2023 Polestar 2 review (inc. 0-100 & autonomy tests): Time to ditch the Model 3? 

So much better looking compare to tesla

I agree Paul, it's embarassing that basic features that other $60k+ cars have as standard are hidden behind option packs. Radar cruise and reversing cameras should be standard on every car - in fact a $25,000 Hyundai Kona base model rental I had earlier this year had both...

Owned my long range single motor for 9 months (no extras packs). Not a single problem with the car. Came from a 2009 Outlander so the change was amazing with regards comfort and driving, but it was an easy transition thanks to the driver display and minimal driving extras. Once you get used to one pedal driving (5 minutes), you just get in and drive. Really happy and not missing the extras since I never had them in a car previously.

Polestar Design is absolutely gorgeous but I wish you didn’t need to pay extra for safety technology it’s like 2023 and it should be included in any models you buy.

I took delivery of my new Long Range Single Motor MY23 Polestar 2 back in Oct 2022 with no packs, but got the tow bar and roof racks. I love every moment driving it as it is so quiet, smooth and refined. I have only spent 55 cents on charging so far and have enjoyed not paying a cent more for petrol. I am averaging 16.5 kWh / 100 km so far after driving over 1,700 km, which is better than the claimed economy. I think this set up is perfect for me. I am 169 cm tall and find the front and rear seating comfortable. I wish the manual seat recline knob was electrically operated too. I was not bothered by the rear transmission hump as no 5th centre-seated paasenger has complained about it so far. Would have loved the heat pump and blind spot monitoring to be included standard and just missed out on the pixel LED headlights due to the chip shortage as it was taken out of the Pilot Pack. I liked the idea of the packs to give the buyer the choice to configure the EV cheap enough to get both the Gov't Rebates or just the Stamp Duty exemption. Polestar Servicing needs to improve dramtically as a got a fault on my front lights blinking whenever the EV was unlocked. It took 3 weeks but Polestar took care of me with a fully optioned loan car. They are trying to sign on more Volvo Dealerships to support Polestar in servicing their EVs. The free road servicing is great and with a press of a button on the above console you are connected to Polestar Service instantly. They have this service linked with NRMA who came out and they are so reliable. Polestar Servicing Team still needs to grow in skills and be more punctual to attend committed appointments and I suspect the communication within Polestar departments are not perfect initially, which you expect for a new start up company but I hope they improve in time. All in all, I do not regret buying a Polestar 2 and recommend it to anyone over old looking Teslas and retro looking Ioniq 5's. The Polestar 2 is a stunning EV to look at and so enjoyable to own and fun to drive,

I own a Tesla Model 3. Do not buy a car with a glass roof which does not have sufficient retractable insulation. In ANY car with a glass roof in Summer, the glass gets dangerously hot, roasts your head and wastes energy on AC, in winter it’s cold and wastes energy on AC. Glass rooves are a total gimmick and are being sold as luxury upgrades.

In regards to your arm not fitting in the back to open the door. You should always use the hand furthest from the door. It allows you to look for anything coming (eg other cars or bikes) before opening the door. Very common design feature. And common practice in Europe.

Nice to see the Polestar review come back to the channel .. yep I viewed the first one .. now @Paul Maric FWd or RWD..LOL

I've never heard you say 'a little disappointing' so much Paul ... great and detailed review. What a shame it's so compromised, I love the styling!

There was so much online hype comparing the Tesla M3 with the Polestar that I took it so seriously putting every attribute side by side when choosing my first EV mid of last year. I declare upfront that the Polestar 2 was my final pick and some of what Paul said was true now that I am driving one for 2 months and have clocked more than 2K kms.. First of all, I think the 2 cars have enough differences to not be a killer of each other. Most obvious factor, is the M3 is a 4 door sedan with a regular trunk while the P2 is a lift back.. This feature alone is enough to cater to very distinct user groups. Performance and efficiency are also different with the M3 being objectively more superior - it boils down to one's preference for more conventional features such as dashboard, gear knob, framed windows, boxier shape vs a sportier, curvier or roundish and less conventionally stacked vehicle. Another distinction is the slightly taller ride of the P2 that offers better road visual command without sacrificing an arm on aerodynamics. The infotainment is also a world apart and again it's between the more familiar Android experience (though it's Android Automotive) vs proprietary User Interface (that is packed with cool features & frequently updated) - I chose the former mainly because the font size is ridiculously big to see and access easily even when driving on bumpy roads. I would pick the M3 any day for a sporty sedan with cool tech... but find myself in the other camp because I needed to move a small family in a vehicle with a more generous access to the trunk for bicycles and occasional runs for long items. As far as EV's are concerned, there aren't many alternatives today that has a reasonable drag coefficient that is a lift-back, with higher ground clearance and still preserves sedan-like handling dynamics..

