As far as EVs go, the Polestar 2 is one you can definitely buy if you have the cash. From its power-packed dual-motor performance to stylish fastback sedan exterior and interior looks, this Cat B S$280,000 electric car is top-notch. And best of all, it's got the range you need even with the base model. Our review unit was the performance dual-motor version, which features a 4.7s 0-100 km/h acceleration and 660Nm of torque. The electric motor's instant torque means its backs in the seats from the moment you push down on the pedal.
Quick specs
- 69kWh or 78kWh battery (single motor), 78kWh (dual motor), DC150 kW fast charging, 11kW AC
- 19-inch or 20-inch wheels
- Automatic trunk (405L) with knockdown seats, has a frunk (35L)
- 11.2-inch Google Android Automotive touchscreen with built-in LTE
- Buttonless start (just sit and press drive to go)
The S$238,000 standard single motor model (330Nm torque) isn't too shabby with a 7.4s 0-100 km/h. Range is great even on this base model, with a rated 478km. The S$248,000 long range single motor (78kWh) is 551km, while the dual motor is 487km. The actual range depends on how you drive. It will cost ~S$42 for a full charge. The onboard computer gave me an estimated 360km, but I can get more if I drive conservatively. However, it's so tempting to just press down on the pedal to quickly get up to legal speeds. EV Database lists the Polestar 2 at 19kWh/km. I got around 20.8kWh/100km, which is close. It's still a bit high compared to the very efficient Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2021). This efficiency is comparable to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, though. Top speed is 205km/h for the dual, and 160km/h for the single motor.
Polestar recommends charging the Polestar 2 to just 90% charge to protect the battery. The car supports 150W DC charging, which takes about 35 minutes from 10% to 80%. I went from 40% to 90% in about 1 hour using a 100W DC charger. There's also AC charging which takes around 8 hours. Onboard, the car runs Google Android Automotive. That means you don't actually need to use your phone. It also supports wired Apple CarPlay. You can download apps from the Google Play Store, but that's mostly limited to radio-ish apps. The default Polestar apps let you toggle the car settings, such as single pedal driving, regenerative levels, auto-hold, and toggle your parking camera settings on a huge 11.2-inch touchscreen.
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not
Speaking of which, there are certain add-ons you can buy. The S$5,600 Pilot lite pack adds blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, and 360-degree cameras for parking. These need to be configured in the factory, so it's not as simple as a software update. The Performance pack comes default with shiny 20-inch wheels, gold-coloured brakes, and seatbelts configurable suspensions for the dual-motor version. The car comes with comfortable heated vegan-mesh electric seats for the front. I like the electric bits, but the heated seats are redundant in our climate. The Plus pack comes default in all models and includes Harmon Kardon speakers, wireless mobile phone charging, panoramic roof, and more.
Credit: Aloysius Low/Can Buy or Not
On the inside, I loved the gorgeous panoramic glass roof. It's UV treated so the car doesn't get that warm in the outdoor sun. However, it's best appreciated from the back seat where you get the full view. I love the whole tactile feel the car has, from the signal switches to the interior panels. My driving experience was generally fun, though the reverse brake sensor is a bit too aggressive at times, stopping me when I had plenty of space while reversing. I really loved driving the car, and came away impressed. Alternatively, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (when finally available) could be a great option too. Book a test drive here.
Note: Review unit provided by Wearnes Automotive.
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