Potentially buying a CPO 2023 Polestar 2 LRDM Performance (~30k miles) and looking for honest ownership feedback from people who live far from a Polestar service center.

The nearest service locations for me are several hours away, so I’m trying to better understand the realities of long-distance ownership before pulling the trigger.

A few questions:

- How has reliability been long-term?

- I’ve read about occasional front strut / suspension issue, how common is that really?

- Any other known issues I should specifically watch for on a ~30k mile P2?

- How has warranty service been handled for those of you far from service centers?

- Has Polestar actually arranged towing / pickup transport for major issues outside the official service radius?

- How painful is body work / collision repair given the limited certified body shop network?

- Any regrets owning one outside a major metro area?

A little context:

- Cross-shopping against a Volvo C40 Recharge

- Looking for something sporty but still practical 

- Used to AWD vehicles and Northeast winters

- Considering either dedicated winter wheels/tires or high-quality all-seasons

I recently drove a Volvo C40 and liked the overall platform a lot, but the Polestar 2 seems like a more driver-focused fit. I didn’t love the size of the infotainment screen. The P2s is a bit larger. 

Would appreciate any honest feedback, especially from owners outside major cities or in colder climates.

Cheers!

What have people done to reduce the glare/reflection from the silver steering wheel bits?
I just about blinded myself driving today and had to put on my Polarized sunglasses to help.

My HV battery developed a leak and we towed it on April 8th. The dealership has no idea when the part is in, so we are starting a lemon law claim. We'll see what happens, but I'm really bummed. I love the car, but don't want to pay the lease payments for a rental car with no end in sight.

I have a new P3 2025 with pilot plus pro. I absolutely love the B&W stereo system but I’m not convinced I have ANC working. Being a pilot, I’m used to what I believe to be a different kind of ANC than what I would expect from a vehicle, but I’m not sure I can tell a difference at all. My wife having a launch edition performance model without the b&w, I do not believe my car to be any quieter, if anything it seems louder/more road noise than hers. Anyone know where to look for the mic’s to see if they actually exist at all?

Anybody heard something about when the next update will be released and what it will contain?
I‘d really love me some working steering wheel buttons…

Yay! Gemini rolling out to PS3 in the US. Please share when this update reaches you - and your experience of using it.

https://media.polestar.com/releases/polestar-launches-google-gemini-to-transform-the-driver-experience

2026.04.30ID 907

Polestar launches Google Gemini to transform the driver experience

• Google Gemini^(TM) starts rolling out on 30 April 2026 for Polestar models with Google built-in, located in the US, and their language set to US English.
• Driver experience transformed with human-centric dialogue that replaces traditional command-based interaction.
• Gemini Live enhances hands-free productivity, provides real-time translation, and improves navigation.

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – April 30, 2026. Polestar today starts rolling out Google Gemini™ to its vehicles, marking a significant leap forward in automotive connectivity. Starting 30 April 2026, the advanced AI model will become available as a seamless upgrade to the current Google Assistant for customers in the US with Google accounts set to US English. Additional languages and regions to follow.

Hans Bleckert, Connected Car Manager at Polestar, says: “Google Gemini represents a fundamental shift for Polestar drivers and how they interact with their vehicles. Together with Google, we replace outdated command structures with an advanced AI model that enables free-flowing conversation between Polestar vehicles and drivers. And this is only the beginning. With Gemini, we enter a new period of possibilities with the focus on creating better user experiences.”

From commands to conversations

The integration of Gemini introduces contextual understanding and multi-turn dialogue. Drivers no longer need to memorize specific phrasing or restart a query if they forget a detail. The advanced AI assistant will understand, ask follow-up questions, and interpret complex intent, making the interaction feel as natural as speaking with a passenger.

The previous experience with Google Assistant required distinct commands, such as “Hey Google, navigate to a supermarket.” With Gemini, drivers can now use complex, conversational queries, such as “Hey Google, let’s find a supermarket on the way home, and let Joe know I am on my way.”

Besides normal vehicle action queries, Gemini Live has also been introduced to the car. With a simple command like “Hey Google, let’s talk”, the hands-free conversation tool is activated. Gemini Live will listen and can help brainstorm gift ideas, dinner recipes, shopping lists and much more.

The capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) also break down language barriers. The system seamlessly integrates translation into messaging. Drivers can dictate a text in English and ask Gemini to translate it to Swedish—or any supported language—before sending it, ensuring effortless communication on the go.

Eligible Polestar drivers will see a pop-up on their center display, prompting them to opt in to Google Gemini or decline. Over time, Gemini will fully replace Google Assistant in Polestar vehicles. The update requires no additional hardware and will be available on all models except Polestar 1. With initial launch for drivers located in the US with their language set to US English, additional regions and languages are to follow in the future.

Ends.

Notes to editors

Features may differ depending on subscription, and results may vary. Some connected apps require setup. Compatibility and availability varies. 18+.

Maybe I’m in the minority, but I’m honestly pretty disappointed with the Orin chip. Yes, it brings a few upgrades like distance adjustment, folding mirrors, Homelink, etc. But these were things I already assumed would be there when I decided to buy the P3, so they don’t really feel like bonuses to me.

What really disappointed me is that lane keeping is still pretty lame with the new chip. It drops out way too easily on curves or whenever lane markings aren’t perfect. The distance setting feels jerky and unpleasant, very similar to what I experienced with the XC90. It doesn’t slow down smoothly when the car ahead brakes hard, instead it waits too long and then slams on the brakes at the last second.

At this point, it feels like Volvo decided not to go with the proven Mobileye route and overestimated how well they could build their own autonomous driving is a strategic mistake. On paper, Orin has 275 TOPS, but in real-world use Tesla’s AI4 at 150 TOPS beats Volvo/Polestar in all dimension.

I'm strongly considering the Polestar 3, however I'm just seeing neither loyalty or conquest applies to current Volvo owners? As someone that has purchased 4 Volvos in the past 10 years, I am a bit stunned -- not loyal enough for loyalty, but too loyal for conquest? You really can't have it both ways, Polestar.

True, they don't have to offer an incentive at all, but this seems like a very poor business decision their part, alienating a high propensity customer base. It's not about the money, it's about the fact the purchase just doesn't feel good. And it's a $90K SUV, it's not about practical transportation, it's about feeling.

Any Volvo owners have luck with incentives?

I am just shopping around before renewing my multi car policy (currently with Admiral). There are 4 household cars altogether, we live in a safe area with off-road parking.

One of the cars is more powerful and more valuable than the Polestar 3, but Aviva said they could

cover all cars except the Polestar 3.

Has anyone else experienced this or can give a reason why?

Is Dolby atmos preferred or do you use abbey road?

Which streaming service provides the best sound?

From user Haulr on Polestar Forums. Not mine so credit where it's due. From the OP it was spotted in South Carolina.

I'm definitely considering one of these if we have another baby, curious to see more of the green color in different lights.

https://preview.redd.it/ooj909t2rqzg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=b83953eb788d7d576afccc012e082e5d5da8d9f1

Looking at purchasing a 2026 Polestar 3 for $2500 DAS, $520 a month on a 12k mileage allotment (a year) for 27 months

The car is a demo with 3,500 miles on it Single Motor with the Pilot package.

Trying to figure out if pricing is fair or if I should negotiate down a little further or if I even can.

I placed my deposit on the vehicle but I’ve been told it’s refundable. Noting I have conquest because of my Tesla

Is anyone else getting major lag on Google Maps and overall system performance after updating to 2.1.26? Google Maps seems to lag like crazy especially if doing turns. Seems like the rendering is not catching up.

I have clear cache and other things so just wondering if anyone else is seeing this issue on 2.1.26

Currently stranded far from home with a (presumably) dead 12V battery (why does this never happen at home).
The car is “offline” in the app and neither the digital key, key fob or key card are able to unlock the car.

I’ve found the 12V terminal as mentioned in the manual but does anyone know if you can just jumper cables or need a separate charging device?

The microphone on our 3 only worked about 50% of the time prior to the Orin update. Have done two drives since picking up our 3 post Orin update (OS 2.1.26) and the mic worked the first time but not on the second drive. It’s not simply Google Assistance; speech-to-text and even via Bluetooth cannot use the mic. Was really hoping Orin and the OS update would fix our mic issues are curious if others had or are still having such an issue?

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