The Polestar 2! It's a great electric car, but there is a but! At least, for us! Merch: www.lovelymerc... Tesla Referral: ts.la/andrew31112 Octopus Referral: share.octopus.... #polestar #electriccar #polestar2
I thought that until I saw one in real life. I don't think the Model 3 is particularly attractive, but cumbersome was the word that came to mind looking at the Polestar. I thought the back was the worst bit - it's where it's most obvious that it's an SUV pretending to be a saloon.
I have one and yes, you’re a man-spreader! Seriously, I don’t have any issue with my knees hitting the central console. My biggest complaint is the poor efficiency of the car (I have a BMW i3 and that uses less than half the energy for the same distance). I think you also underplay just how well the car handles. A TM3 really rolls and wallows, the P2 PP is taut and has a completely different level of damping control (despite the extra 300kg). In the end I bought the P2 because I couldn’t handle the Tesla build quality...which isn’t in the same game let alone league as the P*.
@@ciaranwebb6871 I can guess how he got that consumption :-). The P* is deceptively quick...for some reason it is really easy to build a *lot* of speed...much more so than in the TM3
The fact that it has proper door handles is a bonus, I hate the teslas backward handles, and fords mustang-e idea of getting rid of them is just stupid. Bring back the proper door handles I say , hardly any energy efficiency loss. And so much easier to open when covered in snow and ice
It looks like a Volvo because it is a Volvo: The Polestar 2 started life as a Volvo concept called the "40.2" in about 2016. The "40.1" became the XC40, but Volvo didn't find a place in the model range for the "40.2" (It was probably supposed to be a replacement to the S40/V40). So Polestar were allowed to take it. The "40.1" and "40.2" were designed from the ground up to be either petrol or EV, so it isn't technically an ICE conversion. But you can easily see where the compromises are. Personally i really liked the Polestar 2 when i tested it. It drives really well, the hatchback is more useful than the Model 3 saloon style boot, and it's well put together. It's a very striking design also, and makes the Model 3 look like a blancmange when parked side by side. Definitely get the normal car though, not the Performance Pack: It rides a lot better. Personally though, I bought a Model 3 due to the Tesla charging network - we do a lot of long distance driving, so Polestar not being part of Ionity really killed the "2" for us. Otherwise i would have quite likely have bought it. I also noticed the cramped knee room, but i could live with it.
Yes, I also found the centre console to be intrusive and on my test drive in August, which involved a lot of country roads, I found my left knee kept hitting the hard plastic centre console. It's a shame they couldn't make an EV with an EV specific platform. It would be roomier then.
I've never had that knee issue or your reaction during the 4 months of ownership, pretty melodramatic to be honest. I'd rather have a door handle that worked when required too.
@@ElectricVehicleMan I thought it was a pretty balanced review in all fairness. Slightly moaning though, I felt the comments on the door handles were odd and I've personally not had the issue or reaction in the video with my knee. I'm happy to be critical where it's due, in such areas as the reduce range vs advertised and the flakey 4G connection which drives me insane.
@@monkeymanrich slightly moaning? Imagine how moany it would have been if there'd been 4 Yorkshiremen producing the review! ;)..... "Black and blue knee.... You're lucky! I had my leg amputated at the knee so I could get in the back!!!!"
Great review Andy (as always). I wouldn't be interested in the polestar but I can see the appeal particularly for volvo aficionados. You got it right last night l am from Whitby and I can indeed recommend really good chippies.... Magpie, expensive but very good. Riverside, very good but can occasionally have an off night. My personal current favourite is Silver street chippie....always very good! Couldn't find Greg from octopus on twitter re my ongoing problems with getting a smart meter.....the issue btw is a conflict between the chosen suppliers of octopus's meters and the MOD affecting all of YO postcode and can easily be resolved by Octopus. How's the hangover?
Interesting with this knee problem, I am a Polestar 2 owner and I love the center console specifically for the knee support it gives. I hate cars without or very low center console because there is nowhere to rest your knee... :)
Popped along to the Polestar Harrogate test drive pop-up over the weekend where they are doing convoy-test drives(?!). I tested the Model 3 the day before and, when in the PS2, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being really hemmed in. I’m only 6ft, but my height is in my torso, so I was close to the wheel and my head was nearly touching the sun visor despite fiddling with the seats. On the drive, the missus said I looked like I was hunched over and not comfortable. I think you guys said it best with “I really wanted to like this car, but...”. Pros: muscle car exterior, Volvo assembly, nice power, good handling despite weight. Negs: cramped interior, poor range and huge 6 month delivery delays.
