Swedish electric car manufacturer, Polestar, has unveiled an updated version of its flagship model, the Polestar 2, set to hit showrooms for the 2024 model year. The new iteration boasts an increased range and faster charging capabilities, in addition to additional standard equipment.
The sleek five-door, five-seat fastback, which made its debut in 2020, is currently the only vehicle offered by Polestar. However, the brand has plans to expand its electric lineup with the impending release of the Polestar 3 in 2023, and future models such as the Polestar 6 roadster, expected to arrive in 2026.
Polestar has undergone significant changes to its drivetrain, with the single-motor variant now featuring rear-wheel-drive as opposed to front-wheel-drive. This change has resulted in an increase in power from 170 kW to 220 kW and torque from 330 Nm to 490 Nm, resulting in a faster 0-62 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds.
In addition, the dual-motor versions of the Polestar 2 now have a rear-drive bias, which according to the company, enhances driving pleasure and performance through a re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque-ratio. The dual-motor car’s total power output has been increased from 300 kW to 310 kW, while torque has risen from 660 Nm to 740 Nm. Despite these power and torque gains, the 0-62mph acceleration time remains unchanged at 4.5 seconds.
The front motor of the new model can disengage when not in use, reducing power consumption and increasing range during cruising. Additionally, the optional Performance Pack, which increases the car’s total power to 350 kW and 0-62 mph time to 4.2 seconds, can now be downloaded as an over-the-air software update after purchase.
“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” says Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar.
He added:“The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”
The Polestar 2 has undergone significant upgrades to its battery pack, with the long-range version now boasting an impressive 82 kWh capacity (up from 78 kWh). The standard pack remains unchanged at 69 kWh. The new cell chemistry and other improvements also mean faster charging for the 2024 model year, with the long-range battery reaching 205 kW (up from 155 kW) and the standard-range battery reaching 135 kW.
In terms of range, the long-range, dual-motor variant has seen a significant increase of 65 miles, reaching a total of 368 miles using the WLTP test cycle. The standard-range car with a single-motor setup also sees an improvement, managing 322 miles – an increase of 25 miles. The long-range, single-motor car has also seen an increase of 52 miles, reaching a total of 395 miles.
The Polestar 2 for the 2024 model year comes with a variety of new features as standard, such as wireless charging for phones, blind spot monitoring with steering assist, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, a 360-degree surround view camera, and automatic dimming exterior mirrors.
Additionally, the car’s front features the company’s new SmartZone, which is prominently placed above the front bumper and houses several safety systems, including a front-facing camera and mid-range radar. The Polestar 2 is currently available for ordering in Europe, with prices starting at £44,950 for the single-motor standard battery model and going up to £57,950 for the dual-motor model with a larger battery and Performance Pack.
