Polestar 2 – Ordering Experience & First Impressions

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andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

Hi all, I'm not sure if there is any appetite for this post, but I've noticed a few people considering a Polestar, or indeed going ahead and ordering one, so I thought it might be helpful to some. There are positives and negatives, so please don't think I'm here to wax lyrical.

Buying Experience
I bought a preconfigured car that was more-or-less to the exact specification I would have ordered from the factory. Standard range, single motor, Plus pack, in midnight with the 20” wheels. Order date was 10th February, and estimated delivery was early March. The process was very simple, I reserved the car online, and then had 48 hours to sign paperwork committing to it. You create a Polestar ID and have access to a portal that contains information about the order, estimated delivery dates, contracts etc. I could see my car had been assigned a 71-plate registration so I contacted CS via the Live Chat facility, and was told this would be changed for my delivery. All good so far. I then received an email two weeks after ordering requesting payment. This concerned me, because at that point I didn’t have a delivery date, however Live Chat again reassured me that the delivery date was imminent, so I made the payment. Fast forward another week and we’re into March, and I still don’t have a handover date. Growing impatient I contacted CS and was told that it was now likely to be the end of March. I was disappointed, but later that day I received a handover offer of the 7th March, which I accepted. The whole process was very slick and joined up. Customer Services were quick to respond to any contact, whether via the telephone, or Live Chat, and answers were mostly concise.

Delivery
Delivery was to my home via an open flatbed BCA truck, and as such the car was a little dusty. The driver spent an hour with me setting up the car, connecting my Polestar ID and Google accounts, and talking through general operation of the car. I’ve never even had this picking up new cars from a dealer, let alone sat on my driveway.

The Car
First things first, I think it’s a stunning car. It really does have fantastic presence, and I’ve since noticed numerous people either admiring it, or wondering what the hell it is. The interior is a lovely place to sit. It is far more intimate than the ID.3 and you feel ensconced and sat down in the car, despite it being relatively high. The 13 speaker Harman Kardon sound system is fantastic, easily the best I’ve had in any car, and I always upgrade the audio on my cars. The HMI is so simple and intuitive to work, and the clarity of the screen and its responsiveness is top drawer. Voice commands via Google Assistant are flawless. It doesn’t feel as roomy as the ID.3, but it’s fine for us, and the full glass roof lets a nice amount of light into the cabin. The CEO of Polestar is a designer, and this comes through in all aspects of the car. It is of course impressive to drive too, it’s perfectly fast enough, and one pedal is just a joy. The ride is great, even on 20” wheels.

Niggles
There are a few niggles. My car has the full power seats with 4-way lumbar, thigh extender etc. and it’s taken me nearly two weeks to find a comfortable seating position. This is largely down to a structural element of the seat that separates the main seat from the thigh extender, which is hard and lacks the necessary cushioning. I thought there was something wrong with my car, but it is a common complaint. The alignment is very slightly out, so with the steering wheel perfectly straight the car drifts to the right. The car will be going to my local Hunter specialist to have this sorted out, at my expense. The car was also delivered with a paint defect on the rear passenger door. You can only see it in very strong sunlight, so I only noticed it a few days after taking delivery. The response from Polestar regarding this has been rather tardy with an email going unanswered for a week before I eventually chased them. Overall the car feels very solid, but it’s not completely without rattles and squeaks. Probably personal preference, but I don’t think the supplied tyres are particularly good, and torque steer can be too evident if you don’t meter in the power. I’ll certainly look to change to a performance orientated tyre. The car is also very obviously heavy. It handles well, but it can’t disguise its weight, particularly when pushing on on bumpy undulating roads. It doesn’t like being driven like a hot hatch.

All-in-all I'm extremely happy with it and I'm looking forward to creating some great memories with it.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten

Hemming91
Posts: 115
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:31 am

Post by Hemming91 »

What kind of range figures have you been seeing/getting? My assumption is that it'll be worse than the ID3 as it is a heavier car. I've heard the google maps reading is far more accurate than the cars displayed reading. I guess like all electric cars the advice is still to charge to 80% and try not to drop below 20%?
Family Pro Performance - Moonstone Grey - East Derry Alloys
Ordered Confirmed - 26/10/2021
VW Order Number - 31517xxx
Latest status from dealership - Nobody knows!
Googs
Posts: 13
Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2022 1:42 am

Post by Googs »

Really interesting read. Thanks @andrewparker
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

Hemming91 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 1:15 pm What kind of range figures have you been seeing/getting? My assumption is that it'll be worse than the ID3 as it is a heavier car. I've heard the google maps reading is far more accurate than the cars displayed reading. I guess like all electric cars the advice is still to charge to 80% and try not to drop below 20%?
Polestar actually advise charging to 90%, so that is what I've done. I've seen indicated range at 90% charge of 200 - 210 miles, but it's still cold where I am, so it will be interesting to see how that changes into warmer weather. I'll be honest, I've not paid much attention to the efficiency of the car, or looked at the trip computer.

