Key Points
- Polestar 2 offers a range of 270 miles, while the upcoming Polestar 4 is expected to have a range of over 300 miles.
- Polestar 4 is set to be the company’s most powerful car with 544 hp and an estimated acceleration of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
- Both Polestar 2 and 4 support DC fast charging and AC charging, with Polestar 4 expected to have similar or better charging times than Polestar 2.
- Polestar 2 has a starting price of $48,400, while the Polestar 4 is expected to have a starting price of at least $60,000.
- Both vehicles come with advanced safety features and technology, including the Android Automotive operating system and built-in Google services.
For the past two decades, the consumer market’s appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) has grown steadily. You have likely encountered an active campaign by lobbyist groups and government entities encouraging EV uptake.
This growth has, in turn, encouraged automobile manufacturers and entrepreneurs to invest more in EV research and development. As a result, new companies like Tesla helped prove the viability of EVs.
Similarly, companies like Lucid and Polestar took advantage of the fast-growing demand for EVs to create brands that would otherwise have difficulty penetrating the traditional car market.
Polestar Cars is a Swedish automobile manufacturer. The company started as Volvo Cars’ racing and tuning partner. However, Volvo Cars bought a majority stake in the Polestar performance division and brand name in 2015.
The company produced its first car, the Polestar 1, in 2018. Since then, the Polestar brand has been growing exponentially.
This article will focus on two of Polestar Cars’ best-performing EV models. Below is a review of the Polestar 4 vs. Polestar 2, including their designs, performance, range, and starting price. Read on for a detailed outlook of the two EVs.
Polestar 4 vs. Polestar 2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Polestar 2 | Polestar 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 2020 | 2024 |
| Design Classification | Hatchback | Mid-size SUV |
| Horsepower | Single Motor – 231 hp Dual Motor – 476 hp | 544 hp |
| Acceleration (0-60 MPH) | Single Motor – 7 seconds Dual Motor – 4.5 seconds | Estimated 3.8 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 78 kWh | 102 kWh |
| Range | 270 miles | Estimated 300 miles |
| Starting Price | $55,000 | $60,000 |
Polestar 4 vs. Polestar 2: What’s the Difference?
Polestar’s first car, the Polestar 1, was a plug-in hybrid vehicle, not an EV. However, that car’s success prompted the company’s primary investor, Volvo Cars, to push for a fully electric car. Based on the success of the Polestar 1, it was clear the market was ready to embrace plug-in EVs.
The outcome was the Polestar 2, the company’s first EV. It received rave reviews and opened the gates for both the Polestar 3 and the upcoming Polestar 4. This section compares the Polestar 4 vs. Polestar 2 EVs. It also highlights the strides, if any, the company has made in its production processes and capabilities.
Performance
Polestar released the first Polestar 2 model in 2020; however, for this article, we’ll use the specifications of the latest Polestar 2 model. That is because Polestar has made significant improvements to the car. In addition, it will yield a more balanced comparison with the yet-to-be-released Polestar 4.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is available in two trims: the long-range single motor and the long-range dual motor. As the name suggests, the long-range single motor has one motor that drives the front wheels. The result is a power output of 231 hp.
©Arjan Kemeling /Shutterstock.com
Buyers considering the Polestar 2 should appraise this option when looking for a car for daily work commute and other basic uses. The long-range dual motor has motors on both wheel axles, which generate 476 hp. This version is ideal for speed enthusiasts who want a car that packs considerable horsepower.
Another performance metric to consider is acceleration. The single motor trim goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds. In contrast, the dual motor trim achieves the milestone in 4.5 seconds. Polestar also offers a Performance Pack for the two for an additional price.
The performance pack is a software upgrade that boosts horsepower and increases torque. Getting the performance pack may be an unnecessary cost if you do not intend to use it.
