Polestar 2 & e-tron 55 sport back range
Discussion
I've got the opportunity to lease either a Polestar 2 LR SM or an Audi e-tron 55 Sportback S-line 300, both at a good price.
It's a bit of a heart vs head moment really - the Polestar looks better IMHO and seems to have the better range, however the Audi interior appears to be more luxurious and prestige, but with lower range. The Audi is slightly more expensive per month, but not by much.
Would anyone care to share their range experience of the two? Are the manufacturers numbers wildly optimistic or not that far off?
It's going to be my weekday commuting car and I've got a CL63 for the weekend, etc. It's a 100 mile round trip each day, plus my wife might use it occasionally for her 170 mile commute.
Are there any negative to note about either car?
Also, I assume both will happily charge from an Anderson 7.2kW charger?
It's a bit of a heart vs head moment really - the Polestar looks better IMHO and seems to have the better range, however the Audi interior appears to be more luxurious and prestige, but with lower range. The Audi is slightly more expensive per month, but not by much.
Would anyone care to share their range experience of the two? Are the manufacturers numbers wildly optimistic or not that far off?
It's going to be my weekday commuting car and I've got a CL63 for the weekend, etc. It's a 100 mile round trip each day, plus my wife might use it occasionally for her 170 mile commute.
Are there any negative to note about either car?
Also, I assume both will happily charge from an Anderson 7.2kW charger?
Edited by StephenP on Sunday 3rd April 22:39
Our etron 55 BE averages between 190 and 230 miles dependent on conditions. If it's the single motor LR P2 you're looking at then it'll be better on range but a lot slower.
Looks are subjective of course and would agree about the interior, luxury and comfort levels being higher in the eTron, but then you need to consider an etron 55 Black Edition lists at almost double the price of the Polestar so no real surprise there.
Are you sure it's a 55 and not a 50 BTW as does change things.
Looks are subjective of course and would agree about the interior, luxury and comfort levels being higher in the eTron, but then you need to consider an etron 55 Black Edition lists at almost double the price of the Polestar so no real surprise there.
Are you sure it's a 55 and not a 50 BTW as does change things.
We'll be doing some checking tomorrow but definitely says S-Line 55 (300kW).
I appreciate its an odd comparison cost wise, with one being nearly twice the cost of the other, but it's not going to be our main car and the lease offer makes it very tempting, with range being important.
The Audi suggests 260 miles and the Polestar 310+,which is quite a big difference (before taking in to account the genuine range based on journey type, driving style, temp, etc). The P2 claims 7 sec 0-60 vs 5.7 for the Audi, although it's not that significant a difference on paper.
They're both slightly slower than my other cars but I'm not overly concerned anyway, as I've reached the age where a leisurely relaxed commute beats getting caught up in the mad rush these days on the A46 around Leicester!
I appreciate its an odd comparison cost wise, with one being nearly twice the cost of the other, but it's not going to be our main car and the lease offer makes it very tempting, with range being important.
The Audi suggests 260 miles and the Polestar 310+,which is quite a big difference (before taking in to account the genuine range based on journey type, driving style, temp, etc). The P2 claims 7 sec 0-60 vs 5.7 for the Audi, although it's not that significant a difference on paper.
They're both slightly slower than my other cars but I'm not overly concerned anyway, as I've reached the age where a leisurely relaxed commute beats getting caught up in the mad rush these days on the A46 around Leicester!
Edited by StephenP on Sunday 3rd April 22:55
You'll be surprised at the turn of pace the 55 has I'd suggest as the 0-60 doesn't really tell the story, it's a bit lazy off the line but much better in real world scenarios like overtaking once on the move.
The other benefit of the etron is the charging curve. if you do need to charge at a public rapid it'll maintain 150kW all the way to 80% whereas the P2 drops off rather quickly and will take considerably longer. You won't see those range figures from either though, absolute work of fiction.
The other thing to consider is that the etron is due a facelift in the next 12 months.
The other benefit of the etron is the charging curve. if you do need to charge at a public rapid it'll maintain 150kW all the way to 80% whereas the P2 drops off rather quickly and will take considerably longer. You won't see those range figures from either though, absolute work of fiction.
