Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor

Overview

The 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor, discontinued later that year, was a compelling entry into the premium EV space, offering a sharp blend of minimalist Scandinavian design and practical electric motoring. This front-wheel-drive liftback carved a niche with its eco-conscious interior and slick Google-powered infotainment. It represented a sophisticated choice for buyers seeking decent range and a distinct character without needing all-wheel drive. On the used market, this specific trim can be found for around 32,880 €, making it an attractive proposition for a stylish and capable EV.

What's New for 2023?

For its final model year, the 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor (FWD) saw subtle refinements rather than a major overhaul before the significant powertrain switch to RWD for the subsequent model year. These included ongoing software optimizations aimed at enhancing efficiency and range. Some fresh alloy wheel designs became available, and there were minor updates to interior material options and colour palettes to keep its appeal sharp. Crucially, over-the-air (OTA) updates continued, ensuring even this outgoing trim benefited from the latest software enhancements Polestar rolled out during its production.

Design & Exterior

The Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor boasts a distinctive, minimalist Scandinavian design that still turns heads with its muscular stance. As a sleek liftback, it measures 4606 mm in length, 1859 mm in width (without mirrors), and stands 1482 mm tall. Its chiselled lines, signature "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, and a striking full-width rear light bar give it serious road presence. This trim typically featured stylish 19-inch alloy wheels and frameless door mirrors, contributing to its premium, almost concept-car-like aesthetic that cleverly blends hatchback practicality with saloon sophistication.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor, and you're greeted by a cabin championing sustainable, high-quality materials and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The dashboard is dominated by an impressive 11-inch tablet-style touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, offering seamless Google integration. It seats five, though it's more comfortable for four adults. Boot space is a practical 405 litres, expanding to 1095 litres with the rear seats folded down. Plus, there’s a handy 35-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet, perfect for stashing charging cables or smaller items.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor serves up a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.4 seconds, courtesy of its front-mounted 170 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that delivers a healthy 330 Nm of instant torque. Being front-wheel drive, it offers a composed and predictable driving experience. The ride can be on the firmer side, characteristic of Polestar's sporty tuning, but this translates to keen handling and good body control. The well-calibrated one-pedal driving mode makes city cruising exceptionally smooth and helps maximise regenerative braking efficiency.

Range, Battery & Charging

Equipped with a 75 kWh usable battery pack, the Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor offers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of approximately 448 km, making it a capable companion for daily drives and longer journeys. Its energy efficiency is rated at a commendable 5.97 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port. For AC charging, the standard 11 kW on-board charger can replenish the battery overnight. When you need a quick top-up, it supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 150 kW.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is paramount in the Polestar 2, and this model proudly boasts a full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard driver-assistance features are comprehensive, typically including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, and road sign information. Many examples will also be equipped with the optional Pilot Pack, which adds desirable features like adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving), a 360-degree camera, blind-spot information system (BLIS) with steer assist, and rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Polestar typically offers a comprehensive vehicle warranty for the Polestar 2, often around 3 years/100,000 km. The crucial high-voltage battery is usually covered for a more extended period, commonly 8 years or 160,000 km, with a guarantee against excessive degradation (e.g., to retain at least 70% capacity). Powertrain components generally fall under similar coverage to the battery. Maintenance is minimal thanks to its electric nature, focusing on items like tyres, brakes, and cabin air filters, contributing to lower running costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars.