When selecting an electric car, prospective buyers often focus on various models. However, for those who frequently embark on long-distance journeys, comfort becomes an equally significant consideration. In this article, we examine the Polestar 2 and Cupra Born to determine their comfort levels and suitability for extended drives.
Design and Exterior: The Cupra Born, essentially a modified Volkswagen ID.3, exhibits distinct visual enhancements such as a more pronounced front fascia, menacing headlights, and a lowered front hood. Notably, the rear design is characterized by a distinctive light strip that seamlessly connects the lighting units, further emphasizing its Cupra identity.
Interior Comfort: Fortunately, Cupra has not only made external modifications but has also made significant improvements to the interior compared to the Volkswagen ID.3. The plastic components that are characteristic of the electric VW have been partially replaced with soft materials, complemented by tasteful brass accents.
However, it should be noted that the Cupra Born still retains some plastic elements, unlike the original. On the other hand, the Polestar 2 (starting at €48,200) offers a better-equipped and more intricate interior, which may not be ideal for an immersive onboard experience.
Comfort Assessment: In terms of overall comfort, the Cupra Born surpasses the Polestar 2. The Cupra Born, particularly in its most powerful version (231 hp, starting at €45,990), features standard heated bucket seats with an extendable function. For those seeking additional amenities, the Performance variant (starting at €48,990) offers standard back massagers and electric seat adjustments.
In comparison, the Polestar 2 provides heated seats but falls short in terms of side support and adjustment options. The seats are also relatively short, impacting the comfort of taller individuals. Although the Polestar allows for the fitting of front seats, it comes at an extra cost.
Passenger Space and Accessibility: Getting into the back seats of the Cupra Born is easier compared to the Polestar 2. The sloping roofline of the Polestar sometimes poses a challenge for taller passengers, while the Cupra offers more headroom. Additionally, the Cupra Born’s rear bench provides greater legroom, and its generous glass surface enhances the feeling of spaciousness, providing an excellent view of the surroundings.
Suspension Comfort: The Cupra Born, especially in its Performance version, incorporates adaptive shock absorbers that contribute to exceptional suspension comfort. The default setting offers impressive comfort, particularly on uneven surfaces like speed bumps and road imperfections. In contrast, the Polestar 2’s suspension performance is generally less refined, exhibiting imbalances when carrying different loads. Notably, the Polestar’s chassis tends to struggle when nearing its maximum weight capacity.
Conclusion: After considering the comfort aspects of both electric cars, it becomes evident that the Cupra Born outperforms the Polestar 2 in terms of interior comfort, passenger space, and suspension comfort. While the Polestar 2 excels in certain aspects, such as its better-equipped interior, potential buyers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience on long journeys may find the Cupra Born more appealing.