The other thing to consider is that the etron is due a facelift in the next 12 months.
Seeing as we are in an “give an opinion” thread and I have driven both (well the Polestar was the dual motor with whatever the premium pack is called), this is my view:
I wouldn’t buy either actually but if I had to make a choice it would be the Polestar out of those two because I don’t really need or want a big car and I just prefer the Polestar design. The reason I wouldn’t buy either is that they’re both unexceptional to drive and once you’re in that league then you may as well get an ID4 or Ioniq 5 or EV6. With the latter two you get cracking EV tech also which is not unimportant.
Audi: the two things I liked about the Audi are how quiet it is and how comfortable it is. If that’s important then game over, Audi wins hands down. Audi interiors do nothing for me personally (the cliche about them feeling about as special as an Audi A3 is largely correct) and the exterior looks like the air suspension is collapsing under all the weight. It feels very heavy everywhere. But as a cruiser it has merit. It’s not trying to be anything else.
Polestar 2: it’s a cool looking car and the interior is very nice in my opinion so I felt good about the world sitting in it. It’s more cramped than the Audi. It’s a bit nimbler on its feet but hardly sporty. The throttle calibration is very odd by EV standards. It’s sluggish until you hammer it. Low speed ride is a bit firm but wouldn’t be a deal killer for me.
I didn’t like the infotainment in either but would probably pick the Google stuff in the Polestar if I had to choose. As ever, not sure it really matters and you’ll get used to them.
One thing I would look at is the self driving tech because you will get close to zero enjoyment from driving either. I only tested it in the Polestar and it’s good.
I didn’t pay much attention to the range. I know the Audi’s is fairly poor from all the tests and Polestar should be better (and I also had the dual motor). The Audi gets good reports on the rapid charging and I don’t think Polestar is that amazing at it. You’re getting last gen stuff in both anyhow. I didn’t charge either so not sure.
I wouldn’t buy either actually but if I had to make a choice it would be the Polestar out of those two because I don’t really need or want a big car and I just prefer the Polestar design. The reason I wouldn’t buy either is that they’re both unexceptional to drive and once you’re in that league then you may as well get an ID4 or Ioniq 5 or EV6. With the latter two you get cracking EV tech also which is not unimportant.
Audi: the two things I liked about the Audi are how quiet it is and how comfortable it is. If that’s important then game over, Audi wins hands down. Audi interiors do nothing for me personally (the cliche about them feeling about as special as an Audi A3 is largely correct) and the exterior looks like the air suspension is collapsing under all the weight. It feels very heavy everywhere. But as a cruiser it has merit. It’s not trying to be anything else.
Polestar 2: it’s a cool looking car and the interior is very nice in my opinion so I felt good about the world sitting in it. It’s more cramped than the Audi. It’s a bit nimbler on its feet but hardly sporty. The throttle calibration is very odd by EV standards. It’s sluggish until you hammer it. Low speed ride is a bit firm but wouldn’t be a deal killer for me.
I didn’t like the infotainment in either but would probably pick the Google stuff in the Polestar if I had to choose. As ever, not sure it really matters and you’ll get used to them.
One thing I would look at is the self driving tech because you will get close to zero enjoyment from driving either. I only tested it in the Polestar and it’s good.
I didn’t pay much attention to the range. I know the Audi’s is fairly poor from all the tests and Polestar should be better (and I also had the dual motor). The Audi gets good reports on the rapid charging and I don’t think Polestar is that amazing at it. You’re getting last gen stuff in both anyhow. I didn’t charge either so not sure.
it will depend on which etron you drove as not all come with air suspension (S-Line and above) but 100% agree if you are looking for a relaxing/comfortable EV it's very good indeed but is a heavy bit of kit.
I don't agree on the A3 comment BTW, having driven a Q4 etron whilst the interior may look very similar there's a considerable difference in quality. Think A3 > A7.
Far from perfect but a lovely place to spend time would be my summary after 4 months with ours, and apple carplay (which the Polestar still doesn't have) helps a lot with the infotainment.
I don't agree on the A3 comment BTW, having driven a Q4 etron whilst the interior may look very similar there's a considerable difference in quality. Think A3 > A7.
