Polestar 1 vs Polestar 2: which is better?
Polestar's two most popular models are both great choices, but which is better?
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For a long time, Polestar made just two models, but as it’s become a more established brand and has gained in popularity, it’s introduced a couple more.
The two that kickstarted the electric car brand were the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2, and while being totally different inside and out, they’re both exquisite high-end luxury cars.
But what are the differences, and which is better for you?
Styling
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Upon first glance, both cars look like they’re from the same family. They both have the same ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlight design, a mouth-like front grille and a sleek profile that’s in keeping with its Volvo parent company’s style.
The main physical difference between the two is that the Polestar 1 is a sports coupè and the Polestar 2 is a large family hatchback.
For a car with a price tag of £140,000 when new, you’d expect the ‘1’ to look and feel as luxurious as possible – and it does.
Its shape isn’t really like any other car, taking inspiration from the Bentley Continental GT and BMW 8 Series.
It’s as if Polestar took the Volvo S90 and gave it wider wheelarches and updated light clusters to create a very cool machine with Iron Man helmet-like looks.
As for the Polestar 2, it looks just as futuristic, but it has a hatchback body style that makes it more practical and better suited to families.
In many ways, it’s a taller version of the Polestar 1, but when it comes to driving, they’re completely different animals.
What are they like to drive?
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By looking at the Polestar 1, you wouldn’t know it isn’t an electric car. It’s got the looks and characteristics of an EV, but it has an engine aided by an efficient plug-in hybrid system.
Powering it is a 2.0-litre twin-charged (turbocharged and supercharged) petrol engine that drives the front wheels, and an electric motor on each rear wheel that draws power from a 34kWh battery pack in the middle.
Together, it produces 609hp and can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, despite weighing a hefty 2.3 tonnes.
You’d rarely find one of these on the road, and not just because it’s so expensive. The main reason is that, as of 2023, there are just four on UK roads, and we suspect Polestar owns at least one of those.
But if you are so lucky to drive one then you won’t be disappointed. You’re certainly not short of power and it handles well, despite its size and weight.
It’s most at home on a long motorway journey, where it can drive in electric-only mode at up to 100mph, with a range of 78 miles.
The Polestar 2 is a fully electric model and therefore offers a completely different driving experience to the hybrid.
It’s powered by a choice of setups depending on the model you choose. The entry-level Standard Range Single Motor gets a 69kWh battery that can travel up to 331 miles on a single charge.
Then, there’s the mid-spec Long Range Single Motor that gets a larger 82kWh battery with a 406-mile range.
But opt for the top-spec Long Range Dual Motor and you get 368 miles of range and more horsepower at 410hp that’s sent equally between the front and rear wheels.
Being electric, it’s rapid in a straight line, with the Performance Pack getting you from 0-62mph in four seconds.
For everyday driving, it’s a dream thanks to its silent movements and easy no-gear-change electric style.
Interior and technology
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If you’re familiar with Volvos, then a Polestar won’t feel very different inside. Both models have large central screens that display all the relevant information you need/want to know while on the move.
One distinct difference you will notice is the ‘1’ has a slightly older-looking interior, with the ‘2’ taking the lead with a refreshed cabin.
They both run the same Google infotainment system that allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
While it’s handy to have these smartphone mirroring technologies, the in-built software is easy and seamless to use.
On longer journeys, both cars offer endless levels of comfort – not just because they’re very quiet, but also because of the plush seats that are soft yet supportive due to the car’s sporty edge.
If you’re in the market for the ‘2’ then you may want to consider finding a model with the optional Plus Pack that costs £4,000 from new.
With this, you get a beefier Harmon Kardon sound system, fully electric seats, tinted glass, a better air quality system, a full-length panoramic roof and bag hooks on the adjustable boot floor that come in very handy if you live down a winding country road.
Boot space and practicality
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There’s a clear winner when it comes to practicality, almost making this section of the comparison unfair, and that’s the Polestar 2 because it’s simply a larger car.
The ‘2’ gets a large 405-litre boot and plenty of nifty storage options throughout that make it a perfect family hatchback.
The ‘1’ coupé gets a 147-litre boot and smaller rear seats because it’s mostly filled with batteries.
But that’s where these two cars are different. The former is ideal for everyday use and family road trips whereas the latter is something you drive as a treat or own as a couple.
Safety and reliability
Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety – it was the inventor of the seatbelt, for crying out loud. So, when its Polestar sister brand started making cars, no one doubted its levels of safety.
The Polestar 2 scored a full five stars following its most recent Euro NCAP safety tests, which came as no surprise to anyone.
While the ‘1’ hasn’t been tested due to so few being made, we would have no reservations about its overall safety.
The same goes for reliability. Electric cars tend to be more reliable than cars with internal combustion engines because they have fewer moving parts that could go wrong.
But being Volvo parts, we have faith that they’re strong and reliable and will remain so for many decades to come.
Size and dimensions
Polestar 1
Length: 4,586mm
Width: 1,958mm
Height: 1,352mm
Boot space: 147 litres
Polestar 2
Length: 4,606mm
Width: 1,859mm
Height: 1,479mm
Boot space: 405 litres
Polestar 1 vs. Polestar 2: which should you buy?
Simply put, there’s only really one option for you and that’s the Polestar 2 – unless you’re lucky enough to own one of the four Polestar 1s in existence in the UK.
The ‘2’ is one of the best all-around electric cars money can buy, offering a solid range, practicality and performance.
But if you want to stand out from the crowd and be one of the few to own such a rare car, then the Polestar 1 is a great option, provided you can find one.
However, with just 1,500 in existence, you may struggle to see one, let alone buy one.