Polestar 4
As noted earlier, the Polestar 4 is yet to be released. Therefore, some specifications are yet to become public. However, Polestar has provided plenty of information for consumers and reviewers to evaluate the car.
Like the Polestar 2, the Polestar 4 is available in a long-range single motor and a long-range dual motor trim. The vehicle has an output of 544 hp, making it the company’s most powerful car upon release.
In addition, driven by more powerful motors, the Polestar 4 has an estimated acceleration of 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That would also make the Polestar 4 the fastest vehicle in Polestar’s lineup. Polestar will also offer a performance pack for the Polestar 4, influencing driving by tuning the chassis and upgrading the brakes.
Overall, the Polestar 2 cannot match the Polestar 4 performance-wise, as the latter has superior specifications. This is despite the improvements the company has made to the Polestar 2 since its release in 2020.
Range and Charging
According to the manufacturer, the range of the Polestar 2 depends on the trim one gets. The long-range single-motor trim can reach 270 miles on a single charge.
In contrast, the long-range dual-motor trim offers 260 miles. The estimated range is reasonable and can serve you for several days on a single charge. However, this is only convenient for car owners who make short daily trips.
On the other hand, Polestar is yet to release definitive range figures for the Polestar 4. According to the company’s press release, they expect the Polestar 4 to have a range of more than 300 miles for both long-range trims. It will be a significant improvement over the Polestar 2.
©iStock.com/Trygve Finkelsen
However, keep in mind several factors can influence the range. One factor that can influence range is the regenerative braking system in the Polestar 2.
The system operates like a mini generator that produces and sends electricity to the battery during braking. Having a regenerative braking system is handy during long trips as it increases your EV’s range by a few miles.
However, we must mention that the charge increase from such a system is usually minimal. It only causes a slight uptick in the range.
This can be the difference between stalling on a highway and getting to a charging station. There is no word yet on whether the Polestar 4 will have regenerative braking, but it won’t be a surprise if it does.
Charging Times and Compatibility
Speaking of charging, both the Polestar 2 and 4 support DC fast charging and AC charging. According to Polestar, a DC fast charger can charge the Polestar 2’s 78 kWh battery from 10% – 80% in 35 minutes. However, you may need up to 8 hours to fully charge the battery using an AC wall charger.
The charging times for the Polestar 4’s 102 kWh battery are yet to be confirmed. However, the car’s charging system will support up to 200 kW DC fast charging and up to 22 kW AC charging. Therefore, it would not be a stretch to expect the Polestar 4 to have similar or better-charging numbers than the Polestar 2.
Design
The Polestar 2 is an entry-level luxury hatchback with a futuristic design incorporating minimalistic aspects. The vehicle has a flowing silhouette with sharp lines on its sides and hood that help improve the aerodynamics. It also has frameless door mirrors that contribute to the aerodynamics.
The front has LED lights and a sizable grille that give it a menacing look. In contrast, the rear lights run along the car’s width and end in rectangular arcs that are similar to horns. The vehicle comes standard with 19-inch black alloy rims, though you can upgrade to 20-inch wheels. In addition, the Polestar 2 has a panoramic sunroof.
On the other hand, the Polestar 4 is a mid-size SUV that resembles a coupe but emphasizes a sporty demeanor. Like the Polestar 2, it has a very streamlined body meant to lower drag and achieve the performance metrics highlighted earlier.
The Polestar 4’s front is slightly more engaging than the Polestar 2’s front. It does not have a centrally located grill. Instead, it is lower, hence closer to the base. Polestar split the front LED lights into two. Meanwhile, the rear lights run across the rear’s mid-section and then drop slightly on both ends to form an elongated n-shape.
The most significant design feature of the Polestar 4 is that it lacks a rear window. This may come as a huge surprise to many people as rear windows remain a standard feature in most cars.
However, the Polestar 4 has a panoramic roof, so you do not have to worry about lighting and aeration when inside the car. Lastly, consumers can choose from a selection of wheels that range between 20 and 22 inches.
