A new version of Polestar’s Tesla Model 3 rival has arrived for 2023, with a new look and a 395-mile range
- Range of up to 395 miles
- Two battery and two electric motor configurations
- On sale now from £44,950
The Polestar 2 has thus far struggled to keep up with the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 in terms of sales, however, the Swedish EV brand is pinning its hopes of success on a new, facelifted version of the now-three-year-old electric fastback.
Available to order now from £44,950, the facelifted Polestar 2 boasts an upgraded battery and electric motor setup, with a maximum range of up to 395 miles – more than even the new Hyundai Ioniq 6. The ‘2’ has also received a smattering of subtle styling enhancements as well as an expanded list of standard equipment.
Headlining the Polestar 2’s mid-life update are the significant improvements under the metal; as before, buyers can choose from either a Standard or Long Range configuration, both offering a greater electric range than before. The Standard 69kWh battery pack (up in size from 64kWh) is only available with the Single Motor setup and is claimed to provide a range of up to 322 miles on a charge – 25 miles extra.
The Long Range model is available with either a single or dual-electric motor setup; the former provides a class-leading range of up to 395 miles, while the latter offers a slightly shorter, but still impressive 368 miles on a single charge. All Standard Range cars come with 135kW DC rapid charging capability, however, Long Range models can be charged at speeds of up to 205kW; find a compatible public charger and this will charge the Polestar 2 from 10-80% in around 25 minutes.
Not only does the new Polestar 2 offer more range than before, it’s more powerful as well; the entry-level Single Motor model now produces 268bhp in Standard Range guise and a potent 295bhp when equipped with the Long Range Battery. Both versions offer a substantial increase in power over the outgoing 228bhp model and are now configured to power the rear wheels instead of the front to provide a sportier and more efficient drive. From a standstill, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor will reach 62mph in 6.2 seconds – 1.2 seconds faster than before.
Even more powerful is the all-wheel drive, Dual Motor model which is only available with the Long Range battery and now outputs 416bhp and 770Nm of torque (up from 402bhp and 660Nm). Despite getting from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds, this isn’t even the fastest version of the new Polestar 2; examples specified with the optional Performance Pack boast an elevated output of 469bhp and can reach the 62mph benchmark 0.3 seconds faster than the standard Dual Motor car. Buyers can specify this option when they order the car, or at a later date via an over-the-air software update.
While those behind the wheel will find it easy to tell the difference between the new and outgoing versions of the Polestar 2, passersby may find it a bit more difficult. Aside from a revised set of alloy wheels for Performance Pack cars, perhaps the greatest change is the addition of a body-coloured front grille; dubbed the ‘Smart Zone’, this trim piece made its debut on the new Polestar 3 SUV and houses many of the car’s driver assistance functions.
Speaking of driver aids, the Polestar 2’s suite of standard safety features has now been expanded to include blind spot monitoring and rear collision warning with cross-traffic alert, as well as a 360-degree camera system. A wireless charging pad is now also a standard feature, sitting below the Polestar’s 11-inch Android-powered touchscreen.
What does this mean for car buyers?
The main worry for many first-time EV buyers is range; it wasn’t so long ago that most affordable electric cars were strictly city-bound and there was very little charging infrastructure. Fast forward to today and we have over 60,000 public charge points nationwide, while the updated Polestar 2 offers almost 400 miles of range for under £50,000.
While this is certainly an impressive figure, we feel the entry-level Polestar 2 with its 322-mile range will suit most buyers; this comes close to matching the price of the base Tesla Model 3 – even after its recent price cut – and offers a greater range and more premium interior. Top this off with more standard equipment and what should hopefully be an improved driving experience and the Polestar 2 may finally grab the attention of private buyers and company car drivers alike.
Keyword: Polestar 2 facelift arrives with class-leading electric range