Can the Volvo-owned Polestar threaten Tesla’s pole position?
We have put Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3 up side by side. The assessment up to you!
Although Tesla's Model 3 has been available since 2019 and the Polestar 2 hit roads in 2021, these two electric luxury cars will square off against each other in terms of price, performance and range. Polestar has the ambition to become "the guiding light in the electric car revolution", and we are keen to see whether they can threaten Tesla’s leading position in the electric race.
Two very different designs
It’s clear that the design teams behind these two electric competitors have taken very different approaches. Take one look at the Polestar 2, and the strong Volvo DNA is immediately clear. Especially the headlights and typical vertical "grille" feel familiar as well as the squared-off nose. Polestar's interior is of the highest quality and is equipped with vegan textiles as standard.
In contrast, the Model 3 has the rounded front / end design preferred by Tesla and instead of a grille, the focus is on the cat-like headlights. The minimalist design is also to be found inside the cabin, where the expression signals 'less is more'.
The Polestar has conventional door handles but Tesla has opted for high-tech hidden handles flush with the door. Both electric cars have an expansive glass roof.
Technology ensures a sublime driving experience
As a characteristic of the Model 3, most features are not controlled by buttons, but from the central and large 15"-touch screen. The autopilot and an adaptive cruise control system that works extremely well on the highway automatically help keeping a safe distance from the car in front and in the middle of the track.
A big plus in Polestar's book is the integration of the Android operating system with associated Google services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store. If you do not have a key, both cars can be unlocked using an app.
Superior electrical performance x 2
With the Polestar 2, Volvo has launched its first electric car with an impressive range of up to 470 km on a single charge. Even though the range is short than the Model 3 Long Range offers, it's still more than the Model 3 Standard Plus variant gives with a range of up to 448 km.
If we look at performance, Tesla seems to be have the upper hand. Polestar 2 delivers 400 powerful horsepower from its dual electric motors and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds. With its twin engines, however, the Tesla Model 3 delivers 450 horsepower and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds!
What about charging?
Polestar 2 has a charging rate of 150 kW, compared to the Model 3 which can charge with a rate of 250 kW. This means that, depending on connection and socket, charging your Tesla Model 3 either at home or on the road will usually take â…“ less of the time.
Polestar 2
With the Polestar 2, the manufacturers behind it have managed to create an electric car in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3.
Both the steering and the driving experience of the Polestar 2 are incredibly sophisticated and with its close relationship to Volvo, the Polestar 2 offers Scandinavian design and first-class interiors that include all the latest safety features as well as an advanced infotainment system from Google.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range gives you everything you love about the Tesla brand, but at a more affordable price. The acceleration power is comparable with a race car, and despite several similarities to big brother Model S, the Model 3 is still completely its own when it comes to the minimalist cabin.
Model 3 is all in all a fantastic and resilient electric car for you who want a luxurious sedan at a lower price.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model 3 has ruled the mid-range electric vehicle sector ever since the company figured out how to produce them at scale - and with good reason. But if Tesla's popular Model 3 has become too common, here, with the arrival of the Polestar 2, a worthy competitor has now entered the electric arena.
The combination of the robust design, long range, Google-based infotainment system and affordable price means that the Polestar 2 is not only a competitor to Tesla, but can also challenge the fossil-powered sedans and hatchbacks in the middle and luxury class.
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