Polestar 2 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

BMW I3

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2020 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Polestar 2

2020 BMW I3

By Jack Quick

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

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Electric range

270 km

Energy consumption

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14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

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42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Dislikes

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

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

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.

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2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Polestar 2 2020 BMW I3

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

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Polestar 2 vs BMW I3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Polestar 2 vs BMW I3
What's the difference?