Polestar 2 EV Full Review - What Car?
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
He seems to prefer the ride of the M3 calling it 'more controlled & more comfortable' and this sample was not the performance version. Overall he seems to like the M3 better whereas the reviewer in the other thread preferred the P2. I think Volvo made a mistake with making the ride too firm in this car. If it were me, I would be taking it to the dealer to have the shocks adjusted to their softest setting where hopefully the ride is more comfortable and on par with some other cars.
Joined
·
2,367 Posts
One mistake ... they take the £3,000 of the Tesla twice ... the £46,990 is already with the £3,000 saving.
![231]()
In addition while the M3 does have no tunnel in the middle of the back seats, the floor is higher so your legs bend more and are less supportive under your thighs. So other reviewers have pointed this out.
Basically if you need that 5th seat for kids, etc.. then get a Tesla, but if you don't hardly ever use that 3rd middle seat, then maybe a Polestar might suit you better!
In addition while the M3 does have no tunnel in the middle of the back seats, the floor is higher so your legs bend more and are less supportive under your thighs. So other reviewers have pointed this out.
Basically if you need that 5th seat for kids, etc.. then get a Tesla, but if you don't hardly ever use that 3rd middle seat, then maybe a Polestar might suit you better!
Attachments
I think his main gripe was the lack of feeling of agility compared with the Tesla 3 - but then again the Polestar 2 is about 300kg more - so that would explain that.
The problem with these tests are that the differences may be amplified on test tracks, where you can push things to the limit; but for real world, everyday driving, the differences may only be very small - and other factors may outweigh them. For example the Centre-Only-Screen of the Tesla 3 is often criticised - and may adversely effect the everyday driving experience for an individual more than the ride/handling differences.
That's why personally, I wouldn't buy a car without first having tested it myself - as little things may really aggravate you - but not others.
The problem with these tests are that the differences may be amplified on test tracks, where you can push things to the limit; but for real world, everyday driving, the differences may only be very small - and other factors may outweigh them. For example the Centre-Only-Screen of the Tesla 3 is often criticised - and may adversely effect the everyday driving experience for an individual more than the ride/handling differences.
That's why personally, I wouldn't buy a car without first having tested it myself - as little things may really aggravate you - but not others.
Joined
·
2,367 Posts
I feel that reviewers in general go on way too much about how sporty a ride feels, either on their own test track or using a quiet country roads. I've had 3 cars in last 4 years and each one what the main reviewers say wasn't my experience day to day diving.
That's why I really like long term reviews .... these people need to live with that car for 3+ months before doing a review. However Youtube is more being about first and/or click bait titles.
Having tested the Model 3 ... it doesn't handle the way Tesla owners want you to believe. In a straight line it's fine, but you hit a hole/bump and you'll feel it - All EV's struggle with bumps/holes - even with Air Suspension ... Telsa cannot change the laws of physics.
As for going around corners fast ... it doesn't not handle like a sports car. Not even close. However it's a lot better than most "normal" cars - my wife's base 2010 Audi A3 is like driving a wet sponge around corners. The Model 3 leans heavily at the start, but then the suspension kicks in and the Model 3 holds that initial lean well - so it's ok. Not a Sports car but not a soft sponge either.
So the question you need to ask is ... how important is track or county lane racing for you?
For me and most people it's not important at all.
I am a little worried about the polestar 2 on the local poor quality roads (which there are many), as some reviewers have said its a little hard and jiggles about on these types of roads. All the reviewers agree it settles down on motorways and that's more important for long journey's.
Considering my F-Pace was like driving around town on a skateboard - as I had the top sports suspension and 22" wheels - and we didn't mind that, Iv'e taken the risk with the Polestar 2.
That's why I really like long term reviews .... these people need to live with that car for 3+ months before doing a review. However Youtube is more being about first and/or click bait titles.
Having tested the Model 3 ... it doesn't handle the way Tesla owners want you to believe. In a straight line it's fine, but you hit a hole/bump and you'll feel it - All EV's struggle with bumps/holes - even with Air Suspension ... Telsa cannot change the laws of physics.
As for going around corners fast ... it doesn't not handle like a sports car. Not even close. However it's a lot better than most "normal" cars - my wife's base 2010 Audi A3 is like driving a wet sponge around corners. The Model 3 leans heavily at the start, but then the suspension kicks in and the Model 3 holds that initial lean well - so it's ok. Not a Sports car but not a soft sponge either.
So the question you need to ask is ... how important is track or county lane racing for you?
For me and most people it's not important at all.
I am a little worried about the polestar 2 on the local poor quality roads (which there are many), as some reviewers have said its a little hard and jiggles about on these types of roads. All the reviewers agree it settles down on motorways and that's more important for long journey's.
Considering my F-Pace was like driving around town on a skateboard - as I had the top sports suspension and 22" wheels - and we didn't mind that, Iv'e taken the risk with the Polestar 2.
