Polestar 2 vs BMW i4: premium electric saloon showdown under 60,000 euros

Some duels in the premium electric segment are settled on points. This one isn’t. The Polestar 2 and the BMW i4 represent two almost opposite philosophies within the high-performance electric saloon, and that makes this comparison, in our view, far more interesting than the usual table of similar figures with cosmetic nuances.

One bets on all-wheel drive and power that brushes the territory of sports cars. The other on efficiency, a more contained entry price and that dynamic character BMW has championed for decades. We are going to break down both proposals, model by model, before moving on to the direct comparisons.

Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor Performance: price from ≈65,400 €

The Long Range Dual Motor Performance variant of the Polestar 2 is, on paper, the more aggressive of the two proposals. Dual motors, all-wheel drive and an 82 kWh battery that allows it to reach, according to the manufacturer, ranges of up to 568 kilometres. That is no small feat for a car with this much power under its chassis.

BMW i4 eDrive35: price from ≈58,650 €

The BMW i4 eDrive35 plays a different game. Rear-wheel drive, a single motor and 286 CV of power which, in practice, is more than enough for the daily use of a premium saloon. What matters here is not the horsepower figure but the approach: efficiency and an entry price that sits below the psychological barrier of 60,000 euros, something its Swedish rival does not achieve in this specific configuration.

Power and traction: 476 CV AWD versus 286 CV RWD

The 190-horsepower gap between the two is not a nuance, it is a statement of intent. The Polestar 2 Performance, with its all-wheel drive, distributes that power in a way that is far more usable on corner exits or on wet roads. The i4 eDrive35, by contrast, relies on BMW’s classic rear-wheel drive: less of a beast on paper, more predictable through the bends. Which is better? It depends on what you are looking for. If you want to feel the thrust of 476 CV pressing you into the seat, the Polestar wins without discussion. If you prefer a car that communicates with you in a more traditional way, the BMW has the advantage.

Range and battery: 568 km versus 514 km

The 54-kilometre difference in favour of the Polestar 2 is not anecdotal, but it does not change the day-to-day life of a user who charges at home. The 82 kWh battery compared with the i4’s 70.3 kWh explains much of that gap, and in practice translates into fewer stops on long journeys. That said, the BMW offsets this with slightly more contained consumption thanks to its lower weight and a single motor working instead of two.

Price: why the BMW i4 stays below 60,000 euros

Here lies, in our view, the real turning point of this comparison. The BMW i4 eDrive35 starts from approximately 58,650 euros, while the Polestar 2 in its Performance configuration sits at around 65,400 euros. That is almost 7,000 euros of difference, a figure that for many buyers is decisive. These prices are manufacturer’s recommended RRP, without dealer discounts or one-off promotions, so it is always advisable to check them up to date before closing any purchase decision.

Design and interior: Scandinavian minimalism versus Bavarian tradition

The Polestar 2 interior breathes that stripped-back Scandinavian aesthetic, with recycled materials and a central screen that dominates the dashboard. The BMW i4, for its part, keeps the brand’s more traditional control layout, with its evolved iDrive and a perceived quality that, for many, remains a benchmark in the segment. It is curious how two such different interpretations of electric luxury coexist in the same price range.

Technology and driving

The Polestar 2 comes with Android Automotive as standard, with native Google Maps and voice assistant, something that sets it apart from more closed systems. The i4 responds with its own suite of assistants and a driving dynamic that BMW has refined over the years, as we already noted when discussing the eighth generation of the 3 Series, where the Bavarian brand makes clear the direction of its electrification. In fact, the focus on range is also evident in other models in the range, as we already saw with the new i3 saloon with over 900 km.

Which to choose? Buyer profile

If you prioritise performance, all-wheel drive and don’t mind exceeding 60,000 euros, the Polestar 2 Performance is the most complete option. If, on the other hand, you are looking for efficiency, a more accessible entry price and BMW’s traditional dynamism, the i4 eDrive35 more than fulfils its purpose. There is no universal answer — and there shouldn’t be one.

Comparison summary table

Frequently asked questions

Which electric saloon has more range, the Polestar 2 or the BMW i4?
The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor Performance reaches 568 km, compared with the 514 km of the BMW i4 eDrive35, thanks to a larger-capacity battery (82 kWh versus 70.3 kWh).

Which is cheaper, the Polestar 2 or the BMW i4?
The BMW i4 eDrive35 starts from approximately 58,650 euros, below 60,000 euros, while the Polestar 2 Performance sits at around 65,400 euros in recommended RRP.

Which model has more power?
The Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor Performance delivers 476 CV with all-wheel drive, compared with the 286 CV rear-wheel drive of the BMW i4 eDrive35.

Which is the better buy, the Polestar 2 or the BMW i4?
It depends on the buyer’s priority: the Polestar 2 offers more power, all-wheel drive and greater range, while the BMW i4 stands out for its lower entry price and traditional driving dynamism.