I've used Google Maps for a couple of 70 - 80 miles trips and the SOC on arrival estimate has been pretty much bang on.

One other thing; the app, and using my phone as a key, works perfectly. There has been quite a bit of criticism of both, but no problems for me. I've not tried scheduled charging, but turning the climate on in the morning works well. Maybe the app lacks functionality, but I'm honestly not sure what people would want from it.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

Hemming91 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 1:15 pm What kind of range figures have you been seeing/getting? My assumption is that it'll be worse than the ID3 as it is a heavier car. I've heard the google maps reading is far more accurate than the cars displayed reading. I guess like all electric cars the advice is still to charge to 80% and try not to drop below 20%?
Also worth noting that my car has the heat pump, but heaven knows whether that makes any credible difference.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
Hemming91
Posts: 115
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:31 am

Post by Hemming91 »

Thanks for your response! Mine is a bog standard order, due to company car budget restrictions, but I feel it's going to be more than enough for my needs and a huge step up from the 2018 Sportage I am currently driving until it arrives. Can't wait to be saving a whole heap of company car tax too. I've just had my order confirmation email through and set up my Polestar ID/account. It's weird how a simple online portal can make you feel some reassurance even though I've not actually spoke to anyone. Bring on July now!
Family Pro Performance - Moonstone Grey - East Derry Alloys
Ordered Confirmed - 26/10/2021
VW Order Number - 31517xxx
Latest status from dealership - Nobody knows!
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

Hemming91 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 2:55 pm Thanks for your response! Mine is a bog standard order, due to company car budget restrictions, but I feel it's going to be more than enough for my needs and a huge step up from the 2018 Sportage I am currently driving until it arrives. Can't wait to be saving a whole heap of company car tax too. I've just had my order confirmation email through and set up my Polestar ID/account. It's weird how a simple online portal can make you feel some reassurance even though I've not actually spoke to anyone. Bring on July now!
Yeah, the portal is great. There is a big thread on the SMSR on the Polestar forum too. Worth a read. Biggest takeaway is that preheating makes a huge difference.

FWIW, my long term average is 32.7kWh/100 miles, so just over 3 miles per kWh, or just under 200 miles from a full charge. Like I said though, still cold here and I don't preheat often.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
daesimpso
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Sep 25, 2021 8:31 am

Post by daesimpso »

I received mine Tuesday this week. I’d been tracking it closely since I ordered it on 04/03/22 using the trick to get more detail out of the order page in the portal.

My only gripe was that my wife noticed the ride was firm, then realised they’d delivered it with 49.5 PSI!

The process was very smooth and I feel the car is head and shoulders above the ID.3 Tour I had since September.

The app is very basic though and really needs improvement.

I thought I’d miss CarPlay as it had been a must have in all my vehicles, but the Polestar system is so good I’ve not found a need for it. However, it’s currently supposed to be coming in spring anyway.

The Pixel headlights are even better than VW matrix, something I didn’t think was possible.
monkeyhanger
Posts: 1273
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Post by monkeyhanger »

The P2/M3/MY are a big step up in price vs low to mid model ID3 prices that could be achieved.thus time last year (our Family Pro Performance with East Derrys and metallic paint cost me £28250), they don't look quite so bad now that anyone wanting an ID3 right now is looking at paying retail, with no deposit contributions or grant.

I must admit though, if I were tempted to change, I would stretch to the higher perfornance models, as the price difference between the bottom and top performing models isn't a lot.

It's not for me though, I like the airy cabin of the ID3, our old A4 Avant used vast swathes of consoles to surround you, and instead of feeling luxurious, there's a feeling of claustrophobia with all that wasted space. I get that feeling when looking at brochures of the M3 and P2. If I could get a GTX ID3 for £6k more than my Life or Family, I'd be all over it. The ID3 is the ideal size for me and the missus.
Cupra Born V2 e-boost 230ps Aurora Blue, replaced ID3 PP Family

Audi S3 - because I hate rapid charging for long distance driving.

Octopus referral: https://share.octopus.energy/lush-fawn-565
Hemming91
Posts: 115
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:31 am

Post by Hemming91 »

daesimpso wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 7:35 am I received mine Tuesday this week. I’d been tracking it closely since I ordered it on 04/03/22 using the trick to get more detail out of the order page in the portal.

My only gripe was that my wife noticed the ride was firm, then realised they’d delivered it with 49.5 PSI!

