Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor

Overview

The 2024 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor is the sleek Swedish brand's entry-level take on the electric liftback, mixing minimalist cool with a conscience. For 2024, this single-motor variant even switched to rear-wheel drive, promising more driving fun! It’s a sharp looker, packed with Google smarts inside. While this specific European-spec Standard Range model described here is discontinued and US pricing isn't listed, the Polestar 2 lineup generally competes with premium EVs. It offers a distinct alternative for those wanting performance and Scandi-chic without shouting about it.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, the Polestar 2 lineup got a serious refresh, and this Standard Range Single Motor benefited before its discontinuation. The biggest news? It ditched front-wheel drive for a more engaging rear-wheel drive setup, powered by a new, more potent electric motor kicking out 200 kW. This also brought tweaked styling, including the new body-colored 'SmartZone' front panel housing sensors, replacing the old grille. These changes aimed to boost both performance and efficiency, making the entry Polestar 2 an even sweeter deal for its (short) 2024 run.

Design & Exterior

This Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor rocks the brand’s signature minimalist yet muscular design. It's a five-door liftback that's both practical and a head-turner, especially with those crisp 'Thor’s Hammer' LED daytime running lights. For 2024, it featured the updated 'SmartZone' front end. Key dimensions are a tidy 181.3 inches long, 73.2 inches wide (no mirrors), and 58.2 inches tall. It’s a distinctive shape on the road, looking premium without being overly flashy – proper stealth wealth vibes, this!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor boasts a cabin that's pure Scandi-cool: vegan materials, clean lines, and a premium feel. There’s seating for five. Tech is front and center with an 11.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen running Google’s Android Automotive OS – think Google Maps and Assistant built-in, plus Apple CarPlay. Cargo? You get a decent 14.4 ft³ in the trunk, expanding to a useful 38.7 ft³ with seats folded, plus a handy 1.2 ft³ frunk for your charge cables. Smart and stylish!

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let 'Standard Range' fool you; this Polestar 2 RWD packs a punch! Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sends a healthy 200 kW (around 268 hp) and a meaty 361 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. That translates to a brisk 0-60 mph dash in just 6.1 seconds, making city zipping and highway merges a breeze. The switch to rear-wheel drive for 2024 models like this one adds a layer of fun to its typically composed and refined ride. Expect strong regenerative braking with one-pedal drive capability too!

Range, Battery & Charging

The Standard Range Single Motor features a 67 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 279 miles – pretty solid for daily duties. Efficiency is rated at a cool 4.16 mi/kWh. For charging, its 11 kW onboard AC charger can top it up overnight. On the go, it supports DC fast charging up to 135 kW. This European-spec model uses a CCS Type 2 port; US Polestar 2s generally feature CCS Type 1, with a future transition to NACS charging ports planned for North America.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a big deal for Polestar, and this 2 boasts a 5-star NHTSA and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit typically includes essentials like forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane keeping aid, and road sign information. For the full suite of semi-autonomous goodies like adaptive cruise control (Pilot Assist) and a 360-degree camera, you’d usually look to add the Pilot Pack. So, it’s reassuringly safe, even in its more accessible forms.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

While this specific EU-spec model's warranty details might vary, Polestar typically offers robust coverage in the US. Expect something like a 4-year/50,000-mile basic vehicle warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery and electric drive components, often including a battery degradation guarantee. Polestar has also offered complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first few years or a set mileage, adding to the ownership appeal. Always check the latest US terms for current models.