Polestar 2 vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi SQ8

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Polestar 2

2025 Audi SQ8

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Vehicle type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

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11.9L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

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Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Dislikes

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

2026 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Polestar 2 2025 Audi SQ8

Verdict

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Polestar 2 vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Polestar 2 vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?