By: Peter Gregorian
December 21, 2024
In the world of electric vehicles, the 2024 Polestar 2 Performance is a head-turner, a conversation starter, and a formidable contender. Its combination of Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling performance makes it a top choice for those seeking a premium electric vehicle (EV) experience. After a week of thoroughly putting the Polestar 2 Performance through its paces, thanks to Polestar Canada, it’s clear this car has a lot to offer—but, like any vehicle, it has its quirks. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the Polestar 2 Performance, incorporating our impressions of its strengths and shortcomings.
The exterior of the Polestar 2 Performance draws mixed reactions, but one thing is certain: it demands attention. With clinical lines, a frameless grille, and a full-width rear light bar, its Scandinavian styling is enhanced with a futuristic edge that allows it to stand out among other EVs. The Performance trim adds contrasting gold Brembo brake calipers and valve caps, creating a sporty vibe without overdoing it. Whether it’s the bold “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights or the aggressive 20-inch wheels, this is a car that makes a statement.
Inside, the Polestar 2’s cabin reflects the brand’s Scandinavian roots: clean, clinical, and comfortable. The cabin is adorned with a mix of materials but is predominantly appointed with what Polestar calls “Bio-attributed WeaveTech”—a vegan, PVC-based leather alternative. While it is claimed to be dirt- and moisture-resistant, we found it attracted grime quite easily and was hard to clean. Thankfully, Nappa leather is available as an option.
Contrasting the slate-colored upholstery in our test vehicle, the gold seatbelts—exclusive to the Performance trim—added a sporty pop of color and character to an otherwise monochromatic cabin. Adding to the cabin’s aura, a full-length fixed panoramic roof created a refreshingly light atmosphere. Despite the interior’s minimalistic design, it does not take long to get acquainted with the intuitive controls and displays, making it easy for anyone to hop in and drive.
Cranking up the 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system transforms the cabin into an immersive sound studio. The system delivers crisp vocals with a level of bass that is just right.
The 11.2-inch vertically mounted touchscreen is powered by Android Auto, and while it is intuitive for many tasks, it does have some limitations. The closed ecosystem means connectivity can sometimes feel clunky or redundant, especially if you’re accustomed to systems that run a manufacturer-specific infotainment system with third-party integrations. Apple CarPlay is now included, but deeper integration of external apps remains limited. That said, Google Maps and Google Assistant integrate admirably with the vehicle systems, making navigation and voice commands seamless.
The long-range dual-motor powertrain is the highlight of the Polestar 2 Performance. With 476 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque, acceleration is instantaneous, delivering a giggle-inducing punch that will leave even seasoned performance enthusiasts grinning. Whether merging onto highways or sprinting off the line, the Polestar 2 is genuinely fast, achieving 100 km/h in merely four seconds from a standstill.
Handling is neutral and composed, with traction aided by the all-wheel-drive powertrain. Through adjustable steering modes (soft, standard, and firm), weight and load-up feel can be tailored to each driving situation. The standard setting was found to strike the best balance, offering more natural feedback and enhancing confidence during spirited driving. Further contributing to the handling dynamics were the Performance Pack-exclusive Öhlins adjustable dampers and Brembo brakes, respectively, giving the car a planted feel in corners and confidence when bringing its 2,500-kilogram (5,510-pound) mass to a stop.
While the suspension is well-damped, it does fall on the stiffer side. Coupled with the larger 20-inch wheels, ride quality suffers in urban environments, where potholes and rough roads are more common. Although these trade-offs are expected in a performance-oriented vehicle, potential buyers should weigh them carefully.
With a Natural Resources Canada combined consumption figure of 2.5 Le/100 km, the Polestar 2 Performance offers a respectable range of up to 435 kilometers on a full charge. Across real-world driving, a range of 397 kilometers proved more realistic. However, in colder months, this figure is likely to drop. One way to mitigate this is by activating one-pedal operation and setting it to “strong.” After some practice, the system becomes intuitive to use and, through regenerative braking, helps preserve range noticeably. It’s a feature that drivers new to EVs will quickly grow to appreciate.
Charging is straightforward, with support for DC fast charging up to 205 kW. This allows the battery to go from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes, making long-distance road trips feasible with minimal downtime. On a standard Level 1 charger, however, when plugged into a 120-volt outlet at home, charge times were predictably much longer—going from 50% to 100% in roughly 12 hours. This can be improved with a dedicated Level 2 charger, with Polestar claiming a 0 to 100% charge time of 8 hours using 11 kW AC charging.
In Canada, the 2024 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor starts at $60,500 before incentives. Adding the Performance Pack also tacks on the Plus Pack, raising the price to $70,250. Optioning the Harman Kardon sound system, which our test model was equipped with, adds another $1,100 for a total as-tested price of $71,350. While this positions it in the premium EV segment, it remains competitive against rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance and BMW i4 M50.
The 2024 Polestar 2 Performance is undeniably exciting. Its instantaneous torque, minimalist yet luxurious interior, and striking design make it a standout choice for those looking to embrace electrification without sacrificing driving enjoyment. Ultimately, the Polestar 2 Performance isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about enjoying every moment of the journey. For drivers seeking an eco-conscious sports sedan that’s as thrilling as it is practical, this car should be at the top of the shortlist.
