In updated Long Range Single Motor form it combines handsome, understated styling with a genuinely upmarket cabin and the sort of real-world range that makes everyday use feel straightforward.
This latest version delivers on the promise of the original car: strong efficiency, polished driving manners and a slick, Google-powered infotainment system, all wrapped in a shape that still looks fresh.
From the kerb, the Polestar 2 makes a quietly confident statement. The slightly raised ride height and hatchback tailgate lend it a hint of SUV stance, but the silhouette itself is crisp and clean, closer to a fastback saloon than a crossover.
The sharp LED “Thor’s Hammer” running lights and full-width rear light bar help it stand out in traffic without resorting to gimmicks.
Inside, the Swedish influence is clear. The cabin majors on sustainable materials, yet it feels genuinely premium. Charcoal WeaveTech upholstery avoids trying to pretend it’s leather, instead going for a modern, technical look that suits the car, while Black Ash trim adds a subtle warmth to the otherwise minimalist design.
The driving position is spot-on, the controls are logically laid out and there’s a reassuring sense of solidity to the way the switchgear operates.
Technology is one of its calling cards. The infotainment is powered by Android Automotive with Google Assistant and Google Maps built in, so if you already live in the Google ecosystem it feels natural from the first drive.
Recent updates have brought a faster processor, which means the 11-inch central screen responds promptly and maps, voice commands and apps run smoothly. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system fitted to this car is a genuine highlight: it brings clarity and depth that make long stints with music or podcasts more enjoyable.
Under the skin, the Long Range Single Motor uses a rear-mounted electric motor driving the back wheels and an 82kWh battery. Official WLTP figures now comfortably clear the 400-mile mark for range in ideal conditions, with real-world numbers on mixed routes sitting in the mid-200s and beyond if you stick to steady A-road and motorway running.
Rapid-charging capability of roughly 205kW on the bigger battery means a 10–80% top-up can be done in a little over half an hour at a suitably powerful DC charger.
Performance is more than ample for an executive EV. With around 295bhp, the Polestar 2 accelerates with a smooth, confident shove rather than the shock-and-awe launch of some performance-focused electric cars.
Rear-wheel drive gives it a reassuring balance, and the one-pedal driving mode, which ramps up regenerative braking when you lift off the accelerator, is adjustable, so you can tailor how much the car slows itself in town or on country roads.
Steering is consistent and can be set to different weights; whichever you choose, it makes the car easy to place on narrower roads.
Ride quality leans towards the firmer side of the class. On smooth motorway surfaces the suspension feels well tied-down, giving the Polestar 2 a stable, composed character, and through faster bends there’s very little body float.
Over broken B-roads, you are aware of the stiffness more than you would be in a softer-riding rival. It rarely tips over into uncomfortable, but buyers who prioritise a plush, wafting ride may prefer something more gently sprung.
In terms of practicality, the 405-litre boot with its wide opening makes loading straightforward, and the extra under-floor storage plus a small 41-litre front compartment are genuinely useful for smaller items. In the rear seats, the stylish roofline and relatively high floor mean taller passengers will find headroom and legroom adequate rather than generous; the central tunnel also makes sitting three-abreast a squeeze, so it’s better viewed as a comfortable four-seater than a regular five-adult car.
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and top speed of 127 mph
TRANSMISSION: Single‑speed reduction gearbox, rear‑wheel drive
POWER: 295 bhp and torque of 490 Nm
DC CHARGING TIME: ~35 minutes (10–80%)
PRICE: £49,160
