Polestar 2 2024 review
Photo: Alexander Migl (User:Alexander-93) (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The 2024 Polestar 2 is the facelifted version of the car that put Polestar on the map in Britain — and the changes were all in the right places. The single-motor cars switched from front to rear-wheel drive, gained a bigger 82kWh battery and picked up a useful slug of extra power, turning an already likeable EV into a genuinely long-legged one.
The sweet spot is the Long Range Single Motor at £48,950: 299bhp, 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and a WLTP range of up to 406 miles — the longest of any Polestar 2 and enough to embarrass cars costing far more. A 69kWh Standard Range opens the range at £44,950 with 272bhp and 331 miles, while the dual-motor cars chase performance with up to 476bhp and a 4.2-second sprint.
Inside, the minimalist Scandinavian cabin still feels fresh, built around Google's Automotive OS with proper Google Maps integration and over-the-air updates. The vegan WeaveTech upholstery and frameless mirrors give it a design-led feel that German rivals struggle to match at this price.
Rapid charging peaks at 207kW, good for 10–80% in around 35 minutes, and the 3% benefit-in-kind rate keeps it a company-car favourite. The ride can be firm and rear visibility is pinched by the high tail, but as an all-round electric package, the updated 2 remains one of the smartest buys in its class.
Related reviews: Polestar 4 2025 review · Volkswagen Golf 2024 review · Ford Focus 2024 review
UK price from: £44,950
Specifications
| Battery | 82 kWh (79 kWh usable) |
| Power | 299bhp (Long Range Single Motor) |
| 0-62 mph | 6.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 127 mph |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 406 miles |
| Charging (DC max) | 207 kW; 10-80% in about 35 minutes |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Seats | 5 |
| Length | 4,606 mm |
| Insurance group | 41E |
Features
- 82kWh battery (Long Range); 207kW DC rapid charging
- Up to 406 miles of WLTP range — best in the Polestar 2 range
- 299bhp rear-wheel-drive Long Range Single Motor
- Google Automotive OS with built-in Google Maps and OTA updates
- Pilot Pack: adaptive cruise, blind-spot and 360-degree camera
- Pixel LED headlights with active high beam
- Vegan WeaveTech upholstery and frameless mirrors
- 1,500kg braked towing capacity
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £26.99 | Replace every 2 years; keeps the Google-Assistant voice clear of sneezes |
| Front wiper blade set | £32.99 | Flat aero blades; replace when streaking |
| Front brake pads (set) | £94.99 | Low wear thanks to strong one-pedal regen |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £139.99 | Vented; inspect for surface corrosion annually |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £159.99 | AGM type; a tired 12V causes most 'dead EV' callouts |
| 18in alloy wheel | £349.99 | Standard Long Range wheel; TPMS sensor extra |
Pros
- 406-mile range embarrasses pricier rivals
- Rear-drive balance makes it genuinely fun
- Google-based infotainment just works
- Low 3% BiK keeps company-car tax tiny
Cons
- Firm ride on larger wheels
- Rear visibility is pinched by the high tail
- Options packs push the price up quickly
- Cabin can feel dark and austere