Review by Veeno Dewan
Polestar is a Swedish premium brand competing with the likes of Tesla and Audi, with a focus on quality, performance, and cabin design. We were lucky to gain a test drive in the new Polestar P2 Crossover, an arresting All- Electric fastback-style five door hatchback with hints of Volvo in the design language For 2024, the Polestar P2 EV has mild revised styling touches, new electric motors, faster charging, and more as standard features. The 2024 Polestar 2 now has a rear-wheel drive biased for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version. The previous traditional-style grille is replaced with a solid horizontal “SmartZone.” Panel.
There is also more interior and exterior design options such as fresh paint colors, new wheel designs, ventilated Nappa leather or vegan derived upholstery, Light Ash wood trim, removable sunshade for the panoramic glass roof, Advanced cabin filter and upgraded interior particulate matter sensor and new in-car apps are also part of the package.
There are two versions of the Polestar P2 in terms of drivetrain with new electric motors. The dual-motor model as tested features a combined 408 horsepower and all-wheel drive with extremely fast acceleration. Those dual motors put out a combined 421 hp, along with 546 lb-ft of torque wit ha zero to to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The dual-motor version uses a 78-kWh battery with 155 kW charging speed and is rated with driving range of 444 km with 19-inch wheels; 428 km with 20-inch wheels; and 397 km with the Performance pack’s performance tires. The optional Performance Pack offered to the Dual Motor models offer increased horsepower bumping to 476 hp, along with flashy gold painted Brembo brake calipers, and special Öhlins Dual Flow Valve adjustable shock absorbers and gold cosmetic seat belts and accents here and there.
All Polestar 2 models have a 907-kg (2,000-lb) tow rating. The Polestar features a 78-kWh battery that allows 155 kW DC fast charging. Recharge times 10 to 80 per cent in an impressive 35 minutes.
Canadian pricing for the 2024 Polestar P2 Single Motor starts at $57,450, including the $2,300 destination fee. The Polestar 2 Dual Motor starts at $65,450, including the destination and adds adaptive cruise control, emergency front and rear braking, and LED fog lamps . Both models are eligible for the full $5,000 federal rebate, along with up to $4,000 in British Columbia.
The Polestar interior also smacks of high quality Scandicool Volvo. A fixed panoramic sunroof makes the light interior even more airy and there is a fairly roomy cabin overall. The front area features a fully-electrically adjustable heated seats with lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and a gamut of tech features accessed by the 11-inch portrait touchscreen. There is the same neat, minimalist, style dash, with few hard controls or buttons. The touchscreen operates and adjusts most functions.
The Polestar is truly green too, and features eco technology such as recycled materials in interior textile surfaces. Technology is high with an Android based Automotive operating system, Google Play and Google Assistant integration and the 13-speaker Harman Kardon Premium sound system. The rear is beautifully finished with comfortable seats and the Polestar offers 405 liters of cargo space, including the additional 41 liters under the false floor. cargo space in the trunk. Space expands to 1,070 litres when the rear seats are folded. The 2024 Polestar 2 is rated to tow 3,000 lbs.
On the road, the 2024 Polestar P2 has the typically intoxicating instant acceleration of all EVs from a standing start. It is very fast, with blinding acceleration thanks to the dual motor AWD setup. The drive modes include a regenerative braking mode, which can be set to coast or maximise charge with one-pedal driving which is nicely calibrated. The steering is also well weighted and nicely progressive along with fine handling. There is good traction when accelerating in all conditions. Suspension errs to soft although the Performance Pack equipped version with the bigger tires rides a little firmer. Overall, there is a nice balanced feel to the Polestar 2 on the road. There are some downsides, its not super agile and the Dual motor model packages are pricy. The single motor is a good compromise, Also some may find the all black, hard -edged interior design a bit spare and severe in execution.
Still the Polestar P2 is a premium hatchback that can stand against rivals such as the Tesla Model 3, Audi Q4 E-Tron, and Volkswagen ID.3. If you like Volvo’s you will not be disappointed with the Polestar. It is a cut above the competition for sure.
2024 Polestar P2 Dual Motor – Priced from $56,250, including the $2,300 destination fees. Options extra.
More info at www.polestar.ca
