2023 Polestar 2

There are no significant changes to the all-electric Polestar 2 sedan for the 2023 model year. Minor improvements to the range have increased practicality, while visual revisions see new paint colors, alloy wheel designs, and interior materials across this one-model range.

Polestar doesn’t offer trim levels on the 2, so your main buying decision involves a choice between the single motor EV model (priced at $49,800 including destination) or the dual-motor version that costs $3,500 more. There are three packages that can be fitted to any Polestar 2, costing between $3,400 and $5,500.

Unfortunately, a new requirement of the Inflation Reduction Act has disqualified the Polestar 2 from a $7,500 EV Tax Credit. The rule requires the final assembly of electric cars to be in the United States. However, the Polestar 2 may still be eligible for applicable state plug-in rebates in some parts of the country.

With no engines installed in the all-electric Polestar range, the 2 instead offers a choice of single or dual motors. The former generates 231 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, while the latter’s output rises to 408 hp and 487 lb-ft.

Fuel economy stands at an EPA-estimated 113 MPGe city, 100 mpg highway, and 107 combined, reflecting the fact that EVs work better around town than on the freeway. The dual motor’s figures drop to a (still highly impressive) 105/96/100 MPGe, while range is ten miles down on the single motor’s EPA-estimated 270-mile coverage.

Cargo capacity for the five-seater Polestar 2 stands at 14.3 cu ft with the rear seats in place, while there’s a further cubic foot of storage in a compact frunk.

Active high-beam headlights and adaptive rear LED lamps are notable safety features externally, while rain-sensing wipers augment front and rear park assistance. The rear-view mirror automatically dims, while the outside mirrors are frameless and retractable.

Pedestrians are alerted to this near-silent EV’s approach by audio warnings, and occupants are protected with inner-side airbags. Safety technology includes road sign information, lane-keeping assistance, oncoming lane mitigation, and even post-impact braking.

A 250-watt eight-speaker Volvo High Performance Audio system underpins the Polestar 2’s satellite radio system, complete with an under-hood air woofer. Polestar claims this is the first car sold with a Google infotainment system, including Maps-powered navigation and access to the Play Store.

Don’t panic, iPhone owners – Apple CarPlay is also standard. There are four USB-C connectors scattered around the cabin, while the 11-inch frameless portrait touchscreen can serve as a full-blown web browser.

Whether you choose a single or dual-motor configuration, your Polestar 2 will be delivered with a digital key that permits keyless entry and control over the foot-operated tailgate. Step inside, and two-zone climate cools a cabin equipped with embossed textile seats including power operation and heating in the front, plus electrically controlled four-way lumbar support. The electric tailgate has soft-closing, cruise control is standard, and it’s possible to precondition the interior thanks to parking climate with a sophisticated air filter.

There are three options packs available on any Polestar 2, starting with the $3,400 Pilot lite pack. Its nine features include cross-traffic alerts with braking support and blind spot information with steering assistance, adaptive cruise with highway lane steering, a 360-degree camera system and side parking assistance.

The $4,200 Plus pack focuses on luxury. A panoramic roof and high-level illumination brighten a cabin equipped with wireless phone charging and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, plus heating elements in the steering wheel and rear seats. Keen drivers may prefer the $5,500 Performance pack. Dual flow valve dampers and Brembo brakes are hidden behind 20-inch forged alloy wheels, while gold seatbelts match the brake calipers and valve caps.

Compare Polestar 2 Trims