Far from perfect but a lovely place to spend time would be my summary after 4 months with ours, and apple carplay (which the Polestar still doesn't have) helps a lot with the infotainment.
Edited by SWoll on Monday 4th April 12:12
StephenP said:
It's interesting to see Polestar have stopped taking orders until 11th April and mention some updates to the car.
The car that goes on sale will be the MY23 model. So far the only thing that has been alluded to is some new colours and wheel options, plus a potential price increase.I'm extremely happy with mine, the interior is a lovely place to spend time, the HK sound system is fantastic, the HMI is simple and intuitive (Google Assistant really is very good) and I find even my single motor car amply fast enough. I'm not sure if the throttle calibration mentioned above is related to dual motor cars only, but mine is super responsive from the top of the pedal. I do think it's a great looking thing too.
SWoll said:
..and apple carplay (which the Polestar still doesn't have) helps a lot with the infotainment
I thought this would bug me, but I can honestly say that when they add CarPlay I'll probably not use it. I imagine if you're an Apple Music user it would come in handy, but what else?ajap1979 said:
StephenP said:
It's interesting to see Polestar have stopped taking orders until 11th April and mention some updates to the car.
The car that goes on sale will be the MY23 model. So far the only thing that has been alluded to is some new colours and wheel options, plus a potential price increase.I'm extremely happy with mine, the interior is a lovely place to spend time, the HK sound system is fantastic, the HMI is simple and intuitive (Google Assistant really is very good) and I find even my single motor car amply fast enough. I'm not sure if the throttle calibration mentioned above is related to dual motor cars only, but mine is super responsive from the top of the pedal. I do think it's a great looking thing too.
SWoll said:
ajap1979 said:
StephenP said:
It's interesting to see Polestar have stopped taking orders until 11th April and mention some updates to the car.
The car that goes on sale will be the MY23 model. So far the only thing that has been alluded to is some new colours and wheel options, plus a potential price increase.I'm extremely happy with mine, the interior is a lovely place to spend time, the HK sound system is fantastic, the HMI is simple and intuitive (Google Assistant really is very good) and I find even my single motor car amply fast enough. I'm not sure if the throttle calibration mentioned above is related to dual motor cars only, but mine is super responsive from the top of the pedal. I do think it's a great looking thing too.
ajap1979 said:
SWoll said:
..and apple carplay (which the Polestar still doesn't have) helps a lot with the infotainment
I thought this would bug me, but I can honestly say that when they add CarPlay I'll probably not use it. I imagine if you're an Apple Music user it would come in handy, but what else?DMZ said:
And I would say the plus pack is mandatory on the Polestar 2 not only because of HK which is indeed excellent but you also get an interior uplift.
Yep. Powered memory seats, pano roof etc. are also very nice to have.Polestar 2 driver here, nearly 24k miles covered in last 10 months. 200 mile range is easily achievable, in the winter, as long as you don't hammer it. My commute is 200 miles return, mostly motorway, and I've not once had to charge once this winter. On a couple of -5 mornings, I kept it to 65mph on the motorway, and ended getting home with 10% in the tank, so I didn't need to bother. Back up to a real 230-240 at the moment, and regularly hit 250+ last summer. Mine is the AWD 300Kw one with original Pilot and Plus packs, no heat exchanger. The two wheel drive one with heat exchanger should add a good 10% I'd have thought, but lacks the twin motor punch in the traffic light GP.
Had lots of Audi's and BMW's as company cars over the years, found the Polestar is very cool, and very different. Didn't try an Audi e-tron, only a Tesla M3. Hyundai and Kia wasn't available last March when I ordered.
Anyway, I love mine, wouldn't swap it, apart from a valeted one as its perpetually filthy from motorway dirt. OK, so maybe a Taycan 4S Cross Turismo but that's about it right now.
Had lots of Audi's and BMW's as company cars over the years, found the Polestar is very cool, and very different. Didn't try an Audi e-tron, only a Tesla M3. Hyundai and Kia wasn't available last March when I ordered.
Anyway, I love mine, wouldn't swap it, apart from a valeted one as its perpetually filthy from motorway dirt. OK, so maybe a Taycan 4S Cross Turismo but that's about it right now.
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