Polestar 2 vs BMW IX1
What's the difference?

Polestar 2

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2026 price

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BMW IX1

$49,880 - $82,900

2023 price

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Summary

2026 Polestar 2

2023 BMW IX1

By Jack Quick

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

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Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Vehicle type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

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Electric range

440 km

Energy consumption

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18.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

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67.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Surprising value for money
Impressive design inside and out
Decent road manners

Dislikes

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

Could use stronger single-pedal braking tech
Some road/tyre noise intrusion
Hides its ‘EV-ness’ with regular ICE X1 styling

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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2023 BMW IX1 Summary

The world is full of shock brand announcements.

Remember the time Coke suddenly changed its cola recipe? Or when Apple decided to take on Nokia with iPhone? Nobody saw those coming.

We all know how the latter turned out and even the former eventually became a marketing masterstroke.

Now here's another super-surprise – a German electric luxury SUV that’s actually comparatively inexpensive. And not stingily equipped. Yep, we’re talking about the iX1.

Based on the really rather impressive third-generation X1, it decisively undercuts similarly-specified rivals from Mercedes-Benz (EQA, EQB) and Genesis (GV60).

But is the Bavarian EV SUV worth paying that little bit extra for against (only very slightly) cheaper alternatives like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge?

Let’s see.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Polestar 2 2023 BMW IX1

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

BMW is a true EV pioneer, as the 2014 i3 and subsequent models prove. There’s never been one that we didn’t like. The only problem was that all were expensive. And at times, prohibitively so.

Astoundingly, the iX1 breaks that cycle, comparatively speaking, while impressing us with its design, quality, packaging, dynamics and equipment levels.

As it stands, the xDrive30 is one of the most convincing and best-value medium-sized luxury SUV EVs on the market right now.

Who’d have thought it from a BMW?

Polestar 2 vs BMW IX1 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Polestar 2 vs BMW IX1
What's the difference?