Good review, but I really don't understand the Model 3/Tesla killer type reviews. Why can't both happily co-exist (along with 30 odd other EV choices currently available in Australia). The real key is, will this car convince fossil car drivers across to the EV platform. Not everyone likes the Model 3, Model Y or Nissan Leaf for that matter. Surely there's room for more P2s, M3s, Attos, Cupras, Ioniqs etc on Aussie roads?

Grocery bag holder in the boot! Pretty useful - my most hated thing while driving is bags and bottles shifting around the back.

Brilliant car, I drove one while in NZ great alternative to the model 3 and top notch build quality. 2:40 the dealership will replace the sticker when a power upgrade is purchased.

Door stickers were removed at the same time as the emissions sticker from the windscreen. Dual motor performance upgrades come with new stickers and the old ones are removed with a simple hair dryer.

A month into owning a P2 Dual Motor with the Pilot Lite pack. Loving it. I would absolutely insist on Dual Motor for anyone considering the car; puts a smile on the dial at every traffic light or overtake. After driving the P2 and the Model 3, the P2 felt a lot more "normal car" and less "iPad you can drive", and was significantly less intrusive on spirited driving on fun roads. Look forward to your thoughts on the P3 when it lands. It adds the all-important 2-way charging capability. Also you missed the "Curry Hook" which folds out from inside the glovebox. Game changer for getting takeaway home without risking the seat.

Thank you for your great review. I have had a Tesla model 3 and a Tesla model Y. Now I have a 2023 Polestar 2. It is my favorite! Hands-down! The fit and finish, the looks, and the feel of the drive is the best. Solid, chunky beauty.

Refreshing to see Paul M actually call out some of shortfalls with the Polestar 2. I have spent a fair amount of time in one and noted the exact same issues, comparative lack of storage for an EV, harsh suspension tune, rear seat ergonomics are sub standard and woeful option packs that should be standard. Seems that most other local reviews point out that the vegan interior feels a bit scratchy and the safety options should be standard in a vehicle like that... and that's about it. Also what is it with the top of the range manually adjustable socks? Who in their right mind is wanting to crawl under their EV to adjust the suspension tune? Beyond that there is also a lot to like about the Polestar 2 but it just feels like the vehicle needs to be on a pure EV platform.

Stupid price on this and all EV's ...if anyone was serious at wanting a change in motoring it should be targeted at small reasonable priced cars to sell as second car for the family.

Hey Paul, I was at Chaddy Polestar store yesterday and the sales guy said that board at the boot have hooks once lifted up and can hang your groceries, not sure how practical it will be though haha 😂

Dear Paul. Congratulations on not being a fan boy of every car you drive. Lots of negative points highlighted by you such as rear head space and that you couldn't open the back door easily while seated. Refreshing to see some honesty on RU-vid.

I drove one in Oslo as they were advertising them on the airport trains for free test drives. The top spec full power one is what I drove and I loved it. Such a gorgeous interior. I would buy alone for the interior although the one I drove had a much nicer spec interior than the one you have tested there. But the outside really only looks good in that dark grey colour I think. It can also be optioned with an electric fold out tow bar. I like how non distracting the interior tech was as well. But if I had this kinda of money I would rather just find a second hand Alfa Romeo Guilia QV haha.

Nice looking car, shame it's not built from the ground up as an EV. When you say it has over the air updates like Tesla does.. I don't think the Polestar software updates are on the same level. For example, the recent Holiday update from Tesla was pretty impressive. I do however have shares in Polestar, and I believe they will continue to succeed.

