The Polestar 2 has been on the market for several years. As the brand’s second model after the exclusive Polestar 1, the MY2024 is much more than a mere facelift, introducing significant improvements in both efficiency and charging power—an area that was somewhat lacking in the previous version. The Polestar 2 MY25 promises to do even better.
Always attentive to build quality and safety technology (after all, we’re talking about the Volvo world), Polestar has managed to increase both efficiency and, in the single motor variant, also power, with truly incredible results.
Polestar 2 vs Polestar 2: who “wins”
The truth is that there isn’t a single winner, except for the Polestar 2 as a model. Since its launch, this car has matured significantly, maintaining its clean and elegant design while constantly updating its technology. Notably, the latest batteries have seen an incredible increase in efficiency, so much so that even the dual motor version, despite being more energy-consuming with its two electric motors and 421 horsepower, can cover more than 400 km at sustained and highway speeds, with lower consumption than even much more compact, lighter, and far less powerful electric city cars. Without neglecting its sporty nature, as is in its DNA, the Polestar 2 in these two models prioritizes comfort, with a well-calibrated suspension and safety ADAS that are never intrusive, yet function quite well. Even in the single motor version, which is still impressive with its 300 horsepower electric motor and highly appreciated rear-wheel drive, it offers customization options to make the driving experience a bit more engaging. The intended use then changes: the single motor is for those who want to stop as little as possible, while the dual motor is for those who want a bit more power without reaching the Performance version, which is not only more powerful but also stiffer. In short, that’s another story.
A Polestar in black
The test car is black, unfortunately. It’s not a bad color, as it gives this electric fastback a very elegant look, but it might make it seem a bit dull. There are other colors that suit it better, like the timeless Snow White, the unique Jupiter gold/beige of our last test, and my favorite, Midnight Blue.
In any case, the main change in the MY version concerns the front, with the grille being closed off to make it resemble the Polestar 3 more and to accommodate the new, more advanced ADAS system, proudly indicated by the camera and some writing beside it. There are also new wheel designs, with 19” Aero wheels as standard, like on our model, or the more refined 20” Pro wheels.
For those seeking maximum range, it’s better to stick with the 19” wheels, as they also ensure greater comfort.
Rear-wheel drive fun
The first of the two Polestars is the single motor long range. Compared to the previous version, it has a nice touch: the motor is positioned on the rear axle, making it rear-wheel drive, which significantly enhances driving fun and stability.
This is partly a safety measure—though it wasn’t lacking before—but also a performance one, bringing Polestar back to its roots of performance-oriented cars, a hallmark of its identity (Polestar was originally Volvo’s racing team, and its first car, the Polestar 1, was a dream hypercar).
Additionally, the single motor has received a performance upgrade, with the new silicon carbide inverter, and as proudly indicated on the side, the power is now 220 kW or 300 hp (previously it was 221 hp). While maintaining a comfort-focused drive, it also adds a sportier feel and reduces the impact of the battery’s weight.
The result is a quick car (torque has increased from 330 to 490 N/m, 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds), well-grounded and quite maneuverable, which, despite offering a high driving position thanks to its crossover stance, is actually a true fastback sedan, with a pleasant-to-grip steering wheel and incredibly quiet on the road. Additionally, even in this version, for fans of sportier driving, it is possible to deactivate the ESC, the only way to make it slide a bit.
What an impressive range!
The Polestar 2 MY24 also debuts a new 82 kWh battery, more modern and efficient in design. The range is astonishing: Polestar claims up to 655 km on the WLTP cycle, and the consumption figures support this. 655 km on a mixed cycle, which in urban settings with temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees are very realistic. In the city, consumption averages even dropped below 12 kWh per 100 km, with the range rarely decreasing.
Even on the highway, it’s exceptional: I used it to cover over 600 km round trip, moving between the Danish archipelago islands and its beautiful bridges.
It’s worth noting that speed limits in Denmark range between 110 and 120 km/h, rarely at 130. But even at these speeds, the average consumption with the Single Motor was between 14 and 16 kWh per 100 km, translating to a real highway range of over 500 km. This is fantastic because it greatly reduces the distances and allows you to stop when you choose, as I’m not the type to want to drive 500 km all at once.
Differences only under the hood
Towards the weekend, it’s time to switch to the dual motor, still long range, still with the 82 kWh battery, but with an additional motor and 421 hp. There’s also a Performance Pack, which boosts power to 476 hp and has a stiffer suspension, but also less range – and we hope to test it soon.
The writing on the sides is the only thing that, from the outside, differentiates the two Naturally, I was surprised when I saw that the car they gave me was visually identical to the previous one. Still black, still with the 19” Aero wheels, and even the same interior. The only thing that indicates it’s the dual motor is the 310 kW writing on the side, typical of all Polestar models, besides the different license plate. However, when seated, you realize there’s an extra motor under the seats, as the driving position is slightly higher than the other.
As mentioned, the dual motor can come with the Performance Pack, which includes more power, but also a stiffer suspension and Polestar’s signature yellow-ochre details, like the Brembo brake calipers or the seat belts. But you lose some comfort and efficiency, so I think these two variants remain the most suitable for fleets.
Fast and with Google
In any case, driving a Polestar means driving a car with build quality that is hard to find today, even in the premium segment. Wood, quality fabrics, even the plastics are well-finished, giving off a sense of solidity, the idea that you’re in a robust and safe car. This even applies to seemingly trivial things, like the sound of the door closing.
It’s just a pity for a few too many creaks during the drive, as well as the fact that everything is controlled from the central touchscreen, which, though intuitive, detracts from the sense of safety.
The OS is Android Automotive, with a Play Store that allows you to install many apps, including YouTube and Prime Video if you want to watch something while charging, and it comes preloaded with Google Suite, including a specially modified Maps for Polestar that also includes charging stations and can be displayed on the matte digital dashboard.
One thing you notice while driving is the increased acceleration, though the gap between the two has been reduced with the update. Here, 0-100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds, which is very noticeable in the fastest mode, which we might call Sport, making everything more enjoyable. The steering is also pleasantly stiff, almost like a sports car, another way to recall the brand’s origins.
However, the setup remains focused on comfort and efficiency. During 700 km trip, the Dual Motor surprised me, even in terms of real-world range: starting with 90% charge, usually recommended to preserve the battery, the first 320 km were not a problem. I covered them at a constant speed between 115 and 125 km/h without stopping, with a consumption of 19 kWh per 100 km (and it has two motors!) and a remaining range of 100 km, for a real-world highway range of 420-450 km.
I didn’t expect this, given the power, weight, and the fact that two motors are much more energy-intensive, but this also makes the Dual Motor suitable for fleets and people who travel a lot with car.
There’s only a winner: the Polestar 2 as a model
To conclude, the two cars differ very little: they have perfect and non-intrusive ADAS (just the semi-automatic pilot beeps a bit too much), excellent finishes, and good efficiency. While I would choose the renewed single motor, which doesn’t lack power but especially range, the dual motor is also a valid choice.
The first appeals to the more practical-minded, while the second to those who want almost jaw-dropping acceleration and a bit more performance. In any case, the “wow” effect for consumption figures is there.
