Polestar has made a name for itself since its transition to electric vehicles, and for good reason. Volvo's sister company is one of several automakers that have proven that electric cars don't have to sacrifice performance. Moreover, they don't all have to look the same.

More Paulstars are on the way, including the Paulstar 3 SUV, but for now the Paulstar 2 is still Volvo's shining star. Paulstar does not have the brand recognition of Tesla or other automakers with decades of brand recognition. But what it makes up for is its unique styling. Some people hate this, but we think it looks great.

The LED lights are great, and in the rear they provide braking lights across the entire width of the car. This is one of those cars that is genuinely eye-catching and definitely better than the average Tesla.

The 2022 Polestar 2 can be ordered now with a $500 deposit (fully refundable). As of this writing, the FWD model will be delivered in February and the AWD model in late December.

The starting price for the 2021 Polestar 2 in the U.S. is $47,200, but this is for the new single-motor version. The dual-motor version will be $4,000 higher at $51,200. Both include a $1,300 destination charge, but the optional extras are obviously more expensive.

However, these two variants differ in more ways than the number of motors. The single-motor version has a longer range of up to 265 miles, but it is not comparable in terms of performance. The dual-motor version, on the other hand, drops the range to 249 miles, but the acceleration is better.

The single-motor model has a 0-60 speed of 7.0 seconds, slower than the 4.5 seconds of the high-end dual-motor model. Dual-motor models are also certified with a tow bar, in case cargo needs to be hauled.

The Polestar 2 is a hatchback, which may have advantages over Tesla's Model 3 sedan/saloon design. It also has enough space under the hood for small grocery shopping.

The Polestar is very much driven by android. It is built into the car and has access to Google Maps and Google Assistant as well as several Google Play apps; Apple CarPlay, interestingly, will be added in a software update later this year.

Expect good quality audio. There is an option to upgrade to a Harman/Kardon audio system if you are prepared to pay extra. Also upgraded are features such as blind spot monitoring, collision warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. On current models, these are included in the price. On less expensive models, they are optional and add significantly to the price paid.

Polestar has also developed a video streaming service that displays content on an 11-inch center display. Designed to be used while parked or charging, the service will incur no additional data costs and will incorporate TV feeds from a variety of European broadcasters at launch. More will be added at a later date.

The Performance Pack will be optional on all versions of the Polestar 2 and will include design updates such as gold Brembo front calipers, Öhlins dual flow valve shock absorbers, and gold seatbelts. For many people looking to buy this car, this will not be a major priority.

The Polestar 2 currently has a 78 kWh battery consisting of 27 modules in the U.S. EPA estimates a maximum range of 270 miles; the EV Database has a more realistic range estimate with a possible minimum range of 175 miles (tested at -10 degrees Celsius), and the maximum range under perfect conditions (low-speed city driving, 23 degrees Celsius, no air conditioning) is 350 miles.

However, the dual-motor version, as noted, has a 16-mile less range as a result of having a second motor and AWD capability. However, it still reaches an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) range of 249 miles. Both models are powered by the same 78 kWh battery.

The fastest Tesla Model 3 outperforms the fastest dual-motor model, the Polestar 2. It takes only 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, 1.4 seconds slower than the fastest Tesla Model 3. The single-motor model, on the other hand, is even slower, reaching that speed in 7 seconds.

The single-motor car has 170 kW or 228 bhp of power; the dual motor has about 400 bhp. Naturally, being electric vehicles, both cars offer the same instantaneous torque found in any battery-powered motor.

Tesla is not alone in its commitment to pushing new features into cars once they come off the production line. In May 2021, Polestar announced an update that will allow the use of cell phones as digital keys. This beta feature uses 18 Bluetooth sensors in the fur to determine if you and your phone are nearby.

Polestar has added other new features with this update, including preheating the battery before departure to improve range in cold weather and improved software that calculates expected range while driving.

The app will also allow users to check the battery charge level, as well as remotely lock the car and activate climate control from a distance. This is very useful in hot or cold regions and can reduce the need for power-consuming air conditioning controls while driving by keeping the car's interior at the proper temperature.

The 2022 Polestar 2 will be very attractive to those currently considering a Tesla.

The Polestar will suit those who are not particularly interested in the phenomenal 0-60 times offered by the new Tesla, especially those who opt for the similarly priced performance Model 3, which currently costs $56,990 and has a 0-60 speed of 3.1 seconds.

But whether you like Telsa or not, everyone agrees that it is not for everyone. Polestar 2 offers an experience more like a high-tech standard car than a spaceship, which is more appealing to many.

From its stunning looks to its sleek interior, the sleek Polestar 2 is meant to annoy Mercedes, BMW, and VW more than it annoys Tesla. But its affordability means that this car has a lot to offer everyone who wants an EV.