Yeah, I have a DMLR one. Early days, 2 1/2 months in, but I really love it. Our first EV coming from a long history of Alfa's and Porsches. The space/packaging thing isn't an issue for us as we don't use it to cart people or things around and being a dual motor with the performance upgrade it's much quicker than this one and has AWD so handles the power fine. Oh - that boot divider is really, really helpful to stop stuff floating around. That's what it's for, kind of like a modern take on those old boot rail setups we used to have in SUV's.

Owned a PS2 LRSM for 8 months. The complaints in this review are all pretty valid, there are compromises because of the shared platform and many of the paid extras should be standard. BUT, the overall experience very much holds up, and I'd still pick one over a M3. The lack of a hatch on the M3 is a big one. It depends which of the features (or lack of) actually matter to your usage day to day, as the driving experience in the Polestar is fantastic.

I hate how this guy is so polite. Reverse camera are on cars from 2016 as standard. Say it like it is a rip off

Read a report recently now some of these cars are old enough to need battery replacements and the costs ranged from 12-20k (which might be US$?). Ok if the car is under warranty which is valid for the original owner but I think in 10 years time when people start to see what they are up for who is going to want to buy a second hand one? Resale values will tank and people will go back to ICE cars.

Nice design for poster 2 but needs to include tha safety feature. Good road holding with new tyre wear tyre change will quicker than normal life.

Sorry mate, usually love your review but there are quite a few errors here that I didn't expect. Model 3 is not hatch, it's a saloon with a rather small opening. Didn't you say you used to own one? There is also no head up display in the Polestar 2. Torque steer is when torque steers the car, usually this is experienced in FWD cars because a typical traverse layout has the engine offset to be able to package the transmission. This means you will get un equal length driveshafts and thus different torque transfer between the wheels, in other words torque steer. As far as I could find out the the front motors in the Polestar 2 is place smack in the middle with equal length driveshafts. What you are experiencing is just normal wheel spin. And you have to be the first person not only complaining about the ride, but I have never heard anybody ever saying the ride is better in a Model 3 😬🙈 Model 3 is known for its poor and busy ride, this rides like an S-Class in comparison.

Some reviewers have said if tesla just does a HUD it would be better and they would be able to keep the minimalist interior.

Hard to pick this over a Tesla. Tesla has had the tech and support and charging network worked out for ages, on a dedicated platform. Plus you don't pay a whole bunch for 'extras' that really should be standard (safety) Plus fairly strong rumor has it that Tesla is already working on a totally revamped Model 3 for introduction at end 2023, which will likely widen the gap even more.

What type of suspension does the Pol.2 have? I'm Not talking about the Performance pk. I am thinking, if I go over rugged areas in roads quickly & pot holes etc, soon I may have to spend money for suspension parts like ball joints etc, would I ?

Thanks for another great, honest review Paul. So, to get all the inclusions that you would expect at this level, you need to spend $77,800 plus on roads. And some of these, particularly the additional safety aids, are standard equipment on cars less than half the price (yes they are still ICE vehicles)... All seems a bit rich to me!!!

I love it. So much nicer looking and functional as a pure driving vehicle than a Tesla to me, and the new version is even better. Mine arrives October.

12:00 is a cargo divider - the hooks when popped up holds shopping bags upright so they don’t roll around when driving home (if your boot is generally empty/uncluttered). All Volvo’s have them too.

Don’t remember the last time I had 3 x 6’1” people in the back seat of my Polestar. Or any car for that matter. Mostly the back seat is for kids and stuff. If you need the headroom you buy an SUV like the volvo XC40. Also the T3 is a sedan, not a hatch. I did a couple of test drives in the T3 and P2 before settling on the Polestar. The ride and brakes of the Tesla was just awful, for me. The Tesla tech is fabulous though. I think if you want a car that does the driving get a Tesla. If you want an EV that you can enjoy doing the driving yourself, get the Polestar.

This is not a user friendly car at all. They lost me at the weird cup holders solution. By the time you struggled to fit in the back seat I was already not a potential customer. Great review work on your part Paul.

It really seems like they're 85% of the way there, it's just the ICE platform restrictions/limitations holding them back. I agree with you that on a dedicated platform a next generation Polestar 2 should be a genuine alternative to a Model 3 for people who prefer a more traditional looking vehicle. Also the final 5% is getting rid of the extra safety package and include it all in the base model.

I read that the stickers are actually for use in the factory. As there's no other easy way to differentiate from the 3 models.

