Usually, a facelifted car is, well, just facelifted. Not the updated Polestar 2 though. The redesigned exterior – which reflects the design language premiered by Polestar 3 – may be on the subtle side of things but it is an entirely different story under the surface. The most important updates to the 2024 Polestar 2 ought to be the all-new electric motors, a new battery system, and rear-wheel drive for the single-motor versions – the first for a Polestar.
The 2024 Polestar 2 is a facelift unlike no other. While the outgoing model’s output peaks at 170 kW and 330 Nm, the new motor on the incoming Polestar 2 produces 220 kW (299 HP) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque which affords it to wipe the century sprint (0-100 km/h or 0-62 mph) 1.2 seconds quicker, at 6.2 seconds.
While the dual-motor version is all-wheel-drive, it now has a rear-drive bias that increases driving pleasure and performance afforded by a completed re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque ratio. The new rear motor is the primary drive source, paired with a new asynchronous motor on the front axle. The result is a higher total output of 310 kW (412 HP) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft), which is 10 kW and 80 Nm more than the current model) which affords it a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 4.5 seconds.
For customers with an insatiable appetite for horsepower and speed, the optional Performance Pack offers up to 350 kW (476 HP) of peak power output that will make 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
In the battery department, most markets will get upgraded lithium-ion batteries. Basically, there are two battery systems across four variants.
With the exception of the standard range single motor model, which features a 69 kWh battery that supports a max charging speed (DC) of 135 kW and a range of 518 km (322 miles), the rest of the models, namely, long-range single motor, long-range dual motor, and long-range dual motor with Performance Pack, are paired with an 82 kWh system that supports 205 W max charging speed (DC).
Naturally, the range varies depending on the electric drivetrain setup, and so is the power. Standard range single motor has a peak power output of 200 kW (272 HP) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. Meanwhile, the long-range single motor, which is the 220 kW motor mentioned above, has the longest range of up to 635 km (395 miles).
Finally, the long-range dual motor and the long-range dual motor with Performance Pack, which power and torque were also mentioned earlier, have a range of 592 km (368 miles).
The standard equipment has also been revised. The new Polestar 2 will come standard with Driver Awareness, which includes Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, plus 360-degree surround view camera, automatic dimming exterior mirrors, and wireless phone charger.
The 2024 Polestar 2 Electric Vehicle Announced is available to order now at Polestar.com in European markets with a starting price of €50,190 (about US$54,627 today). First deliveries are expected in Q3 2023.
All images courtesy of Polestar.