Interesting and not that surprising. I’m 6ft 4 but short torso and for me it was more comfortable than the m3. Now have a dilemma, M3’range and to be honest price for what you get is better, as well as the obvious, the charging network and range; but the quality of the polestar and the handling was in my opinion better than the M3, and yes the lead time is disappointing….
I want a model 3. Loved it when I test drove it and am a Tesla shareholder. Mrs has a provisional licence though and it’s 3k to insure her. This is an alternative option that I’m test driving in 2 days time. Fingers crossed.
It’s not a SUV and it doesn’t even look like one. The steering firmness is adjustable. 20 inch rims (performance pack) does impact the consumption (and comfort) in a negative way, but the car is thirsty. Warranty in Norway is 5 years, but they added one more year because of issues on the lauch models. 8 years battery warranty and 12 years rust warranty. The centre consol is a bigger issue if you are tall. I’m under 6 ft and have no issues. I rest my arm on it. And it has 408 HP and 660 Nm. Great fun! Best of all? It’s not a Tesla!
Well kudos on getting this out after last night! All the best of the new year to you and especially to EVW & EVK, the true stars of last night's show! :)
As soon as the video started I thought I know that car park! Was the ice cream van there? Another great review I saw a Polestar 2 for the first time IRL a few days ago. I think it looks pretty good but it is a shame they didn't get to work on it from the ground up, not that it matters I'd never be able to afford one!! Oh and Magpie cafe is pretty good in Whitby
I like the volume button placement since I can rest my hand on the gear selector when changing the volume 😄 Haven’t hit my knee like you do, but its a bit tight for the knee. But I’m not driving on the left side of the road so dunno if that matters.
Thanks for a nice review. Is all true that you say abote the space inside, but it's way different when driving it on the left side of the mid-console. the gas foot is not banging around the same way.. Come to Norway and test it :)
I got 200 miles in mine without preheating in winter. In fact in snow a few days ago. And I mean really 200miles. I went 150miles on from Worcester to Harlow and used 75% battery exactly. You have been driving way to aggressive if you are not 200miles. The knee thing is just you. I've been fine for 1200miles.
200miles is way off what Polestar estimate. And we said overall it’ll be 210-220 range. Which is what I get from my much smaller battery Model 3. Can only say what we’ve experienced. We were certainly not caning it by any means and know the route very well.
To add.... Having had the car 2 months I honestly think in summer I can get 250 on the motorway easily. The problem with it is early consumption of power to heat the batteries and cabin. Its insane. However in summer we won't need to heat the batteries, so average will be 225. Which is fine for a lot of people. But the model 3 is king of range if that's important too you
I think you're being a little optimistic re model3 sr 200+ mile estimate at this time of year. Look at EV database's Real mile figures for a start. Also it's not Polestar's claims people - WLTP. Get cross at bureaucrats if you have to, they make the tests.
@@ElectricVehicleMan the efficiency is shit. I don't disagree. As mentioned with a lot testing I've come to realise that the cabin and battery heating can take 10% (7kWh) of battery in the first 10miles. Do a 10mile trips once per day and range is now 70miles from 100-0% battery. Preheat and you can half that, but still efficiency is terrible. However I still stand by my standard EV quote in the UK: if you need 200+ miles at least once a week, get a Tesla. If not get any any EV you want. 99% of trips in the UK are less than 100miles. Not many people/families do over 300 miles In a day, even if on holiday. I was never doubting your efficiency.... And yes you can only report what you get. But ownership is different and you learn things like that apart from ease around town, turn off OPD for optimal range and glide a lot more. Range/efficiency is still pants. But I love it for everything else.
Excellent video. Too bad most manufacturers are still caught up in the transmission tunnel fantasy instead of opening up the cabin. I had the same experience in the Kona and had to get rid of it. Let´s hope all new EV´s are made as an EV and not an EX-car.
Good review but... ☆Any car looks better than an estate... ☆Finally a car with door handles... ☆They should have deleted the screen and replaced it with (normal) switches and knobs... ☆The "transmission tunnel" is a "non-issue" ; who actually uses the "flat floor" and for what? ☆Finally a car with a "shape"; better than the non-descript "blob" like Tesla ☆Agreed on the "Sports package"; way too expensive; they should offer individual items seperately and keep them under £600 each....
