Suspension, bushings, swaybars etc. can vary a lot. Even between a Polestsar with/without Performance Pack. The manufacturer can also choose to calibrate software differently to have two cars on the same platform behave differently (among many other things). An old ICE example of this is the VAG B2 platform that was used for both Audi Quattro and VW Passat back in the days. Quite different cars though sharing platforms.

 

I own a Polestar 2 and a Volvo C40. There are obvious similarities, mostly with shared components and driver's controls and the like. E.g. identical steering wheels. But when it comes to how they drive, they're very different cars. The P2 is more responsive and sporty, the C40 is more comfortable and relaxed.

If you're able to test drive both, I'd recommend it.

 

My wife has a 2023 C40 and I have the P2 PPP and I much prefer my P2 due to it's handling and sportiness. If you want to cruise in comfort, then take the C40, but if you want a real fun car, the P2 wins hands down.

 

I concur. Wife has a 2024 XC40 Recharge and I have a 2024 PPP.

 

Hi

I'm reading a lot about how the Polestar 2 and the rest of the CMA platform cars are basically the same underneath the shell. That makes me wonder how the Polestar 2 can be more performance orientated than say a Volvo XC40?
Isn't suspension etc a part of the platform sharing?

Polestar has ventilated seats and Volvo does not.
Polestar has 3 hold modes and Volvo 2.

 

I’ve test driven all three… and chose the Polestar 2 to order. Basically, the handling is much improved over the Volvo cousins, the interior is also higher quality in the Polestar. However, the Volvos feel bigger inside. So, it depends on what you want - the Polestar is more of a personal car (it‘s cockpit is tight and feels more like a GT car or sports coupe from the driver’s seat) and the Volvos are better family cars. An example … the Polestar only has one accessible cupholder (a second under the arm rest). Volvos have two bigger ones right up there all the time. But Polestar has a bigger screen with higher resolution and better graphics… the Volvo screens felt smaller and dated in comparison. Also, there’s no option for the fancy leather interior in the Volvos, at least in the US market cars… only Polestar offers the Nappa ventilated leather. And of course, the Volvos are taller and softer sprung so they will be more comfortable over bumps but handle worse. And the taller bodies mean the Polestar gets more range from similar drivetrains. I think the Polestar also offers more horsepower…

 

Do we know why Polestar chose to include the transmission tunnel? I see why it's there in the Volvo but couldn't they have left it out on the PS2? Is the tunnel a part of the chassis rigidity in the CMA? Not that I'm concerned about it - just curious.

 

The CMA platform isn't an EV-only platform.

 

You can go to: Carsized Polestar 2 vs. Volvo XC40 and get a detailed look at the dimensions compared to each other.

 

To sum it up, technology wise they are very similar but driving wise they are very different.

 

Also the xc40 looks like a roller skate 🛼

 

Well I'm picking up an XC40 tomorrow! Why? Because while my wife loves my Polestar to drive, she finds it too cramped, so she wanted a bigger Polestar and doesn't care for drivability or screen sizes.

 

Not to make gender stereotypes but that seems like a common thing! Same reason my wife drives an ID.4… I think it’s too big and not enough fun to drive; she loves how roomy it is inside and all the cupholders.

 

We should start a club for all the P2+(X)C40 couples, it's starting to sound like a thing!

 

Sign me up!

We needed to replace my wife's Ford Escape last year and we checked out the Tesla MY, the P2, and the XC40.

She chose the XC40, but I wanted the P2. Perfect choice, totally the right car for her.

I drove the XC40 plenty for a few months - and well yeah - I bought a 2023 Polestar 2 AWD last week.

I actually haven't driven the XC40 since I got the P2 - but I'm going to soon for a real back-to-back comparison.

They are more alike than different for sure but as people have said...the Volvo is more relaxed and the Polestar is more sporty.

 

My wife has a 2023 Volvo C40 AWD and while it's really nice and comfortable to drive, it does not handle any way close to my Polestar 2. The Volvo wallows around bends if pushed hard and it sits higher than my Polestar 2 which is the PPP trim. Polestar 2 wins all day long!

 

Per the OP'ss question of how the P2 and XC40 differentiate...

Well, at first glance, it's very obvious. One looks more like a sedan (technically a crossover), while the other looks like just another SUV. For me, the traditional SUV look has gotten old.

90% of people make their car buying decision based on two factors: (1) looks and (2) price.

 

Per the OP'ss question of how the P2 and XC40 differentiate...

Well, at first glance, it's very obvious. One looks more like a sedan (technically a crossover), while the other looks like just another SUV. For me, the traditional SUV look has gotten old.

90% of people make their car buying decision based on two factors: (1) looks and (2) price.

Where are you finding that 90% statistic?

 

As an aside, when I go to look at a new model for the first time....while walking away from the car, if I don't turn around to get another glance, that is my signal to myself that I'm not interested.

IMO, looking at. a car is like admiring a beautiful woman.

 

I did a test drive last week with the C40 LRSM (same underpinnings as the XC40) and the EX30 Twin Motor, as I'm looking for a replacement for my PS2 LRDM (non-performance). The first thing I noticed about the C40 was how much worse the rear visibility is; I'm 1.90m, the chair was at the lowest setting, and I had to duck to see anything through the rear-view mirror. The second thing I noticed how different the handling is; it's a much softer suspension and it felt like I was driving a boat. The EX30 wasn't much better in that regard; it feels a lot quicker compared to the PS2, but in the curves it feels like it's rocking you to sleep. The obvious upside to that is that on cobblestones, these don't rattle at all; my PS2 sounds like it's going to come apart sometimes on those same roads.
I did appreciate however how well the upgraded infotainment system in the EX30 works; it wasn't the final software yet so no wireless carplay yet, but it already felt a lot faster than what's in our PS2's.
Long story short; I'm probably going for a 2024 PS2 again.