The process was very smooth and I feel the car is head and shoulders above the ID.3 Tour I had since September.

The app is very basic though and really needs improvement.

I thought I’d miss CarPlay as it had been a must have in all my vehicles, but the Polestar system is so good I’ve not found a need for it. However, it’s currently supposed to be coming in spring anyway.

The Pixel headlights are even better than VW matrix, something I didn’t think was possible.
What trick is this for further details? Thanks
Family Pro Performance - Moonstone Grey - East Derry Alloys
Ordered Confirmed - 26/10/2021
VW Order Number - 31517xxx
Latest status from dealership - Nobody knows!
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

Hemming91 wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 9:53 am
daesimpso wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 7:35 am I received mine Tuesday this week. I’d been tracking it closely since I ordered it on 04/03/22 using the trick to get more detail out of the order page in the portal.

My only gripe was that my wife noticed the ride was firm, then realised they’d delivered it with 49.5 PSI!

The process was very smooth and I feel the car is head and shoulders above the ID.3 Tour I had since September.

The app is very basic though and really needs improvement.

I thought I’d miss CarPlay as it had been a must have in all my vehicles, but the Polestar system is so good I’ve not found a need for it. However, it’s currently supposed to be coming in spring anyway.

The Pixel headlights are even better than VW matrix, something I didn’t think was possible.
What trick is this for further details? Thanks
https://www.polestar-forum.com/threads/ ... rder.5247/
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
daesimpso
Posts: 47
Joined: Sat Sep 25, 2021 8:31 am

Post by daesimpso »

Hemming91 wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 9:53 am
daesimpso wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 7:35 am I received mine Tuesday this week. I’d been tracking it closely since I ordered it on 04/03/22 using the trick to get more detail out of the order page in the portal.

My only gripe was that my wife noticed the ride was firm, then realised they’d delivered it with 49.5 PSI!

The process was very smooth and I feel the car is head and shoulders above the ID.3 Tour I had since September.

The app is very basic though and really needs improvement.

I thought I’d miss CarPlay as it had been a must have in all my vehicles, but the Polestar system is so good I’ve not found a need for it. However, it’s currently supposed to be coming in spring anyway.

The Pixel headlights are even better than VW matrix, something I didn’t think was possible.
What trick is this for further details? Thanks
I see someone has given the link.

You get lots of information. Here’s an example from a friend who order last week:

delivery: Object { plannedDeliveryDate: "2022-03-30" latestDateToLockOrder:
"2022-04-22", earliestPossibleHandoverDate:"2022-04-13"....}

Delivery is when the car lands in the U.K. at the holding location in Oxford. Handover is when you get your car.
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

monkeyhanger wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 8:03 am
I must admit though, if I were tempted to change, I would stretch to the higher perfornance models, as the price difference between the bottom and top performing models isn't a lot.
My opposing viewpoint is that for £6000 you get a car that offers very little real world performance or range benefit. Crucially you don’t all of a sudden get a “performance car”, or any improvement in trim level or equipment. It’s still heavy, heavier than the single motor cars, and that plays a massive part in how enjoyable a car is to drive, unless your only metric for enjoyment is a 0 - 60mph time. If I didn’t already have a toy in the garage I’d take the £6k and buy a 986 Boxster S and have something that is a truly good drive.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
monkeyhanger
Posts: 1273
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Post by monkeyhanger »

andrewparker wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 12:15 pm
monkeyhanger wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 8:03 am
I must admit though, if I were tempted to change, I would stretch to the higher perfornance models, as the price difference between the bottom and top performing models isn't a lot.
My opposing viewpoint is that for £6000 you get a car that offers very little real world performance or range benefit. Crucially you don’t all of a sudden get a “performance car”, or any improvement in trim level or equipment. It’s still heavy, heavier than the single motor cars, and that plays a massive part in how enjoyable a car is to drive, unless your only metric for enjoyment is a 0 - 60mph time. If I didn’t already have a toy in the garage I’d take the £6k and buy a 986 Boxster S and have something that is a truly good drive.
I suppose that when you are down to about 4s 0-62 time, you've got 3-5 seconds hard acceleration before you're in license losing territory vs 7-10s. I had a 2015 Golf R and it drove like it was on rails, but it was so composed, it didn't have the thrills of an old school hot hatch which makes you feel like you might end up with the car sitting on it'd roof if you do something a bit daft. I suppose you would have the surety of 4WD.
Cupra Born V2 e-boost 230ps Aurora Blue, replaced ID3 PP Family

Audi S3 - because I hate rapid charging for long distance driving.

