New motor and other high-tech updates help deliver major refresh of battery electric vehicle.
Polestar has announced its five-door electric performance fastback, the Polestar 2, is receiving a major update for the 2024 model year.
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) features a new high-tech front end, performance increases with all-new electric motors, more powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.
Thomas Ingenlath , chief executive officer, says: “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.”
Polestar 2 first entered the market in 2019 and passed the 100,000-unit production mark in late 2022.
The SmartZone at the front of the car, similar to the one on Polestar 3, hosts some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including the front-facing camera and mid-range radar.
Meanwhile, the 20-inch forged alloy wheels in the performance pack have been updated to align the sportiest option of the model to align more closely with the Polestar 3.
Next-generation electric motors and inverters are fitted to all Polestar 2 variants, offering increases in efficiency and performance.
The single-motor variants, with power output increased from 170kW to 220kW, are now rear-wheel-driven and slash the 0-100kph sprint time by 1.2 seconds to 6.2 seconds.
A rear-drive bias improves the performance of the dual-motor version, which has a total system output of 310kW and 740Nm. This compares with the previous model’s figures of 300kW and 660Nm, respectively, and results in a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds.
To support efficiency gains, the front motor can now be disengaged completely when not needed. When the driver wants more power, the front motor re-engages instantly.
Under the optional performance pack, the Polestar 2 offers up to 350kW and further reduces the 0-100kph sprint to 4.2 seconds.
Joakim Rydholm, head of chassis development, says: “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.
“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.”
All Polestar 2 versions, in most markets, feature upgraded lithium-ion batteries. Long-range versions now feature 82kWh batteries and a range of up to 592km an improvement of 105km.
For the single-motor versions, the standard range model can cover up to 518km before recharging and the long range up to 635km, improvements of 40km and 84km, respectively.
Driver awareness features are now standard in the Polestar 2, including blind spot information system with steering support, cross traffic alert with brake support, and rear collision warning and mitigation.
The model year 2024 Polestar 2 is available to order now in European markets, with more markets to follow. The first deliveries are expected in the third quarter of this year.
Keyword: Polestar gains extra power