The boot support thing is to keep shopping from moving about when driving.

Always love your reviews and now I'm keen to see when you review the dual-motor version (if that is on the cards). Still eyeing off my first EV purchase (current Astra is

I have a Polestar 2 - some things I agree with, some disagree with. Don't have issue with the ride or tyre noise, torque steer is bad. Rear visibility is terrible, as is the infotainment. It's reasonably simple to use but missing so many features and lacks customization that was possible on a 5 year old Sportage. Examples being not being able to simultaneously show the rear and 360 camera. There is no steering wheel button to change audio mode, so changing from Spotify to radio requires several screen presses. Unless you're on the 4 quadrant "home screen" or in the dedicated app, there is no pop up information telling your current track or radio station or when skip track/station. The app is terrible. The interior materials look good but difficult to clean, especially dust/grit that gets stuck in the texture, can only really clean with a damp microfibre, I think any spray cleaner would like stain the dash/doors. It has dual zone climate but only on windscreen defrost, all other settings it's single zone! I think I have PTSD from the first time the reverse auto-brake activated when parking near a bush - it braked with such severity & noise that I thought I hit something. I now reverse super slow with trepidation in case it slams on the brakes and I crap myself again

Time to ditch tesla from day 1

Hey Paul I’ve recently bought a Tesla M3 & was concerned about the speedo to the left of the driver. But only after a few days driving the M3 it takes less effort to see the speed than out Honda HR-V that has a conventional dash. I would like a true Heads up Display though

Just not quite as good as a Tesla. I've looked at these but the options pricing is ridiculous, the standard non-base seats are uncomfortable and the centre tunnel make the car cramped. Plus they still have software bugs that dont get fixed as quickly as Tesla. Pity because it does look better than a Tesla inside and out. I think the only people buying these are people who have a particular aversion to Tesla or Elon, not because they want a "better" car.

I’m only just finding out that you have to pay almost 3 and half grand for optional safety features on an EV that come standard on my entry level Kia Cerato… I’m speechless.

Another great review! I like Polstar more than the Tesla however I am put off by the fact everything is an 'add-on' that costs. Ahhh well. Next EV please! :)

would rather a Tesla has lots more on the base one with out extras

Another wicked review, thank you 🙏

Not a lot of knee room up the front by the look of it, just a massive centre console which isn't even all that practical.

Just handed back one of these as month long hire car whilst over in the UK. We have a new XC60 so most controls are very familair as there is a lot of Volvo in them. All up was a great car, really enjoyed it aside from the rear visibility is pretty aweful. In a damp climate like the UK the cameras were pretty useless. Very agreesive standard one pedal driving was great! Not as fast as my freinds Tesla Model Y. The Model Y seats more comfortable but the PS2 drive dynamics and breaks i'd say better.

Wtf those options are ridiculous. 3400 for radar cruise control that comes standard in a corolla now. No matter how good this car is, that is a deal breaker

At their website, the Polestar 2 is NOT FWD, but RWD or AWD, even the base model standard range is RWD, at least for 2024... Who's right and who's wrong?

Interesting you found the active cruise control sat too far to the left. We have a current XC60 and it does the same thing. Got the dealer check it and they said it’s how it is - no issues with VW/Skoda cars sitting in the middle of the lane when active cruise control is on.

One of the better looking Ev's on the market. But I think that they have their pricing completely wrong. For cheaper you can get the exact same platform as mentioned. The Volvo Recharge Pure. Which has most of the optioned features of the Polestar 2 as standard. Yes I know that one is sedan vs SUV looking. Volvo has more of a premium brand name that people know. While unless you know that Polestar was Volvo's previous performance branding. Would be unknown. You could even get into a Mercedes EQA250 for around the same price & with better standard features. I like the look of the car & what it is.. But as a value proposition. I just don't think it quite stacks up.

Bought a SMLR + pilot and plus pack after considering a Telsa M3 or Y. Came down to what I would be doing 80-90% of the time, which is driving comfort and pleasure. The soulless design of Tesla, despite performance and logistics advantages, simply didn't stack up to the interior feel, more ergonomic designs (for me), and that HK premium sound system. Agree add-ons are pricey and should be standard, but old-school me just prefer the feel of a "car" as opposed to driving a giant ipad around. Extra second or 2 to reach 100km/h really doesn't bother me, but charge anxiety in Victoria can be real.