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monkeyhanger
Posts: 1273
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Post by monkeyhanger »

In an odd twist of fate, I might yet find myself in a P2/M3/ID4. Never had a company car before, but I got offered a job today at a different company with a huge increase over my current role and a £500pm car allowance. Presumably I can't just trouser the money and keep my fully paid up ID3 going, I'm betting its a "use it or lose it" situation. Its going to have to be car that won't take forever to be built and delivered. I'll know more when I get my new contract through to sign.
Cupra Born V2 e-boost 230ps Aurora Blue, replaced ID3 PP Family

Audi S3 - because I hate rapid charging for long distance driving.

Octopus referral: https://share.octopus.energy/lush-fawn-565
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

monkeyhanger wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 8:53 pm In an odd twist of fate, I might yet find myself in a P2/M3/ID4. Never had a company car before, but I got offered a job today at a different company with a huge increase over my current role and a £500pm car allowance. Presumably I can't just trouser the money and keep my fully paid up ID3 going, I'm betting its a "use it or lose it" situation. Its going to have to be car that won't take forever to be built and delivered. I'll know more when I get my new contract through to sign.
I know you're not keen on the interior, but I think the Polestar is definitely worth consideration, and if you can land a preconfigured car the lead times can be very good.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
Hemming91
Posts: 115
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:31 am

Post by Hemming91 »

As Andrew Parker mentioned, there's a load of pre configured cars at the moment

https://www.polestar.com/uk/preconfigured-cars/
Family Pro Performance - Moonstone Grey - East Derry Alloys
Ordered Confirmed - 26/10/2021
VW Order Number - 31517xxx
Latest status from dealership - Nobody knows!
monkeyhanger
Posts: 1273
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Post by monkeyhanger »

andrewparker wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 9:54 am
monkeyhanger wrote: Thu Mar 24, 2022 8:53 pm In an odd twist of fate, I might yet find myself in a P2/M3/ID4. Never had a company car before, but I got offered a job today at a different company with a huge increase over my current role and a £500pm car allowance. Presumably I can't just trouser the money and keep my fully paid up ID3 going, I'm betting its a "use it or lose it" situation. Its going to have to be car that won't take forever to be built and delivered. I'll know more when I get my new contract through to sign.
I know you're not keen on the interior, but I think the Polestar is definitely worth consideration, and if you can land a preconfigured car the lead times can be very good.
If its a company car, I'll not be too bothered, the wife would still have her ID3 Family if I got shot of my ID3 Life, but buying a family car with my own money, I do think the ID3 would suit me better. I can compromise on rear legroom for the kids on short journeys. On the basis of a quick delivery, I'd consider the P2 and M3 if they come at a lease rate of less than £500pm to fit into the allowance that'll be on offer.
Cupra Born V2 e-boost 230ps Aurora Blue, replaced ID3 PP Family

Audi S3 - because I hate rapid charging for long distance driving.

Octopus referral: https://share.octopus.energy/lush-fawn-565
andrewparker
Posts: 419
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:14 pm

Post by andrewparker »

Hemming91 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 1:15 pm What kind of range figures have you been seeing/getting? My assumption is that it'll be worse than the ID3 as it is a heavier car.
First decent run today, 142 miles averaging 4.03 miles per kWh, so with a useable capacity of 61kWh that’s a range of 245 miles. Preparing for my first experience of public charging tomorrow.
Polestar 2 / Midnight / Plus / 20s
VW up! GTI / Tungsten
monkeyhanger
Posts: 1273
Joined: Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:33 pm

Post by monkeyhanger »

andrewparker wrote: Fri Apr 15, 2022 7:19 pm
Hemming91 wrote: Wed Mar 23, 2022 1:15 pm What kind of range figures have you been seeing/getting? My assumption is that it'll be worse than the ID3 as it is a heavier car.
First decent run today, 142 miles averaging 4.03 miles per kWh, so with a useable capacity of 61kWh that’s a range of 245 miles. Preparing for my first experience of public charging tomorrow.
What kind of driving were you doing to get 4.03 miles per kWh? It's warmed up a bit, but even so, if you were sat on the motorway doing 70mph, that's better than the ID3 (3.7 miles per kWh on a Summer's day to maintain 70mph on the motorway is what I've consistently seen on 7 x 200+ mile journeys).

Still don't know the details on the new company car policy (i'm 2 weeks in to a 3 month notice period to leave current role), but my contract states "up to £600pm car alliwance" so.a mid range P2/M3 with quick delivery could be on the cards.
Cupra Born V2 e-boost 230ps Aurora Blue, replaced ID3 PP Family

Audi S3 - because I hate rapid charging for long distance driving.

Octopus referral: https://share.octopus.energy/lush-fawn-565
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