Polestar has taken the wraps off the facelifted Polestar 2, hiding important upgrades under the mildly redesigned exterior. The highlights of the updated 2024 Polestar 2 include new electric motors, a switch to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor models, and a new battery pack. The latter translates to 635 km (395 miles) of WLTP-estimated range for the EU-spec single-motor long-range trim, or up to 300 miles (483 km) of EPA-estimated range for the US-spec equivalent.
Starting with the exterior, changes are focused on the body-colored grille, which is now called “SmartZone” and debuted in the Polestar 3 integrating most of the ADAS sensors. The rest of the bodywork is carried over, and there are fresh designs for the alloy wheels. The company doesn’t mention any interior upgrades, but all trims get more ADAS features and wireless phone charging as standard.
Increase Range Thanks To A New Battery
The 2024 Polestar 2 benefits from a new 82 kWh battery sourced from CATL that supports 205 kW DC fast charging and lowers carbon emissions by 1.1 tons per car compared to the outgoing model. The WLTP range figures have been increased to 635 km (395 miles) for the single-motor model and up to 592 km (368 miles) for the dual-motor version with the same battery pack. European buyers also get the option of a standard-range single-motor Polestar 2 with a smaller 69 kWh battery from LG Chem allowing up to 518 km (322 miles) of WLTP range.
In the US, the new 82 kWh battery pack is exclusively available in combination with the single motor layout, offering a range of 300 miles (482 km) according to EPA estimates, representing an increase of 30 miles (48 km) compared to the previous model. The more powerful dual motor long-range configuration retains the old 78 kWh battery but gets up to 270 miles (435 km) of EPA-estimated range which is 21 miles (34 km) higher than before thanks to the revised electric powertrain.
Read: Polestar Expects To Boost Sales By 80% This Year Following A Record 2022
Another highlight of the facelifted model is the new electric motors. The entry-level trims are now RWD (instead of FWD) with a new permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter producing 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. This represents a significant increase of 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque compared to the outgoing FWD model. As a result, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint is now completed in 6.2 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds quicker than before.
Likewise, the dual-motor AWD variants benefit from a rear-biased setup, combining the same rear-mounted motor with a new asynchronous motor at the front that completely disengages when not needed. The combined output is 416 hp (310 kW / 422 PS) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque allowing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 4.5 seconds. This is 13 hp (10 kW / 13 PS) and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) more than the outgoing Polestar 2 AWD.
Flagship Performance Pack With Up To 469 Hp
For those who want more power, there is the optional Performance Pack, which raises the combined output up to 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS), just like the limited-production BST Edition, and improves the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time to 4.2 seconds. Polestar says that the power boost can also be purchased as an over-the-air software upgrade on the long-range dual-motor trims. Besides the extra oomph, the Performance Pack adds Brembo brakes, unique 20-inch forged alloy wheels and a set of Öhlins Dual Flow Valve dampers.
The company suggests that the model offers a refined ride without going into specifics about any chassis upgrades. Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar said that the facelifted 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 2024 Polestar 2 is already available in European markets, with the first deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2023. Pricing starts from €50,190 ($54,540) for the standard-range RWD model, going up to €64,690 ($70,296) for the flagship long-range AWD with the Performance Pack. Other markets including the UK, the US, and Australia will follow in the near future. Mind you, the outgoing Polestar 2 has sold more than 100,000 units in 27 markets since its introduction in 2019.
