Polestar 2 Review UK

The Polestar 2 has quickly made a name for itself in the UK’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market, offering a compelling blend of Scandinavian design, cutting-edge tech, and sustainable performance. This Polestar EV positions itself as a strong competitor to Tesla Model 3, but how does it hold up on British roads?

In this review, GB Vehicle Leasing take an in-depth look at the Polestar 2 fastback from a UK perspective—examining its performance, range, practicality, and overall driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets, tackling long motorway journeys, or exploring winding country roads, the Polestar 2 promises a refined and engaging ride. But is it enough to justify its premium price tag? And how does it compare to rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4? If you’re considering making the switch to electric, keep reading our interesting Polestar 2 Review.

Polestar 2 Exterior & Dimensions

The Polestar 2 car is a stylish and distinctive electric fastback that blends Scandinavian minimalism with a strong road presence. Unlike traditional saloons or SUVs, the Polestar 2 features a unique crossover-like stance with muscular wheel arches and a sleek sloping roofline. Signature design elements include Polestar’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and frameless side mirrors that enhance its futuristic appeal. Its balanced proportions and clean lines give it a premium yet understated look.

Furthermore, in terms of exterior paint colours, this Polestar EV offers a stylish range of choices. Some popular options include metallic magnesium, special metallic snow (a crisp white) and special metallic space (a rich black). Each colour is carefully crafted to complement the car's minimalist design, with high-quality finishes that reflect the vehicle’s premium feel.

When it comes to size, the Polestar 2 fastback measures 4,606mm in length, 1,859mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,479mm in height (1,473mm with Performance pack). This places it in the same category as premium midsize EVs but with a slightly taller and more rugged stance compared to traditional saloons. Compared to other Polestar models, the Polestar 2 is the most compact. The Polestar 4 is noticeably larger, while the Polestar 3, as a premium SUV, is even bigger.

Against its main rivals, the Polestar 2 electric car is similar in length to the Tesla Model 3 but slightly taller giving it a more robust stance. It’s also similar in size to the BMW i4 but offers a more crossover-like profile. Overall, this Polestar EV strikes a balance between saloon-like agility and SUV-inspired practicality.

Polestar 2 Interior & Features

The Polestar 2 offers a refined, high-tech interior that embodies Scandinavian minimalism while integrating premium materials and cutting-edge technology. Designed to be both sustainable and luxurious, the cabin features vegan-friendly upholstery as standard, with options for a more traditional Nappa leather interior for those seeking an extra touch of luxury.

Also, the Polestar 2 electric car is clean, uncluttered, and driver-focused inside. The floating centre console and slim dashboard create an open, spacious feel, while the panoramic glass roof (available on higher trims) enhances the sense of airiness. The seats, with heated front seats as standard, are super comfortable offering excellent support for long drives. Rear passengers benefit from ample headroom and legroom, thanks to the fastback design that doesn’t sacrifice interior space.

At the heart of the Polestar 2’s cabin is the 11.2” touchscreen central display which comes with Google built-in. The system is intuitive and responsive offering a seamless user experience. A 12.3” digital driver display also provides clear, customisable information, including navigation, battery status, and driver assistance features. Other key features in this electric car include four cup holders, four USB-C connectors and 15W wireless charging in the front. If you choose the Climate pack, it also comes equipped with a heated steering wheel and rear seat heating.

Overall, the Polestar 2’s interior blends modern technology, sustainable materials, and premium comfort, making it a serious contender in the premium EV market. With its Google-powered infotainment, minimalist design, and high safety standards, it offers a unique alternative to rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.

Polestar 2 Boot Space & Storage

The Polestar 2 may be a sleek, premium fastback, but it doesn’t compromise on practicality. With a hatchback-style tailgate, it offers more versatility than traditional saloons, making it a strong choice for those who need both style and functionality. The Polestar 2 boot space offers a 405-litre capacity, expanding to 1,097 litres with the seats folded down. Like many electric cars, this Polestar has a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, offering an additional 41 litres of storage for small essentials.

