the critics towards infotainment. When you find the home button and understand the logic, it is really simple and easy to use. Especially I like the fact that most of the touch points are big enough and easy to hit. For me it is one of those UIs/UX experience where you do not miss physical buttons. I have BST version and driving dynamics is crazy good. Also super fun to driving on snowy winter roads here in Finland.
Nice review, I think lots of people like me have zero interest in a Tesla, I like the interior and outside, shame its so jacked up, sporty character is appealing, not cheap though, like everything these days.
Kudos to Lyn for addressing the company's precarious financial state.
I've seen this take, but I don't get it. There was a restructuring. Geely owns Volvo. Polestar went from being under Volvo to being directly under Geely. This was at the same time that Polestar was shipping their first Polestar 3 cars and opening the order books for the 4, both of which are also further removed from Volvo's engineering and design.
Geely owns Volvo and Polestar. It was just a simple shift of debt and responsibility out from under Volvo's division. Better for Volvo shareholders but doesn't limit overall investment or design sharing. They have had one car for sale for the last 4 years, so just like Tesla did in the early days, it's tough to turn a profit quickly. With the 3 and 4 coming, it'll be in much better shape I have a '22 Polestar 2 dual motor with 20 inch wheels, and absolutely love it. Would get another Polestar without hesitation.
@@legerdemain The Polestar 3 isn't removed from Volvo engineering and design. It basically is a sister car to the Volvo EX90. It's on the SPA2 platform and uses direct consoles and materials that are in the Volvo (except Polestar has retained leather and Volvo has completely got rid of it). Volvo and Polestar are still very much connected. They share personnel. Volvo will service Polestars at select delearships. Volvo will build the Polestar 3 at the Volvo factory in South Carolina, USA. And they'll continue to share in sustainability efforts, safety software and a lot more. Polestar is not in a precarious financial situation right now. Geely is 100 percent behind them.
Half-baked ADAS system is a definite NOPE from me.
Had no problem with our 2024 v60 and pilot drive.
You're a true entertainer
This kind of body is called "liftback". J for Journalism.
rofl, the ui is literally the easiest to use. blows my mind when people have issues using it.
I thought it was extremely easy to use as well.
@@benjaminsmith2287 I once had to read through someone commenting that they couldn't figure out where to adjust the steering sensitivity. As if the car icon wasn't staring them in the face.
Really Lynn just use a short cable for your iphone
Nice review! Well except for the whole part about being an Apple user. :-) I think the interface is not a weak spot but that is just me. A mixed bag of a car for sure. I am more in the Hyundai/Kia camp for this price.
Of course it's definitely subjective, and Lyn absolutely acknowledges that this is her POV. Some people might love it! Always good to test for yourself.
There's NOTHING complex about the OS. And there IS a home button. How can someone not understand how to work it? It's the best car OS in existence. Who would want to use Apple Maps? LOL. Sheesh.
Interesting how so many people can have differing opinions, right? Thanks for the insightful comment.
How many cars didn't have android auto but only car play and don't get as much hate? Just one sentence and they move on.
Good lease car
Door handles. Say no more. 😂
I love it how this car, my car, repels clueless iOS users.
Who uses apple map...😮
Lyn does. Better than Google (according to her, of course).
The key word here is "lease". Have your fun with it and then give it back. If Polestar is still around and you like it at the end of the lease the next one will be better and hopefully have the NACS socket to charge it. Beautiful seat belts, more automakers should offer color ones.
Polestar isn't going anywhere. As for the seat belts, check out a Volvo XC60 or S60 Polestar. They have the same "Swedish gold" belts. These are only in the performance versions, not the regular Polestar (or Volvo). It's not a style thing more than a performance trim thing.
So you were frustrated because you're inept at adopting new operating systems?
😂😂😂
888 views so far. I’m 889 😀. And 12th comment. Not that any of this matters! 😂
I see you.
I hope the brand gets funding to survive....if not.. it is absorbed into another viable brand. More players will make the EV market better. The gap between Tesla and other will be filled by some EV maker...it may be someone you've never heard of...that used to be called something else.