Joined
·
5,303 Posts
I think if you "like" the car, the risk of the ride being too soft or too firm is quite small.
Of course for many people part of the equation of 'liking' the car is the ride quality.
Unless it's so difficult to get a test drive or get to a test drive.
This is obviously not an issue for the typical car buying scenario, but let's face it, in the case of the Polestar, this is not the typical car buying scenario.
Joined
·
5,303 Posts
I won't speak for anyone else, but I wouldn't have parted with $1000 (even refundable) if I had big concerns about how this car might drive. I've owned several Volvos and driven many European sedans. I'm completely confident this car is not unlike anything else I've experienced. And I have no doubt that it doesn't drive like a Lamborghini or a Lexus.Unless it's so difficult to get a test drive or get to a test drive.
This is obviously not an issue for the typical car buying scenario, but let's face it, in the case of the Polestar, this is not the typical car buying scenario.
Joined
·
3,715 Posts
Also made #4 of Top Gear's top 15 BEVs.
www.topgear.com
Top Gear's top 20 electric cars
Head this way for a roundup of our favourite everyday EVs
Joined
·
5,303 Posts
Only #4? And behind that weird Honda? I understand the Tacan is #1, and can see the 3 and P2 side by side. But I don't get #4.Also made #4 of Top Gear's top 15 BEVs.
Top Gear's top 20 electric cars
Head this way for a roundup of our favourite everyday EVs
Also sad how few of these cars are available in the US.
going to say something blasphemous for the forum...
but for a US rank list of best EVs, without further specification re the criteria for ranking, I'd actually have the model 3 as #1.
For a generic car, it has range, practicality, and trims to match price-points/needs across a pretty wide spectrum. In the US, for the pricing we have here, if you're going EV I feel like you have to have a specific argument for not going for the Model 3 if looking at a sedan/hatch, or the Model Y if looking at a crossover. Tesla is the default EV for a reason.
Now, if looking for an actual premium/luxury EV, then the Polestar clearly shines; Tesla's interiors and exterior are just not of high enough quality to be considered premium/luxury.
And for the 6-figure performance crowd, the Taycan is where it's at.
In the EU/UK, I understand the price of the P*2 vs TM3 LR is near identical, in which case yeah I'd totally take the P*2, so the list might be different.
But for a generic list of best EVs in the US, have to hand it to Tesla, as much as I might not want to admit.
but for a US rank list of best EVs, without further specification re the criteria for ranking, I'd actually have the model 3 as #1.
For a generic car, it has range, practicality, and trims to match price-points/needs across a pretty wide spectrum. In the US, for the pricing we have here, if you're going EV I feel like you have to have a specific argument for not going for the Model 3 if looking at a sedan/hatch, or the Model Y if looking at a crossover. Tesla is the default EV for a reason.
Now, if looking for an actual premium/luxury EV, then the Polestar clearly shines; Tesla's interiors and exterior are just not of high enough quality to be considered premium/luxury.
And for the 6-figure performance crowd, the Taycan is where it's at.
In the EU/UK, I understand the price of the P*2 vs TM3 LR is near identical, in which case yeah I'd totally take the P*2, so the list might be different.
But for a generic list of best EVs in the US, have to hand it to Tesla, as much as I might not want to admit.
Joined
·
5,303 Posts
Moderator!....Moderator!......MODERATOR!.....this guy can be banned now! 😆
Joined
·
3,715 Posts
Ah, but he's right. Pick any number you want... Whatever is most important to you, and there's a Tesla option that easily beats the Polestar.
I respect Teslas and the people who buy them.
Obviously, when you look at the whole package, I strongly prefer the Polestar... But then, everybody here knows that.
I respect Teslas and the people who buy them.
Obviously, when you look at the whole package, I strongly prefer the Polestar... But then, everybody here knows that.
Polestar 2, Midnight (blue), charcoal interior, non-PP
Joined
·
3,118 Posts
Blasphemous or not, I do have to agree. I massively prefer the Polestar in so many ways, but you have to hand it to Tesla in that if you're happy with the styling and inconsistent build quality, they have defined the entire EV market (aside from small cars).
Joined
·
5,303 Posts
They may have defined the market, but it's like people buying a Toyota because all the numbers line up best. For that matter I know some former Toyota owners who bought Teslas. It's the safe choice.
This rating is something CR might come out with. C&D probably would not.
Just yesterday there was another Tesla recall. Not for some unforeseen issue, but for displays. Tesla used consumer grade displays instead of one's hardened for a car environment. This is not the best way to make affordable cars, particularly when 90% of your controls are through that display. This type of problem is completely predictable, but likely overridden by someone like musk.
This rating is something CR might come out with. C&D probably would not.
Just yesterday there was another Tesla recall. Not for some unforeseen issue, but for displays. Tesla used consumer grade displays instead of one's hardened for a car environment. This is not the best way to make affordable cars, particularly when 90% of your controls are through that display. This type of problem is completely predictable, but likely overridden by someone like musk.
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
Join the discussion