I have driven them as I wanted to start looking seriously into EV it was a very nice car to drive absolutely loved it. Just the price was terrible and not in budget just annoying as they want us Aussies to go ev but it’s such a pain to go EV when the infrastructure is shocking where I live and other places I like to drive to. If it was cheaper or a reasonable price would get one in a heartbeat. Loved the design of the car over the model 3 or any Tesla

Thanks Paul - successfully convinced me NOT to explore Polestar until significant modification has taken place!! PS - could you try and get into a Rivian R1S or R1T, or possibly an Atlis XT??

The fact is that the state government has set a limit for when the EV subsidy no longer applies and I believe this is around $70k. I would imagine that they offer various option to allow those who want to partake of the government subsidy, otherwise the price would definitely exceed the cutoff. This allows those who are not flush with cash to get an electric car at a reduced price.

2:50 yep if you spring for the +50kW power upgrade on the dual motor version you get new stickers for the side that say 350kW instead of 300kW (along with a "Polestar Engineered" badge for the grille)

Tested this after base model 3 and it felt slow and less fun in comparison. Of course M3 is RWD and lighter, which makes a diff. I like the hatch practicality over M3 and P2 is just nicer to look at. Especially inside, to my eyes. Would have to stretch to the 300kw dual motor, for me to consider this.

Owned one for 11 months and it's been in service for about a month as they wait for TCAM parts. This car has major telematics issues that no one talks about that only us owners are dealing with. Wait for the 2024 model. Lucky I leased it.

Truth be told- The polestar aesthetics are compared to none!

What I really like: 1: A proper hatchback. 2: A proper transmission selector, 3: Very conformable looking interrior. The ONLY EV Ive seen that comes even close to matching our excellent 2014 Mondeo lift back.

I always enjoy watching the little run over the ripple strip. Kicked up a bit of dust on this one 😮

The interior is soo nice, I'd pick this one over a Model 3 any day. I love that it uses Android Automotive for the infotainment.

I’m sure it was just a slip of the tongue, but the Model 3 doesn’t have a hatchback (3:07) (you probably meant the Y). The boot is probably the thing that bugs me most in my Model 3. I wish it was a liftback design like the Polestar 2 (and the Model X, S and Y). I had both the M3 and P2 ordered (in NZ) almost this time last year. I cancelled the P2 and went with the M3 because; it was more efficient, it’s LFP battery can be charged to 100% all the time, it is rear wheel drive, to get the options that come standard on the M3 I had to spend $NZ8000 on the Polestar option packs, without the sunroof the P2 (black interior) is very “cave like”, the Tesla App is good and the Polestar App at the time was terrible, and the M3 was nicer to drive. The Polestar 2 does have a driver’s display, something I miss in the Model 3. It doesn’t have a HUD (4:10) though (unless the spec has changed for 2023). I wish both cars had the factory (or aftermarket) option for an integrated HUD. The Polestar 2 has an official tow rating in Australia and NZ (and a factory towbar). The Model 3 does not (AU & NZ) although the Model Y does. Despite all the above, I think if I’d gone for the Polestar, I still would have been happy with my electric motoring.

It seems to me that before starting to talk about glass roofs, dual motors and other eccentricities, the government must be required to set clear conditions with EVs so that the companies that have the different petrol stations are encouraged to invest in recharging stations. Otherwise these vehicles are stuck inside the cities

I absolutely love the looks of this car, pity its so expensive, I am looking to buy a new car that will last me 10 to 15 years and I'm still unsure about EV's last that long for me.

This (and the A3) both look too tall, like they need to be squashed down. This would be really good looking if about 30cm of the bottom was chopped away. I get it. Battery pack. But Tesla doesn't have this problem

i was thinking to buy polestar and had a test drive. it is a really nice car but don’t want to pay extra $$ for safety features. is it worth to buy a car over $65k without standard safety features? even my current $35k suzuki has full safety features as a standard 😀

Hi, I like the exstirior shape of this car but I don't like the interior, very bolki middle console, very expensive, and you got to add few extras, plus i never buy a car with sunroof or glass sunroof, I think a lot of car companies this day's have not idea how bad and uncomfortable is the sunroof especially that big, summer and winter.

