2022 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor Review : Sweet Disposition

Singapore - Prior to driving this, it’s been quite some time since I last sat behind the wheel of a Polestar.

Earlier this year, I drove the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor (LRDM) in both its bone stock form and with Polestar’s S$16,000 Performance Pack fitted.

Naturally, a person who isn’t as well informed would assume the Performance Pack nets you increased levels of power, but the Performance Pack only gets you gold-hued Brembo brakes, 21-inch rims with gold tyre valve caps and manually adjustable Öhlins dampers (read the handbook before you go faffing about the wheel arches). No power gains to be had here.

After my stint in both cars, I came away more impressed with the standard LRDM sans Performance Pack. Partly, because it affords you the same power figures for less money. But primarily, because it’s the more refined vehicle of the two, with a more amenable suspension setup and better levels of NVH thanks to the softer springs.

But if it’s comfort and refinement you want in a Polestar 2, you could hop in the Standard Range variant for even less money and the same level of luxury.

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor - What is it?

The Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor was first launched at the debut of the new Polestar Space, and it only is one of two Polestar models being sold in Singapore (the Long Range Single Motor variant is no longer on sale). Naturally, one would wonder about the difference between both models, especially when you consider the S$42,000 price divide between both powertrains.

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor - How does it look?

For starters, you certainly aren’t losing out in the looks department. Short of the 19-inch rims (or gold bling you get with the Performance Pack), there are no discernible differences between the two cars. Every panel, every crease in the bodywork, all exterior fixtures and lighting elements are identical.

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor - What about the inside?

Even in the cabin, the dashboard fittings and ancillaries are identical to the LRDM. You get the same Scandi-minimalist interior layout with a digital instrument cluster, an 11-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen powered by an Android Automotive operating system, and the same leather or recycled vegan weave fabric draped over the seats. It even has the same panoramic moonroof with Polestar’s logo reflected on the glass, and it is every bit as refined as the dual motor model.

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor - So what's different about this?

However, it’s down to the powertrain where both models start diverging.

Unlike the dual-motor AWD drivetrain in the LRDM, the SRSM makes do with a single motor mounted under the frunk (yes, it has one). The smaller battery and single motor drivetrain grants the SRSM a 200kg weight reduction over the LRDM model but obviously, there is a dip in power.

Consequently, the SRSM’s performance figures take a dip as well. The Standard Range model produces 231 horsepower and 330Nm of torque, down from the 408hp/660Nm you get in the dual motor version.

So you won’t be shocking your passengers with brutal acceleration forces or leaving anyone in your dust, but it still has plenty of grunt to hustle its 1,940kg mass from 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor - How does it feel on the road?

Those figures may appear docile on paper but in the real world, that is plenty of pace. The acceleration forces aren’t as vigorous or potent as they are in the LRDM, but the car feels brisk and sprightly.

The lighter kerb weight and spry powertrain imparts it with a sweeter disposition compared to the more powerful model. It’s not a car that’ll make short work of Singapore’s road network, but rather one that is perfectly well suited for the everyday grind and then some.

Sling it into a bend and the car follows through tidily without wagging its tail about. Take it from me, it’s a lot more intimidating pulling the same manoeuvre in the more powerful car.

And here comes the interesting bit; Despite being badged as the “Standard Range” model, the Polestar 2 SRSM manages 478km on the WLTP test cycle from its 69kWh battery. The LRDM on the other hand manages 487km (WLTP) with its 74kWh battery.

However, in practice, you’re unlikely to extract that amount of mileage unless you try really hard. But the official efficiency figures aren’t far off the mark. Over 200km, I averaged 18.5kWh/100km without even trying to drive efficiently. So the car’s quoted electrical consumption figure (17.1 to 18.0kWh/100km) is perfectly attainable if you go easy on the throttle.

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor - Is it the one to get?

From a consumer perspective, the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor makes perfect sense if you don’t need the power that can be had with the LRDM. And for S$242,000*, it is the cheapest Polestar vehicle on sale in Singapore. In fact, it’s cheaper than the other electrified CMA platform vehicles from Volvo.

Yes, its borderline sacrilegious that a TopGear Singapore staffer would prefer the less powerful version of any given vehicle. But the fact remains, you don’t really need that power when we’re confined by speed limits of no more than 90km/h in a country with a land space of just 728.6 km². Not unless you’ve got an insatiable appetite for speed. We do on occasion, but not in this instance.

At any rate, it’s not easy to justify the need for the Long Range Dual Motor. It’s a bargain for the refinement and performance you get in a luxury EV, but the Standard Range is a bargain luxury electric vehicle. Period.

Besides, what would you even need 408 horsepower and 660Nm of torque for?

PHOTOS Jay Tee

Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor

Battery 69kWh, Li-Ion, 400V
Electric Motor 231hp/330 Nm
Electric Range up to 474km (WLTP)
0-100km/h 7.4secs
Top Speed 160km/h
LxWxH 4606 x 1859 x 1479mm
Wheelbase 2735mm
Kerbweight 1940kg
Efficiency 17.1-18.0kWh/100km (Combined)
VES A1

*Prices accurate at the time of writing