The AA recently attended a preview of the new Polestar 2, and we sure were impressed by the amount of safety and style influence it has received from its parent brand - Volvo.
Both the models on offer meet the Government’s Clean Car Discount criteria. Therefore, demand for the new Polestar 2 has been incredibly strong to date. Their first shipment of 53 cars was almost sold out, with only eight models still available when we reviewed this stunning new car.
The Polestar 2 has an understated appearance for a battery electric vehicle (BEV), further demonstrated with the rear emblem purposefully displayed in the same colour as the body work. The only feature to differentiate the model’s EV performance is a simple small decal on the side of the vehicle, which customers can choose to easily remove if they choose to.
We can see a strong influence of Scandinavian design ethos, minimalism, and modernism.
Model overview
The Polestar 2 is the first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) made by Polestar, the Swedish electric performance brand. Designed as a premium vehicle within its segment, Polestar 2 was released in initial launch markets in 2020. It first arrived in New Zealand in October 2021.
The Polestar 2 comes in three powertrains. The model range is topped by the 300kW (408hp) dual motor variant with a large 78kWh battery pack, which is joined by two front-mounted single motor variants – available either with the same long-range battery and a 170kW motor, or a smaller, standard-range battery (69kWh) and the 170kW motor.
To improve accessibility, equipment packs have been designed to add value without plaguing the ordering process with too many single options. The packs are optional on some versions.
The Plus Pack
Includes high-level premium equipment:
- Full-length panoramic glass roof
- Premium Harman Kardon audio system with 13 speakers
- WeaveTech upholstery
- Black Ash deco panels
- Fully electric heated front seats with memory
- Heated rear seats, steering wheel, and wiper blades
- A Heat Pump
A Heat Pump?
Yes, it includes a heat pump. The heat pump reduces the need to use valuable battery capacity to prepare and sustain the cabin climate. It capitalises ambient heat, as well as residual thermal energy from the drivetrain, to reduce climatisation load by as much as 50%. In colder climates and most effectively between 5-15 degrees Celsius, as much as 10% can be gained in range. Constant development also means that future improvements and more significant gains can be deployed via OTA (Over The Air) updates.
The Pilot Pack
The Pilot Pack includes enhanced safety and driver assistance features:
- Pixel LED headlights with LED front fog lights
- Driver Assistance with Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist
- 360-degree surround view camera
- All-round parking sensors, and Driver Awareness including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support
- Cross Traffic Alert with brake support
- Rear Collision Warning
Performance in mind
Polestar have committed to making the Polestar 2 a fun-to-drive EV, the Performance Pack is available for the dual motor variant. This adds adjustable Öhlins Dual Flow Valve dampers, four-piston Brembo front brake callipers, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels and bespoke Continental SportContact™ 6 tyres.
A handful of single options remain available, including ventilated Nappa leather upholstery (requires Plus Pack), metallic paint and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a car
- AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
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- AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
- AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts
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