Safety Measures
Polestar’s parent company, Volvo Cars, has a reputation for being one of the most safety-conscious vehicle brands. The parent company maintains the same emphasis on its EVs. Both the Polestar 4 and 2 have advanced safety features and technology.
For example, the Polestar 2 has four ultrasound sensors on its front and rear bumpers that help identify obstacles when parking. It also has a rearview camera that helps widen the rear angle of view. This feature is handy in situations where the sightline through the rear window is obstructed. You can also use the rearview camera when reverse parking.
The Polestar 2 also comes with a safety assistance feature that relies on radar and cameras to monitor the car’s surroundings. For example, the EV has a Run-off Road Mitigation system that can autonomously steer the car back to its lane if it determines the car will go offroad.
The Polestar 2 also has a Post-Impact Braking system that automatically brakes the car following a collision to mitigate further damage. For an additional $3,400, buyers will also get the Pilot Pack, which has adaptive cruise control and pilot assist, among other features.
The Polestar 4 also has similarly impressive safety features. The first is the roof-mounted rear camera, which delivers a wider-angled view of the car’s rear and replaces the rear window. It also has 12 cameras, 12 ultrasound sensors, and radar that help the driver maneuver driving and parking.
Its Pilot Pack comes with lane assistance, among other features. The newest introduction to the Polestar 4‘s safety features is the SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye.
Technology and Connectivity
Polestar cars have the Android Automotive operating system that enables over-the-air updates to their software. They also have built-in Google that provides access to various Google services, including Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Assistant.
The Polestar 2 has a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen that indicates the range, speed, and other pertinent performance information. It also has an 11.2-inch screen at the dashboard’s center that hosts the web browser and other infotainment features, such as audio controls.
On the other hand, the Polestar 4 has a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation screen to show performance parameters. It also has a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and a head-up display with a 14.7-inch projection to minimize driver distraction.
Price
The Polestar 2 is an entry-level luxury EV. Therefore, one would expect it to be slightly pricey. The company’s recommended starting price for the Polestar 2 is $48,400 for the base model.
However, you will likely pay as much as $55,000 depending on the dealership and the model. The price also depends on whether it is a dual- or single-motor car. Luckily, Polestar 2 owners can apply for the Clean Vehicle Rebate for as much as $7,500.
Polestar has yet to release official starting prices for the Polestar 4. However, in its press release about the car, the company stated the Polestar 4 would be priced between the Polestar 2 and the Polestar 3. Therefore, consumers should expect the Polestar 4 to have a starting price of at least $60,000.
Consumers should also remember that the Polestar 2 and 4 have additional options, such as the Performance Pack, that raise the price by several thousand dollars.
Polestar 4 vs Polestar 2: 5 Must-Know Facts
- Polestar 4 has tailor-knit textiles made from 100% recycled PET.
- The Polestar 4 has a Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers and a 1400W output.
- Polestar 2 can tow up to 3,000 pounds of weight.
- Polestar 2 has A Better Route Planner feature to help the driver find the best route that conserves battery life.
- Both Polestars are expected to have a front lower load path to minimize the risk of passenger injury in a head-on collision.
Polestar 4 vs Polestar 2: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
Despite being relatively new to the automotive industry, Polestar has quickly emerged as a brand consumers should watch closely. This is thanks to its lineup of attractive and high-performance EVs that offer great value for money spent. The Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 are amazing EVs with impressive specifications.
As such, choosing one over the other can be challenging. It all boils down to one’s preferences and how much they are willing to speed. For those who like larger vehicles, the Polestar 4 is an excellent choice. Conversely, the Polestar 2 is perfect for sedan lovers.
Ultimately, we would recommend the Polestar 2 only because it is currently available. The Polestar 4 is months away from hitting the market, which is inconvenient for prospective buyers looking to get a car in the near future.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Arjan Kemeling/Shutterstock.com.
