Polestar 2 Long Range Performance

Overview

The 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Performance was the top-tier muscle in Polestar's electric liftback lineup before its MY24 refresh. This Swedish-Chinese EV means business, packing dual motors for all-wheel-drive grip and serious punch, squarely aiming at rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance. With distinct styling and a focus on driving dynamics, it represented a sporty, premium choice. As a discontinued model, it's now an enticing prospect on the used market, with estimated prices around €33,450 for this specific, potent configuration. It’s a sophisticated speedster with a conscience!

What's New for 2023?

For its final 2023 model year, this specific 'Long Range Performance' variant (350kW AWD) largely carried over its impressive package before a major MY24 overhaul for the Polestar 2 line. Subtle enhancements for some MY23 Polestar 2s included an upgraded heat pump for improved cold-weather efficiency (often in the Plus Pack), new wheel designs, and fresh paint options. Software tweaks continued to refine the Android Automotive OS. This version, with its 350kW output, remained the pinnacle of the pre-facelift Polestar 2's performance offering, a proper send-off before the next generation arrived.

Design & Exterior

The Polestar 2 Long Range Performance boasts a striking, minimalist Scandinavian design that turns heads. Its liftback silhouette is both sleek and practical. Key features include the signature Thor's Hammer pixel LED headlights and distinctive rear light bar. This performance variant often sported 20-inch forged alloy wheels and tell-tale gold Brembo brake callipers, hinting at its capabilities. Dimensions stand at 4606 mm long, 1859 mm wide (no mirrors), and 1473 mm tall, giving it a purposeful, planted stance on the road. It’s chiselled, modern, and undeniably cool.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Polestar 2 Long Range Performance offers a cabin of cool, sustainable luxury. Standard WeaveTech vegan upholstery feels premium, and the design is minimalist yet functional. Passenger space is good for four. For your gear, there's a 405-litre boot, expanding to 1095 litres with seats down, plus a handy 41-litre frunk. Tech is dominated by the brilliant Android Automotive OS on an 11.2-inch central screen and 12.3-inch driver display, with Google goodies and Apple CarPlay. A Harman Kardon sound system was a popular upgrade for audiophiles.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Polestar 2 Long Range Performance doesn't hang about! It rockets from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 4.4 seconds. Power comes from dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors, one front and one rear, delivering a combined 350 kW and a hefty 680 Nm of torque through an all-wheel-drive system. This setup, often paired with Öhlins dampers and Brembo brakes, provides an engaging, agile drive with a firm, controlled ride. It’s a true driver’s EV, offering sharp responses and confidence-inspiring handling, with strong one-pedal regenerative braking.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the Long Range Performance houses a 75 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 397 km. Its efficiency is rated at a decent 5.29 km/kWh. For charging, it uses a CCS Type 2 port. AC charging maxes out at 11 kW, meaning a full top-up takes around 7-8 hours. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it'll gulp down electrons at up to 150 kW, zapping the battery from 10-80% in about 30-35 minutes. Plenty quick for those longer trips!

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount in the Polestar 2, reflected in its stellar 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Long Range Performance comes loaded with standard kit like forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping aid, and rear parking sensors with a camera. Many examples will feature the optional Pilot Pack, which adds goodies like adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, and cross-traffic alert. It’s a reassuringly safe machine.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

For European owners, the Polestar 2 Long Range Performance typically came with a comprehensive warranty package. This usually includes a basic vehicle warranty of 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first. Crucially, the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (often to 70% state of health). Polestar sometimes included a few years of scheduled maintenance in some markets. Overall reliability is generally strong, benefiting from its Volvo underpinnings, making it a solid used buy.