Inside, the Polestar 2 features thoughtfully designed storage spaces, ensuring convenience for both driver and passengers. The door bins are generously sized, and the glovebox provides decent storage for documents or small items. For added convenience, this Polestar EV also features cupholders in both the front and rear, ensuring easy access to drinks. These thoughtful storage options contribute to the clean, clutter-free aesthetic.

Polestar 2 Electric Range & Performance

The Polestar 2 car delivers an impressive mix of performance, efficiency, and real-world usability, making it a strong competitor in the premium electric vehicle market. Firstly, it is available in three variants, each with different battery capacities and power outputs. The Standard Range Single Motor version comes equipped with a 70kWh battery and offer up to 343 miles of electric. With 490Nm of torque and 272hp, this version can achieve 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 127mph. Up from this, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor option features an 82kWh battery and provides an extended range of up to 408 miles on a single charge.

For those seeking exhilarating performance, the Long Range Dual Motor version boasts 421hp and 740Nm of torque, cutting the 0-60mph time to just 4.3 seconds. With the optional Performance Pack, power is increased to 476hp, reducing acceleration to 4.0 seconds. As for range, the Long Range Dual Motor version offers up to 369 miles on a single charge, reduced slightly to 352 miles with the Performance Pack.

Furthermore, the Polestar 2 fastback is designed to be engaging and responsive, delivering a driving experience that feels both sporty and refined. Despite its weight as an EV, the low centre of gravity provides a planted, confidence-inspiring feel on the road. Steering is precise, and the ride is well-balanced between comfort and sportiness.

Polestar 2 Charging

The Polestar 2 UK offers efficient charging solutions that make owning an EV convenient, whether you’re charging at home or using public fast chargers. With both AC and DC charging capabilities, it ensures flexibility for different driving needs. For daily charging, the Polestar 2 fastback supports up to 11kW AC charging, which allows a full charge in about 7-8 hours using a 7.4kW home wallbox—perfect for overnight charging. With a standard three-pin plug, charging takes significantly longer, making a dedicated home charger the best option for most owners.

On the go, the Polestar 2 supports high-speed DC charging. The standard range version charging at up to 180kW can achieve 10-80% charge in as little as 26 minutes. Meanwhile, the long range version can charge at up to 205kW, reaching 10-80% charge in 28 minutes. With fast and reliable charging, the Polestar 2 is built for both daily commuting and long road trips with minimal downtime.

Polestar 2 Towing Capacity

The Polestar 2 fastback is a sleek and stylish electric vehicle, but when it comes to towing, it’s more suited to lighter loads compared to some of its larger, more rugged rivals. All versions have a towing capacity of 1,500kg (braked), which is adequate for small trailers or a light load of recreational equipment like bikes or kayaks. However, it’s important to note that this towing capacity is lower than that of many traditional SUVs or larger electric vehicles that are designed with heavier towing in mind.

For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 with a towing package, which competes directly with the Polestar 2 in terms of size and performance, has a max. 1,000kg towing capacity. In contrast, larger electric SUVs such as the BMW iX and Audi Q6 e-tron offer significantly higher towing capacities. The BMW iX can tow up to 2,500kg (braked), while the Audi Q6 e-tron boasts a capacity of up to 2,400kg (braked). These vehicles are built for heavy-duty towing, which makes them more suitable for those who frequently haul large loads.

Polestar 2 Reliability & Safety

The Polestar 2 electric car offers a high level of safety and reliability, making it a compelling choice for those prioritising peace of mind on the road. Designed with advanced technology and built with sturdy materials, it excels in both crash protection and driver-assist features.