The transmission tunnel is SO an issue!! a)it compromises the space for the 5th passenger b) we USE the floor space in the back of our car to put 'stuff' in - so having an obstruction which shouldn't be there would be V annoying.. .!!
First of all, Trencher's is my favourite chippie at Whitby (bit posh though). Secondly, great review. Refreshing to hear a review of this car that doesn't say that it's 100% fab. I wish that I could afford it though!
Polestar owner: ouch! damned with faint praise but agree with thought that this would have been a better car if designed from the outset as a family/repmobile rather than as a ‘sporty’ Polestar and put the lower spec on sale first and then built up to the halo ‘V8 turbo GTi’. Center console not an issue 5’9”. Still glad I didn’t opt for M3 .
Yeah, I think I'm leaning towards a Polestar non performance for that reason. Have a merc 350e currently that I could see this replacing. Can't go to Tesla after a car that handles and rides as well as the merc on its airmatic.
@@pcr8918 Ah i'm 30 but I still think anything that isn't a sports car should be as comfortable as physically possible. I hate amg line or M sport - just an expensive way to ruin a car. Mind you, I've sat in some volvo chairs and they more than make up for a jiggly ride I would suspect, with their sheer comfort.
One point you missed is that while it does have a transmission tunnel where the batteries are, it means in the rear the knee to foot distance is much greater than say in a Model 3, so adults don't end up with knees around their ears.
@@nixer65 Yes, but if you need 2 Adults and 3 kids, the Model 3 is better. If like me you was wise enough to stop at 1 ... then Transmission tunnel away!
A nice balanced and fair review. I’ve had my P2 for three months now and not once have I banged my knee! I do wish there was a footrest for my right foot when using cruise control though. And the efficiency is TERRIBLE.. but worth it for such a nice car to drive, that can leave most other things standing.
A refreshing review of the Polestar. I do question why Volvo’s xc40 EV is £50k plus, is this car the reason the Volvo has been priced so high? or am I off track completely. The 1500kg weight would suit most medium sized caravan owners but the main issue for them would be the fact you more than likely have to unhitch to charge as I can’t see much charge points being able to accept the car and van together without completely blocking everything up.
It still reminds me of a Saab... something about those back windows. I can see the point of the double latch on the "froot", it's the same size as an ordinary bonnet and Volvo is obviously well aware of whatwould happen if some numpty forgot to shut it properly.
The kick to open the tailgate sensor is not in the middle. Volvo put them towards the left. I assume that is to keep the centre clear for when you have the towing option, but it is confusing when you first get the car. That tailgate seemed to shut a lot more slowly than my V90.
Totally agree that Polestar need to bring out a V90/V70 equivalent. I would buy one of those immediately. All the manufacturers are so fixated with SUVs and hatchbacks. I test drove one at fully charged and my knees suffered too! I would like to be able to drive from west London to Bridlington (and Whitby!) without the need to charge en route!
I also had that annoying knee issue. I had to lower the seat a bit below what was ideal for me so that my knee slotted in below that hard plastic. I can see it being a deal-breaker for some people. Or able to be ignored by others due to the excellence of all the other features.
Hello Mr.Evman. What is your opinion on removing the gear lever and replacing that with either buttons or steering stalk? This will make space for usable cup holders on central console. I think ioniq has buttons or like VW ID /model3 stalks.
On the range - the larger 20” wheels take 20 miles from the 292 mile ‘perfect scenario’ range. Buyers should be aware of this, it’s the same with all EV’s - larger wheels reduce the overall range. I’m 6ft 2’ and don’t have the left leg issue. I guess if you’re used to driving with your knees bent and floppy then it could be a problem 🤣
On my polestar I don't have to click "okay". I just get in the car, throw on my seatbelt then immediately put it into either drive or reverse. When I'm done, just hit the park button, get out of the car then lock the door.
Complaining about the key fob is such a first world problem to have. The key to my car always stays in my pocket and so it doesn't matter how it looks. (I don't feel the need to flash the key fob in front of others). Talk about looks I can't get used to the look of the Tesla Model 3 or the Y. Beauty is subjective but the 3 and Y are kind of ugly and the Polestar has much better styling.
