Polestar’s highly-anticipated 5-door electric performance fastback, the Polestar 2, is getting a major overhaul for 2024. It now boasts an innovative, high-tech front-end design language inspired by its bigger brother, the Polestar 3. It includes improved power output from new all-electric motors and more powerful batteries. This refresh also boasts sustainability improvements, and rear-wheel drive is offered for the first time in any of their vehicles.
“Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme. With the new model year Polestar 2, we went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain. This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, the best looking one, too,” says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
The Polestar 2 ushers in a new era of automotive travel with SmartZone, the advanced sensory system equipped on the Polestar 3 that can “see” and react to its surroundings. It hosts innovative active safety features such as forward-facing cameras and mid-range radar, which offer passengers greater peace of mind on their journey.
This dual-motor version of the Polestar 2 offers an improved driving experience with its newly reorganized drivetrain and power output. Featuring a rear motor as the primary source and an asynchronous front unit, it produces 310 kW and 740 Nm for higher overall efficiency, greater traction control capability, and quicker acceleration – achieving a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds.
Upgrade your driving experience with the optional Performance Pack, offering an incredible 350 kW of power and a 0-60 time as low as 4.2 seconds. This powerful performance upgrade can be remotely installed on any eligible Long range Dual motor car via a convenient over-the-air software download.
“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. “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.”
Polestar 2 vehicles have been upgraded with efficient, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries from CATL and LG Chem. Long-range versions now feature 82 kWh batteries to provide improved efficiency and faster charging times than previous models; standard range cars are equipped with 69 kWh units for optimal performance.
With new and improved batteries, plus optimization of power delivery from the more powerful motors, all Polestar versions have seen range improvements. These changes result in not only a more extended range for enhanced performance and lower carbon emissions thanks to advances in cell chemistry. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment is scheduled this year that will further detail these benefits.
The Polestar 2 now offers increased convenience, safety, and value with revised standard equipment. Driver Awareness features such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Collision Warning are standard inclusions to enhance security on the road. Additionally, a 360-degree surround view camera provides added visibility, while all versions come complete with automatic dimming exterior mirrors and wireless phone charging capabilities.
The model year 2024 Polestar 2 is available to order in European markets, with more markets to follow in the coming months. First deliveries are expected to take place in Q3 of 2023.