2023 Polestar 2

The starting price of the new 2023 Polestar 2 is $48,400. Dual-motor models start at $51,900 before any options; however, the price can jump to over $68,000 with enough boxes ticked. These prices exclude a destination charge of $1,400, applicable to both Polestar 2 trims as well as the special edition models.

Previously, the Polestar 2's MSRP was relieved by a tax credit of up to $7,500, but since it is assembled in China, it will no longer qualify for this tax credit under the terms of the new Inflation Reduction Act.

With its MacPherson strut front suspension and multilink setup at the rear, we found the Polestar 2 to be a very pleasant vehicle to drive. The batteries are mounted low in the chassis, which lowers the EV's center of gravity, and as a result, the Polestar zips through corners confidently and without excessive body lean. It feels agile and responsive during quick changes of direction, and the electric power steering makes placing the sedan easy.

On its standard suspension, the Polestar 2 has a compliant ride that soaks up bumps effectively. It's quiet, too, so extended road trips are no chore as long as there are enough chargers on your route. A stiffer suspension with Ohlins dampers is available, but in a review of the Polestar 2 with this setup, the slightly more assured handling doesn't seem worth the deterioration in ride quality.

The front-wheel-drive base model with 231 hp has slower acceleration than one expects from a modern EV, but all the dual-motor derivatives - with up to 476 hp if properly equipped - are far peppier.

While it may not be a groundbreaking product, the Polestar 2 EV has successfully taken the Swedish manufacturer into the mainstream. And, while it doesn't embarrass the competition in any particular area, it also doesn't have any fatal flaws. This is an electric sedan that is pleasing to drive, rare enough to be an interesting sight on the road, and more than quick enough in dual-motor guise. The base single-motor model is a little slow by modern EV standards so we would push for the dual-motor version if possible, which is $3,500 more in the USA but well worth the extra performance. The Polestar 2 would also get closer to competitors if it had a longer range, but this shouldn't be considered a dealbreaker for those living in areas where chargers are plentiful. Overall, this is a solid EV that is worth a test drive.

We would happily recommend spending the extra $3,500 and going for the dual-motor model, as its extra power makes it far quicker and more enjoyable to drive than the rather sedate single-motor model. Although the base dual-motor model isn't cheap at $51,900, it still undercuts the base BMW i4 and the Bimmer is down by 126 horses. If you do go for the single-motor variant, we'd suggest going very light on the options as it can quickly reach the total cost of the dual-motor variant if you don't.