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With the Polestar 2, is one drive motor enough to have fun with the Stromer, which weighs over two tons? After a first test drive, the answer is clear.
Before the Volvo offshoot Polestar initiates a model offensive next year with the introduction of the electric SUV "3", those interested in the brand will initially have to make do with the only series "2". In addition to the “dual motor” version, this is now also available in two slimmed-down drive variants that do without the second motor on the rear axle and thus all-wheel drive. Despite the significantly reduced performance, the 2WD variant known as the “single motor” is by no means seen as a waiver mobile. Even here, performance, equipment and range are at a high level. However, this also applies to the price.
Polestar 2: Difference to external dual drive?
Externally there are no real differences to the All-wheel drive version. However, the fact that this is a battery-electric powered car will come as a surprise to some, because given its proportions, the approximately 4,60 meter long sedan could well be mistaken for a conventional combustion engine. But under the long front hood there is an electric motor that provides 165 kW / 224 PS or 170 kW / 231 PS, depending on the battery size. In our case, we drove the more powerful version with the 78 kWh long-range battery, which allows a range of up to 540 kilometers.
It works fine without the start button!
One looks in vain for a start button to activate readiness to drive in the tidy cockpit of the "2". After getting in, all you have to do with Polestar is slide the gear selector lever to D - and you're ready to go. At the beginning of the test drive, the digital instrument cluster indicated a 90 percent full battery and a remaining range of 400 kilometers. Previously, the car was probably moved a little faster. The reason for this is quickly apparent, because if the accelerator pedal is worked a little more progressively, the “2” dashes forward effortlessly and greedily despite its weight of a good two tons. Especially in city traffic, the driver has to concentrate in order to stay within the legal framework of the speed limits. A brief luff of the accelerator pedal is enough for the Stromer to return to a level that complies with the rules thanks to the powerful engine brake.
How the Polestar 2 drives with a single engine
The impulsive drive on the country road can be exploited to a greater extent. In 7,4 seconds you can drive the virtual speedometer needle to a three-digit level. The powerful Polestar also masters overtaking maneuvers with ease. Thanks to precise steering, tight chassis and good road holding, it is really fun to enter corners quickly and accelerate again strongly at the apex. Especially in tight bends and on wet roads you can make the front tires spin over and over again. Nevertheless, we did not miss a high-traction all-wheel drive. Even on the autobahn, the car impresses with its liveliness and power. Only in the left lane should the demands not be too high, because the speed limit is 160 km / h. The all-wheel drive version manages at least 205 km / h.
After 114 test kilometers, the battery was still 62 percent full, the on-board computer indicated the remaining range as 270 kilometers. So there was no range miracle. But the battery, which is generously sized at 78 kWh, should provide a range of more than 400 kilometers even when driving at a brisk pace. Fast recharging is not a problem: If the fast charging station delivers 155 kW direct current, filling from 0 to 80 percent is possible in 40 minutes. With the 11 kW AC wallbox, it takes 8 hours for a full charge.
In other respects, too, one experiences the Swedes, which are produced in China, as good daily driver. The ambience with vegan high-tech plastics and textiles is high quality and modern. There is enough space in the front and in the back, even for adults, and the trunk behind the large tailgate can even hold larger luggage. With the rear seat backs folded down, the storage space increases from 405 to 1.095 liters. On the other hand, we found the all-round view to be less practical in everyday life. Thanks to the small windows and the wide B- and C-pillars, some of the traffic remains hidden from the driver.
Android in the car
We were particularly positively surprised by the infotainment system based on Android. You can find your way around the clear menu structure immediately. The large touchscreen shows everything in a pleasantly clear manner, and the system also reacts promptly to commands. Whether using online services such as Spotify or setting vehicle functions - everything is pleasantly easy to do. If you prefer to dictate your desired address to Google Maps, the system will also correctly understand it without any complaints.
Although the entry-level price of the Polestar 2 drops significantly with the single-motor version, the financial entry barrier remains high even here. The variant with the 45.500 kWh standard range battery costs around 64 euros, and 3.000 euros more with the 78 kWh battery. For comparison: the all-wheel drive Polestar 2 dual motor costs 51.000 euros and is only 2.500 euros extra. For a much more attractive drive option, this is actually a negligible surcharge. All three qualify for the environmental bonus of 9.570 euros. Polestar wants to bring around 6.000 copies of the 2 to the people in Germany next year. Around half of them should be single-motor versions with a large battery.
The Polestar 2 is also brisk in the single-engine version 
The 4,60 meter long hatchback sedan is offered exclusively with an electric drive The Polestar 2 stands out with its slightly raised body 
A striking detail of the Polestar 2 is its tail light that extends across the entire width of the rear 
Although a brand with a Swedish identity, Polestar cars are built in China The Android-based infotainment system of the Polestar 2 is easy to find your way around
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor Specifications:
Five-door, five-seat hatchback sedan; Length: 4,61 meters, width: 1,8 meters, height: 1,48 meters, wheelbase: 2,74 meters, battery capacity: 78 kWh; Boot space: 405 - 1.095 liters
Drive: permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, maximum torque: 330 Nm from 1 rpm, front-wheel drive, 1-speed gearbox, 0-100 km / h: 7,4 s, Vmax: 160 km / h, WLTP range: 540 km; WLTP consumption: 15,9 - 19,7 kWh / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 0 g / km, efficiency class: A +, price: from 48.500 euros
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor - Brief Features:
Why: E-car suitable for everyday use with a fun factor, Android-based infotainment system
Why not: because the fast all-wheel drive version of the Polestar 2 seems more attractive
What else: Tesla Model 3