Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor

Overview

The 2023 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor was the brand's entry-level stab at the premium EV liftback scene, rocking minimalist Scandinavian design and clever Google-powered tech. While this specific front-wheel-drive configuration with its 67 kWh battery was primarily an EU offering and not officially sold stateside, it aimed to blend style with everyday usability. Production of this particular FWD variant concluded in 2023, paving the way for newer rear-wheel-drive iterations. As such, new pricing isn't applicable for the US, and used models would be exceptionally rare imports.

What's New for 2023?

For its final model year, this 2023 Standard Range Single Motor variant saw subtle refinements alongside the broader Polestar 2 lineup. These included fresh exterior paint options like "Space" black and "Jupiter" grey-gold, plus new optional 19-inch alloy wheel designs to sharpen its look. Inside, software updates kept the Android Automotive OS feeling slick. Importantly, 2023 marked the last call for this front-wheel-drive setup before the single-motor Polestar 2 switched to a more engaging rear-wheel-drive configuration and offered different battery options for the 2024 model year.

Design & Exterior

The Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor boasts a striking, almost concept-car look with its chunky liftback silhouette and clean lines. It's pure Scandinavian cool, featuring signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights and a distinctive full-width rear light bar. Frameless side mirrors add a touch of class. As the entry trim, it typically featured 19-inch wheels. Key dimensions are a length of 181.3 inches, a width (sans mirrors) of 73.2 inches, and a height of 58.3 inches, giving it a purposeful, planted stance on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Polestar 2 SRSM offers a cabin experience that's both minimalist and high-tech, typically trimmed with standard vegan WeaveTech upholstery. The centerpiece is the 11.2-inch tablet-style infotainment screen running Google's Android Automotive OS, complete with Google Maps and Assistant, alongside a 12.3-inch digital driver display; Apple CarPlay is also supported. Passenger space is decent up front, cozy in the rear. Cargo is practical, with 14.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 38.7 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 1.2 cubic foot frunk for charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Polestar 2 variant packs a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels, dishing out 170 kW (around 228 horsepower) and 243 lb-ft of torque. This setup delivers a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 7.1 seconds. While not a tire-shredding monster, it offers smooth, instant acceleration perfect for city driving and confident highway merging. The driving experience is composed and comfortable, with well-judged suspension. Selectable regenerative braking modes, including a proper one-pedal driving option, enhance efficiency and engagement, making stop-go traffic a breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Standard Range Single Motor is equipped with a 67 kWh usable battery pack (69 kWh nominal), delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 250 miles. Its efficiency is rated at a solid 3.73 mi/kWh. For charging, it features a 400V architecture. At home or a Level 2 station, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in about 7 hours. On the go, it supports DC fast charging up to 136 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can take around 32 minutes. The EU-spec car uses a CCS Type 2 port; US models typically use CCS Type 1.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a Polestar hallmark, and this model boasts a 5-star NHTSA and a 5-star Euro NCAP overall safety rating. Standard driver-assistance features typically include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking (for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists), lane keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, and road sign information. More advanced systems like adaptive cruise control, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving, a 360-degree camera, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert were usually available as part of optional packages like the Pilot Pack, enhancing its safety credentials further.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While this specific 2023 EU-spec trim wasn't sold new in the US, Polestar's typical US warranty provides a solid safety net: a 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, covering degradation below 70% state-of-health. Powertrain components are generally covered under the battery warranty. Polestar has also offered complimentary scheduled maintenance, often for the first 3 years or 30,000 miles in the US. As a discontinued trim, long-term support would align with Polestar's general commitments for the Polestar 2 model.