Polestar 2 Performance Test: You’ll like these changes

NOK 783,388 is a lot of money for the Polestar 2, but there’s also the Performance version with the Pilot, Plus and Performance equipment packages, as well as the Nappa upgrade for a total of NOK 196,425 extra.

If you spend NOK 154,913 instead, you’ll get the entry-level model, which now has rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive as before.

(last: After writing the article, the price of all long-range models has been reduced by NOK 50,000, which also saves VAT on cars costing more than NOK 500,000).

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– Real rawhide

So, you don’t get good performance, sportiness or accessibility, but better range. It will cover a full range of 655 kilometers with the large battery, while the test car will cover 542 kilometers.

That’s hard to do, especially if you drive it the way it deserves to be, and you should, because it’s real rawhide.

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The gauge indicated a range of 480 kilometers initially, but extended highway driving, active driving on country roads, climbing mountain passes and a final stop above the tree line wouldn’t have given us more than 333 kilometers had we had the battery running flat.

If you can add driving enjoyment, we’ll probably be able to achieve the WLTP number anyway.

If you drive well, as in NAF’s large-range test, the Polestar 2 was just 2.2 percent shorter than the WLTP figure and its 10 to 80 percent charge time took 32 minutes compared to the advertised 30.

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In the middle of the tree

The Öhlins shock absorbers still have to be manually adjusted in one of 22 positions and in 12, Polestar claims the car offers a good compromise between comfort and sportiness. We can confirm that, although it is neither a Rolls-Royce nor a Lamborghini.

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For normal, everyday driving on the highway, in the city and in queues, you’ll still feel comfortable in the good, electrically adjustable seats with heating, cooling, massage and delicious leather. The steering can be made stiffer in three stages for a more direct driving style, and three-stage regeneration is also optional, while the dampers feel comfortable on flat asphalt and potholed and gravel roads if you end up there.

However, when you use the pedals effectively, you’ll notice the changes and sportiness, primarily because all-wheel drive is now more rear-wheel drive. The 20-inch rear wheels are also wider than the front, adding rigidity for an extra rear-wheel-drive feel.

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The touchscreen is app-based, and is easy to figure out with a little practice, plus the fact that voice control works perfectly. Photo: Andreas Schell/FinanceAffairs

You still notice the forces moving forward and sideways when you provoke oversteer, while the ESP keeps you in your ears. ESP Sport allows you to have more fun, but on public roads you shouldn’t play too much.

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There’s a generous 479bhp or 350kW as before, while torque has been increased from 660 to 740Nm. It reduces acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour to 4.2 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 205. Unlike most other electric cars, the Polestar 2 does not have a driving program that allows you to choose the throttle response, but the correct response using the right foot does not leave There is no doubt that the response is good enough.

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The seats aren’t particularly sporty, but good adjustment, air conditioning and massage capabilities mean you should feel comfortable on board. Photo: Andreas Schell/FinanceAffairs

However, it is not a sports car and with a ground clearance of 15 cm and a weight of 2.1 tons, the laws of physics become strict, but if you stay on the right side of responsibility and risk, you will be able to have many enjoyable hours behind the wheel.

The risks are also reduced by the fact that the Performance version is equipped with ventilated and drilled Brembo brakes.

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The wide hips and narrow window at the top make the car look solid, especially from the rear. Photo: Andreas Schell/FinanceAffairs

Practical family car

As a family car, the car solves most tasks in an ideal way with a large electric tailgate with foot sensor, a relatively large and flexible luggage compartment with a 60/40 split rear seat back with ski hatch and a practical section that can be tilted higher. The front fascia allows you to bring a few extras in the front and a hatch slightly under the trunk in the back. Four large ones and one slightly smaller one should be able to thrive on a long trip, especially if everyone likes the same music on the 600-watt Harman Kardon system with 13 speakers.

Aside from the upgraded leather package, there’s plenty of wood, fabric and upholstery on board, but the hard, somewhat sharp edges drag down the center console and doors. The yellow seatbelts are a fussy detail, as is the stylish gearshift lever. The panoramic glass roof along the entire length of the roof and the quiet rear window respectively increase and decrease light.

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The dashboard can prioritize the map view, but also other simpler display models. In addition, the car has a head-up display. Photo: Andreas Schell/FinanceAffairs

The instrument cluster contains some information and optional display options, including navigation, while a head-up display lets you keep your eyes on the road.

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The app-based touchscreen has a myriad of features that take some getting used to, but it works well. Android Automotive with Google built-in makes voice control better than most.

Convenience systems such as adaptive cruise control, a rain sensor, auto-dimming high beams and a 360-degree camera are also available.

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You can feel like you’re sitting well, but the design, materials and function behind the wheel are good. Photo: Andreas Schell/FinanceAffairs

The design has been changed

On the outside, the grille has been replaced with a so-called SmartZone panel with radar, and the Pixel LEDs are once again equipped with adaptive high beams after semiconductor shortages during the pandemic. The numerous sensors and cameras bring the self-driving car to the second level, while the active and passive safety systems are first-class.

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The swept-back superstructure, the distinctive C-pillar and narrow window line, as well as the large wheel arches with large, solid edges contribute to the successful appearance. Photo: Andreas Schell/FinanceAffairs

At the end of the third quarter, Polestar sales in Norway fell by half compared to last year.

This upgrade for the Polestar 2 will probably be able to tempt many people, but at the same time many are waiting for the Polestar 3 SUV that will arrive next year.

Hard times and strong competitors, with the powerful Tesla at the forefront, don’t make it easy to sell cars on a daily basis either.

This article was previously published in Finansavisen engine.