This brand is not under any danger of being absorbed into anything. Polestar is fine. This stuff about their financial difficulties is way overblown.
There is no engine noise gas car are the best
Why don't you ever say the 0-60 time? You should do that on every review.
We don’t test. And if those times aren’t published by the automaker we don’t guess. 😊
Sedan? It seems like a fastback SUV.
It’s a liftback/5dr sedan like a Model S .
At the beginning of the video, she does say both sedan/hatch, but the styling is a bit deceiving. And it's definitely marketed not as an SUV. It's rather low to the ground, not that most crossovers are all that raised anymore. The lines certainly are blurred especially in the EV space when aerodynamics play such an important part of efficiency.
It is not raised but the body seems too tall for a classic sedan. Maybe a crossover is a better aproach.
It's a 5 door hatchback.
If, than a CUV.
I don't understand the sedan design
It looks like a Lego Volvo
I've noticed a lot of Polestar drivers are really aggressive. Had no idea they have over 400 hp to play with. I guess I kinda know why now.
That instant torque feels empowering.
The federal tax credit when leasing is $7500, not $8500. If anyone is actually interested in this car, look at the used prices, the resale value is poor so you can get a good deal used.
Polestar offers a $8500 tax credit. Not everyone qualifies. media.polestar.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/675591/polestar-introduces-polestar-flexible-lease-program-in-united-states
I don’t like the background music
It only had nice things to say about you. 😊
Interesting that my comment was "somehow" deleted.
We never delete comments. Unless they're sexist or racist. Then we happily delete them. Let us know what the comment was.
Go to the canyon and run out of battery lol
Definitely a consideration.
This is sad. I had high hopes for Polestar.
Nothing sad about it. It's an amazing car.
Get an Android
Love how she complains about it too, there are a bunch of companies that only use apple and forgo Android all together..where are the complaints? And the maps? Just use Google maps. It was right there in view in one scene...lok. I'm not saying the ux is amazing but that complaint is such a faux pa. Other than that it was a good review.
Hmmmm, Healthy Criticism, is it? Not sure someone should have to buy a whole new phone that doesn’t communicate with their computer just to accommodate a car’s UX. Maybe a better idea is for a car company hoping to sell a lot of cars to a lot of people (many of which are Apple users) to consider them a little more. But hey, as I say constantly in the video, just my opinion. Test it for yourself when you go shopping for your EV.
@@hawkzors89I complain about them, too! Equal opportunity complainer here.
@@lynwoodward9156 lol.. you realize most of the world uses Android correct? I get where you're coming from, it's lazy and irresponsible for a company to create such crap software but that's such a little annoying thing to complain about. She was staring at a maps app on the screen while complaining that she couldn't pull up apple maps and mirror it to the car. I don't want to start an apple vs Android thing but the USA is so stuck on that it's silly. At least it gives you the option to get apple car play on it, where's Tesla at with their shit ux?
Personally I think Polestar made a huge marketing mistake when they launch Polestar 2 2024 version Q3 last year - They should have set MSRP at $51400 then gives "$7500 credit on-the-house" (since P*2 doesn't qualify it) to bring it to effective MSRP $43900 for RWD 320mile version. That will be positiones right in the middle split Model 3 RWD and Model 3 LR-AWD! Both of them doesn't qualify for credit...
Better than Model 3? Absolutely. Hoping the collapse of the Tesla market will drag the prices of these used down just a bit more
"The safety features can kill you if the road makes a turn it doesn't like, so that's not one of my favorite things". Talk about a soft review!
Definitely not a direct quote, but it's a good reason to always pay attention.
@@kbb You want a quote, it's from 6:24 to 7:08, where she describes two ways the car's driver assist acts in a dangerous manner, and concludes: "this one is not one of my favorites". KBB is losing credibility with every video, and your reply just demonstrates why.
If they called it Volvo it would have been successful
Some people in world use android
You're 100% correct. And some don't.
