Recently, I had the opportunity to rent a 2023 Polestar 2 Dual Motor from Hertz, providing a firsthand experience with this all-electric vehicle. As an owner of both a 2017 Volvo V90CC T6 Inscription and a 2019 S60 T6 R-Design, I approached this Polestar 2 review with a comparative perspective, using my Volvos as benchmarks. This particular Polestar 2 configuration lacked the Pilot Pack but was equipped with the Premium Harman Kardon audio system. Here are my detailed impressions, focusing on key aspects relevant to potential Polestar 2 buyers.
Disappointments: Blind Spot Monitoring and Audio System
My most significant disappointment with the Polestar 2 stemmed from the absence of Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). The lack of the Pilot Pack meant no BLIS, which was surprisingly noticeable and a major drawback given the limited rear visibility. In my opinion, a vehicle in this class should offer BLIS as a standard feature, irrespective of the chosen package. Even my older Volvo V50 and previous S40 models included BLIS. The Polestar 2’s rear visibility is indeed compromised, a well-documented issue, and the absence of BLIS exacerbates this concern, particularly during highway driving where blind spots become a significant factor. While the rearview camera performs adequately at lower speeds, it’s no substitute for proper blind spot monitoring at higher speeds. The absence of a 360-degree camera was also noted, though this is more understandable as an optional feature often bundled with advanced packages like Pilot Assist, which my Volvos possess and I appreciate.
(This image is a placeholder. Please replace with an actual image URL from the original article if available. Alt text: Polestar 2 rear view showcasing limited visibility, a common concern for drivers.)
Regarding the audio experience, the Premium Harman Kardon system, while marketed as an upgrade, fell short of expectations. Having the Bowers & Wilkins audio system in my personal Volvos sets a high bar, but even considering that, the Harman Kardon in the Polestar 2 was underwhelming. Despite extensive equalizer adjustments, the sound quality remained akin to a standard car radio, even when playing high-bitrate MP3s. The system lacked the clarity and depth I expect from a premium audio offering and was only comparable to the base audio in my 2009 Volvo V50, which ironically was also a Harman Kardon system. For audiophiles, this could be a significant consideration.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Despite these drawbacks, the driving experience of the Polestar 2 was genuinely enjoyable. In my assessment, it offered a superior driving experience compared to the Tesla Model 3. While it didn’t quite match the handling prowess of my S60, mainly due to the Polestar 2’s heavier weight, the handling remained very commendable. The steering feel, even after adjustments, was slightly heavier than my S60 but provided similar levels of road feedback. While some reviewers have critiqued the steering feedback in comparison to brands like Audi or BMW, I personally found it satisfactory. The acceleration was impressive. However, the standard single-pedal driving setting was too aggressive for my preference. Switching it to the “light” setting provided a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
(This image is a placeholder. Please replace with an actual image URL from the original article if available. Alt text: Polestar 2 dashboard and steering wheel, highlighting the driver-centric cockpit and controls.)
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Moving to the interior, the seats in the Polestar 2 offered comparable comfort to my Volvo vehicles, which is a significant compliment. I found them considerably more comfortable than the seats in the Tesla Model 3. The high center console, often mentioned in reviews, was not an issue for me personally. However, the cupholder design is indeed a point of concern and not befitting of a car in this segment. While some of the plastics used in the interior seemed similar to those in my S60, the overall presentation in the Polestar 2 felt less refined than expected for its class. The harder plastics in the S60 are positioned in less prominent areas, whereas in the Polestar 2, they are more noticeable.
Trunk space proved adequate for the luggage we carried on our trip – a large baseball bag, a large suitcase, and a couple of carry-on bags. However, I doubt whether a standard golf bag would fit in the trunk without folding down the rear seats. This could be a limitation for those who frequently transport larger items.
(This image is a placeholder. Please replace with an actual image URL from the original article if available. Alt text: Polestar 2 trunk space, demonstrating its capacity for luggage and highlighting potential limitations for larger items.)
Range and Charging
The range of the Polestar 2 was acceptable for my rental period. Before returning the vehicle, I utilized an Electrify America 135kW charger, and the charging process was seamless. It took 50 minutes to charge the battery from 35% to 90%. The final 10% increment, from 80% to 90%, did take a noticeably longer time, but this extra charge was necessary to meet Hertz’s 80% return requirement. Based on this experience, a rough estimate suggests a real-world range of over 220 miles. However, the charging time seemed slightly longer compared to my previous experiences with Tesla Model 3 charging.
Final Verdict: A Qualified Recommendation
In conclusion, I enjoyed my rental experience with the Polestar 2 and would consider renting it again. It’s a compelling electric vehicle that I would recommend to buyers whose needs align with its strengths. However, for my specific personal needs and preferences, particularly regarding trunk space and audio system quality, I would likely not choose it as a replacement for my S60. It’s important to acknowledge the comparison between a 60-series Volvo and a smaller Polestar 2 (which is positioned more as a 40-series equivalent). Even my older S40 T5 R-Design with its Dynaudio system better met my audio expectations than the Polestar 2. Nevertheless, when choosing between a Tesla Model 3 and a Polestar 2, I would unequivocally opt for the Polestar 2. I am now eagerly anticipating the Polestar 4 and hoping it addresses some of these shortcomings, especially by offering a truly premium audio system option. For those considering an electric vehicle in this segment, the Polestar 2 is definitely worth a test drive.