I love the sticker

I was contemplating whether one of these were an option for our next car / first EV, but after looking at this I don't think they'll be on my list at all. Not that things like rear leg room are important, but like you said, too many other shortcomings and compromises that I wouldn't be happy with...

This car demonstrates old school production processes people who make Volvo, shifting over to polestar. That is why they use the same model with extras etc. I think they under cooked this wildly. It’s got everything I hate about analog cars. Not thought through and old thinking

Im happy with pricing idk why people are complaining, look at tesla pricing and its poor built quality. The only reason i like it that it feels like driving a normal car and expect least from a driver to adapt to new kinda car Which to me is the selling point. Not this varient but the other one offering fabric seats and speedometer behind wheel

Be awesome if an EV review or even a motor journalist could get through a presentation without comparing the vehicle to a model 3. It wears thin.

I got one as a Uber & couldn’t find in the back , my head was hard up on the roof I thought very dangerous. Shouldn’t be allowed for Uber let alone premier as nothing luxurious about it

I bought a Model 3 last year. I considered a PS 2 but the add-ons to make it like-for-like with a M3 would have blown my budget. That sort of pricing would have put it in Volvo territory, which is traditionally higher-end in Australia. Also at the time it was harder to arrange a PS test drive. Part of my work commute involves highway and now I don’t think I could ever go back to no Tesla Autopilot 🛣️

Tesla has the upper hand with only their charging network... Even a chevy bolt is a big competition...

Polestar is overpriced and the option packs are the hidden cost for features which should standard. Plus no supercharging which I rely on long trips.

Made in china.. Therefore buying one of these helps strengthen their regime, with a president for life and a population with no possibility at all of removing him.

Looks wise is better than Tesla and based on Volvo's reputation the built quality, safety and reliability will be much better

The infotainment looks like a cheap iPad wedged in the console.

Well that's disappointing, they had the chance to really challenge the status quo, but appears to have missed the mark,

totally agreed with you Model 3 & Y are rip off with no dash board does not passed the pub test . I am not Elon Musk hater but I am not his minimalist fan

Happy New Year Paul‼ Here’s to another great year 🍺🥳 🎊

Wow this came as I was reading your article about this car!

More electric car videos please!

Nice review, I know looks are subjective, but interior and exterior, for me it shits all over Tesla.

*It's so good that car companies are making cars with vegan interiors.* _The times I've jumped into cars with leather interiors and started to chow down the steering wheel, because it looked just so delicious, was getting rather tedious. And friends stopped giving me lifts, too!!_ ;-))... Joke aside. The Polestar 2's a damn fine looking motor. It knocks Tesla for six with both its design and interior quality. Especially the interior. I used to drive, and have, an old Mini in the '70's and that just had it's speedo in a small binacle in the center of the car and I hated having to look down to my left to read the speed I was going at and thus, taking my eyes off the road for longer than necessary if I had the speed in front of me.

I was initially excited by the Polestar but cannot justify the cost for what you get

been out shopping for EVs and its not just strange the some standard inclusions are not in the single motor version, its actually really annoying. It's a blatant price gouge, and it's so blatant, that unless Polestar can source me these 'standards' at a reasonable price and with a reliable delivery date, there are other vehicles to choose from. Polestar is operating on the edge of losing potential customers. Don't know why you would quibble over those small details. Makes no sense...stay away if they try to sting you...send them a message.

that sticker is definitely ridiculous. presumably can come off no problems?

Looks like an overpriced mazda3

Forget about the car. What watch are you wearing Paul? Looks nice bro!

If it's made in China it will sell well here in Australia. Australians love Chinese made goods, just visit a Bunnings.

I've owned a Standard range model with pilot pack for 6 Months and I love it. Truthfully I rarely have anyone in the back, so that's not an issue. Build quality is excellent and the car is beautiful to look at, two things you cannot say about a Model 3.

The PS2 DM is only $12k cheaper than the RS3 you just drove Paul without chassis control or marix headlights...... Puts it into perspective a bit how expensive these are. Even worse if compared to a Formentor 310hp AWD too.....

Polestar were better when they created performance ICE vehicles

rear camera at night is shit. Can’t see anything a complete black screen.