Something in this review seems odd. Just makes me uneasy. 🤔
Don’t buy new 🆕 I just sold my 23 PS2 and best I could do on dual long range is $35k !!!
This ...was actually a perfect review. I've had this car for months now and I absolutely love it. But I am performance oriented. Some people pointed out some small things that are absolutely irrelevant to me that she mentioned as well. But when I came across a group of about a dozen Porsche's heading for the Eiffel (Germany) I was MORE than capable of sticking to that group semi-racing. I could've overtaken some as well. And that's in a Chinese Volvo... As for the Apple thing, that's on you. I would rather frenchkiss a plague infested fucking gargoyle with leprosy than EVER buy an Apple product. So it's a non-issue.
Great video 😊 no stars for Polestar. 60k vehicle with bad infotainment, nothing to cover the sunroof, frunk and boot space too small
"Bad infotainment?" It's the best there is.
Pretty much everything can be done by voice for driver so you don’t need to push buttons. Research before you talk. Ugh
Oooooof. You can get so much more on cars like Toyota with their limited trims. Luxury cars aren’t worth it anymore.
Yeah, but my RAM v8 Hemi gives me over 500 miles highway driving on one tank. Batteries blow up cause fires that can't be extinguished and lose power if not constantly charging. Also, the batteries lose lots of power in cold weather when we're blasting the heat, defrost, heated seats, and heated steering wheel. Battery-powered vehicles take too long to recharge, and it's difficult to find recharge stations throughout the entire North & South America. Service mechanics are also rare.
I loved how the first generation Polstar looked. But THIS? This is yet another Chinese copy of a copy.
This is totally designed in Sweden and the top designer is Austrian. People need to get off of their anti-China biases and at least do some research before commenting.
Why keep picking up your phone to make your point. We get it…. You aren’t teaching a kindergarten class
Please don't lose any sleep! 😉
If you read most of the comments I’d beg to differ! 😂
Lyn, hate to be a jerk, but you mispronounced respite. 🤐 Also, if Volvo owns Polestar, how can they pull their financing?
We hate that you were a jerk, too! (Sorry, you teed it up for us). Volvo doesn't own Polestar. They had a 46% stake in the company and now it's 0%. Polestar is owned by a Chinese holding company.
Then don’t be.
@@kbbthat company is Geely and they own Volvo as well. Polestar just went from Volvo to their mothers company.
@@kbb They had a 49.5 percent and now they own 18.8 percent. There is no difference in Polestar's relationship with Volvo outside of financial backing. Geely owns about 78 percent share of Volvo Cars, they don't own 100 percent of Volvo.
Tesla is the best car company ever no gas stations no oil changes no smog check no corrupt dealerships no catalytic converter no dealer mark up above MSRP
Polestar is a Chinese company. As is Volvo now.
Volvo is a swedish company owned by a chinese. Frightliner or Western Star are american companies owned by a german.
@@stefanfalldorf6573 yah Chinese. Most of the money goes to China. I suppose the consolidation is that the software isn’t Chinese so the CCP isn’t able to spy on you.
@@stefanfalldorf6573 Correct. Also, Polestar is just as Swedish as Volvo is. It is an offshoot of Volvo. People saying either are Chinese are spreading misinformation and are woefully uninformed.
SOOO GLAD VOLVO PULLED OUT. My god, The UX. Said ti drive thru a read light,. I sent this to Polestar, they blamed me for not paying atttention, I said no: you either fx this, or i go public. (she then sent to all departments, ping me if Auto drive (car infront then drive) feature is fixed or recalled. And Nice borderless mirrors, but then the to anroid touchscreen. lmao
Sorry I bought a Tesla because it's future proof. Unbelievable how I said that it's future proof. Thanks.
Just get a Tesla
Not everyone wants a Tesla. I don't. Nothing against Tesla ownersor cars but I am against annoying people promoting Teslas that think everyone should have one. Tesla's are great in some areas, but in other areas, other vehicles are better (refinement, handling, build quality, etc.). Depends on what your priorities are.
Polestar, shame on you!!
Exactly what i expected from a woman review... All non valid or false critiques