@@ElectricVehicleMan No I think it's a first world problem to have. To me the materials used on the fob are the my last worry. On a 50k vehicle the car is more important than the key (especially since it won't be needed in future). I don't drive a key fob I drive the vehicle. Let's face it if I was worried about the appearance of the fob I would be worried that the car isn't as obvious as a Tesla or a Porsche etc.
@@Naund32 You’re happy to buy something premium, but as long as a parts not important it can be cheap? If you don’t see that as something that needs mentioning then I’m not sure where to go next.
@@ElectricVehicleMan everyone is entitled to their opinion. I remember when we used keys to unlock the car and to turn it on and no one ever wondered if the looked premium enough. I've never held a Polestar key fob but my brother's Tesla fob looks like crap (he cares for car like it's a family member but the key must be the stepchild 🤣). All I'm saying is the looks of a key aren't that important to me (if I could load my driver's license and key on my phone I would leave the wallet and keys at home). If I buy a shall we say understated premium vehicle such as this one (even the emblem is kept in body color) I wouldn't expect a flashy key fob? I'm getting the impression that you're saying there might be quality issue with the key. Maybe I'll stop by one of the "spaces" just hold and inspect a key fob to see if the cheap look actually equates to lower quality. Anyway I hope keys become obsolete soon. Now I've spent way to much time on a key don't even own. Happy New Year.
Did you realise that every new Polestar comes with 3 years of maintenance at no extra charge? A spot on review, I had a test drive in one last year & loved the performance but I had 2 issues: 1) Poor efficiency, which wouldn't be a deal breaker but was a slight disappointment. 2 ) That centre console but for a different reason which was that it felt low quality plastic and had a sharp edge on the lower side where you were bashing your knee.
@@johnathankain8033 that’s the non electric thinking.......like selecting less than maximum regeneration is track racing thinking and that’s the only place that ‘performance’ brakes have any relevance. If you criticise a BEV for not having enough range or efficiency, then the last thing you want is ‘performance’ brakes.
I'm sure the brakes were included for the same reason the seatbelt color, dampers and wheel size were chosen for that package. It definitely has little to nothing to do with BEV vs ICE or old vs new mentality. I'm thinking it's more of a marketing/sales thing (i.e. US market).
You are aware that the mechanical braking system is required for the operation of other safety systems on Electric vehicles ? ESP, ABS, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, etc to name a few all require individual control of each wheel, Larger brakes are becoming increasingly common on new EV's due to their sheer weight increase over ICE equivalent vehicles, You attempt an emergency stop at motorway speeds or evasive manoeuvres your regen braking will useless in supplying you with enough controlled braking force to stop/avoid a collision.
Nice video. Looks like a just need a lottery win and some kneepads. Re fish n chips, you can't really go wrong wherever you go, but Silver street or Riverside fisheries for takeaway, then Magpie or Trenchers for a sit down, when lockdown finally ends, then try the 'humble pie and mash shop', of Church street, for awesome pie.
First off - Mister Chips! (better than it sounds) But seriously good review, refreshing to see some of the flaws pointed out even if they are minor rather than the usual 100% amazing reviews of this car!
Im glad they've got the charge port in a conventional place. Might be because its not a ground up EV but then again, Tesla also has it like this... Its quite easy for me to discount cars with chargers at the front because I or anyone in the house have ever driven straight in....We like most people always reverse in because its more convenient and safer to go back out into the road. Rant over. Thanks for the video :)
Good review. I want to know the negatives even if they will not affect me. It makes me aware of them and as you said. Having something for a week means you get to understand the car more, which no test drive will ever give. So thanks once again.
All manufacturers have tolerances for panel gap, and the tolerances differ dependent on location; for example, the area around the hinge on the front door requires more clearance for the door seals. However, the measurements should be similar on the left and right of the car.
The frunk: Some of the area not available to store stuff in are used for crash structures. Remember, Volvo is the safest car on earth in true crash scenarios (not simple tests). And also some stuff placed in other places in other cars, wasting space there instead. The tunnel: Batteries are placed inside there, to make the floor getting down so it is better for the rear passengers. Take Tesla as an examle - you sit like crap in the back because of the short distance between seat and floor. Some other manufacturer wastes space in trunk instead of this. Handles: Good old handles that WORK even in snow and ice and shit, like we have here in Sweden. Tesla design handles are useless shit that only brings trouble.
I test drove one a while back and dismissed it for the same reasons. It feels too heavy, and my left knee was black and blue afterwards. Very nicely built, but not so well designed.