The Polestar 2 has earned five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, which is a testament to its robust safety design. The car is equipped with a range of active and passive safety systems to ensure both driver and passenger protection. Key features include 8 airbags, electric child safety locks and ISOFIX mountings. Polestar has outfitted this electric car with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, enhancing overall safety and making driving easier. Standard safety features include lane departure warning, 12 sensors, lane keeping aid, adaptive cruise control and speed limiter, just to mention a few. These systems work seamlessly together to help prevent accidents and provide added convenience during everyday driving.

Additionally, the Polestar 2 fastback is a vehicle designed with reliability in mind, benefiting from the experience and reputation of Volvo. Known for producing durable, high-quality vehicles, Volvo’s influence ensures that the Polestar 2 follows suit with solid build quality and dependable engineering. Plus, Polestar offers a 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first) for the vehicle’s overall coverage. Given that the Polestar 2 is an electric vehicle, the battery is a critical component. Polestar provides an 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty on the battery, ensuring peace of mind regarding battery longevity. This is typical for electric vehicles and reflects the brand’s confidence in its battery technology.

Polestar 2 BIK Tax & Insurance Costs

The Polestar 2 fastback offers exceptional tax benefits for those using the car as a company car. Since the vehicle is fully electric, it qualifies for very low BIK tax rates. For the 2024/25 tax year, the BIK rate for electric cars is just 2%, which is much lower than the rates for traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. In the 2025/26 tax year, the BIK rate will rise to 3%, though it is still considerably low. This means that for a high-earning individual using the Polestar 2 for business, the tax liability is significantly reduced.

The cost of insuring the Polestar 2 car will vary based on factors such as age, driving experience, location, and specification. On average, this Polestar falls into a mid-to-high insurance group (Group 40-45), which is reflective of its premium status and advanced technology. To assess the insurance costs for the Polestar 2, it's a good idea to use a comparison website, as premiums depend on individual circumstances. By reviewing quotes from multiple providers, you can find the best option that suits your needs.

Polestar 2 Price UK

In the UK, the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor starts at around £44,950, which is about average for a premium electric vehicle of this kind. Up from this, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor variant is priced from £48,950, offering extended range with the same rear-wheel-drive setup. For customers who want the performance benefits of all-wheel drive, the Long Range Dual Motor variant is available from £52,950, with enhanced performance and quicker acceleration. Additionally, the Performance Pack, available for the Long Range Dual Motor, adds further enhancements and pushes the price to about £57,950.

When compared to Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2 price UK starts around £5,000 more but the top-tier variants are more closely matched in price. Meanwhile, some electric SUVs like the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX are higher in price than this Polestar EV. Therefore, overall, GB Vehicle Leasing feel the Polestar 2 fastback is positioned as an attractive option in the premium EV segment.

Polestar 2 Lease

Leasing a Polestar 2 offers an attractive way to experience the premium electric vehicle without the long-term commitment of ownership. With flexible leasing options available, drivers can enjoy the benefits of driving a high-performance EV while keeping monthly payments fixed.

A Polestar 2 lease typically involves a 2-4 year contract term with a range of annual mileage options to suit different needs. Monthly payments vary depending on the model selected and special offer can vary over time. Additionally, leasing allows drivers to stay in line with the latest technology and vehicle upgrades, with the opportunity to upgrade to a new model at the end of the contract. To find out more about Polestar 2 leasing, please reach out to GB Vehicle Leasing today on 0161 667 5338.

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Our Verdict

Overall, we feel the Polestar 2 fastback deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating from GB Vehicle Leasing. The Polestar 2 stands out as a premium electric vehicle that combines sleek design, impressive performance, and cutting-edge technology. We’re particularly impressed with its quick acceleration and sharp handling, offering a driving experience that’s both engaging and refined. As well, the interior is minimalist yet highly functional and its low BIK tax rate make it an appealing option as a company car on a business lease. However, its towing capacity and higher insurance costs may be a consideration for some. If you’ve enjoyed reading the Polestar 2 review, take a look at more of our news and updates including our interesting Polestar 4 review.

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