I own one and find the foot rest in the perfect position for me. This was a particular concern for me because in my old Audi I never knew what to do with my left foot. I am not sure I understand your argument about hybrid SUVs. It is only 3cm taller than a model 3 but it is 20cm shorter than most performance SUVs and the centre of gravity is lower. It is heavy but I find it handles the weight really well with barely any lean in the corners. Maybe your performance pack model was set up too soft.
And I am the kind of guy who would buy a designer radiator over the most efficient but it would have to balance style with utility . I would never buy the current model 3 because it is too ugly.
@@ElectricVehicleMan The Compact Modular Architecture was designed to support both saloons and SUVs, The car is taller to give decent ground clearance unlike the model 3 and also to ensure that your knees are not up in the air when you sit in it. CMA was designed to support both electric and ICE vehicles rather than being an ICE SUV platform converted to saloon EV. I appreciate that there are some compromises but performance wasn't one of them.
Any car that gives me 5'7 an injury I will not touch,the volume is an issue,the cup holders are an issue,if the car was new 20 years ago then I can understand but a new car now...no way,THEY CAN DO BETTER.
We still need a car that can drive in north part of Sweden. Motor heaters do not work under -20 C. General AC can not heat interior when it's under -25 degrees C.
Nice to see someone spending time with a EV and making a proper review, is great to see, it’s a shame Jonny Smith didn’t do the same, especially when you think so highly of him.
@@ElectricVehicleMan Very true but Robert from Fully Charged had the same car and like yourself had a less biased view. I like Jonny too, but his review if you seen it is not. Thanks for your reply.
@@NickBriars-tj7zr You’re given a car for an hour or two and ‘get pitched’ by the company. It’s very different. I’m sure I’m the same with launch event cars too. You miss things.
@@ElectricVehicleMan I think first impressions when you drive a EV are great when compared to a ICE car, but to live with over a extended period of time, can help you make a better decision on the EV what suits your lifestyle. Hope you recovered from New Years Eve, all the best to you your family and a better 2021🤞
Another great review. Personally I like the look of the Polestar. What is it with manufacturers who persist in using black shiny plastic when almost universally drivers hate it? I've discounted the id3 because of it. At least Tesla got the message.
James Martin (that chef off t'TV) heartily recommends The Magpie Cafe for what he describes as the best fish and chips in the world. Also a Yorkshireman. I hope you trust him.
@EVM While I'm enjoying your reports on the fancy cars, what I really want is the man maths on your solar panels and batteries. What do you think this is, a car channel or something?
Happier New Year 2021 to both of you (and families). With those mentioned annoying details you can imagine and quite feel the pain of the engineers - stick to a ICE platform and not allowed to do better.
This car has been out for like 6 months here in Norway and lots of people have had problems with it breaking down, maybe theyve sorted out the kinks by now.
Love the video some great points especially the £5000 sports pack crazy. Anyway top job mate any chance you could review the new KIA XCEED it looks nice
Great review. 👍 We tow a caravan (wardrobe) with a 2011 2.0tdci mondeo, the caravan weighs 1.5 ton and the only suitable tow car is a model x, which is way out of our price range. The mondeo has a tow range of around 400 miles, God only knows what range the model x would be, plus how could you supercharge when towing? I think this subject would bring new subscribers to you as its never mentioned about electric cars..... Right I best empty my tub of poo 👍😅
@@XLoaferY I didn't know the towing capacity of the polestar, I overlooked it due to its premium price tag. £9k today (purchase price of Mondeo in 2015) will buy me a used Renault zoe/Nissan Leaf which doesn't have the space or towing capacity I need. It will be interesting to see what electric cars will be available for towing after 2030 when diesel/petrol ban is in place. Will also be interesting what happens with motorhomes, prices are extortionate now with a diesel engine, how much extra would an electric version be?
Polstar2 is a nice looking car but i am personally looking for a car i like with loads of miles range, charging, price & real every day living needs. By the way Magpie are nice fish & chips but i found Mr Chips around the the corner of the Dolphin pub really nice. They have alternative fish as well
American bought over Volvo sold to Chinese , looks a bit like a Peugeot without the badge , wheels large . Looks ok but range a let down . Will hopefully appeal to the swedes . Price ? And it’s competitors?
Towing a caravan will cut your range down by at least half , and also where would you charge it with a caravan on the back ,there are no charging points any where as yet where you can roll up to with you having to unhitch the van first 🙁
