Polestar is giving its 5-door electric performance fastback, the Polestar 2, a major update for the 2024 model year. The premium compact EV will feature a new high-tech front end reflecting the design of the Polestar 3, performance updates with all-new electric motors, more powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.

The Polestar 2 debuted in 2019 and was the first car to feature an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in, according to the company. The vehicle is available in 27 markets globally and surpassed the 100,000-unit production mark in late 2022.

What’s New

• Wheels, new motors, rear-wheel drive, battery range, charging time, more standard features.

Model Features

• The SmartZone makes its debut on Polestar 2, hosting active safety features including the front-facing camera and mid-range radar.

• The 20-inch forged alloy wheels in the Performance Pack have been updated to align with Polestar 3.

• Next-generation electric motors and inverters are fitted to all Polestar 2 variants. Single-motor variants are now rear-wheel driven, powered by a permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. This motor has a power output of up to 220 kW (increased from 170 kW) with high torque (490 Nm, up from 330 Nm). The 0-100 km/h sprint time has been reduced by as much as 1.2 seconds, down to 6.2 seconds.

• The dual-motor now has a rear-drive bias with re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque-ratio. The new rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by an asynchronous motor. This enables total system output of 310 kW and 740 Nm (increased from the original 300 kW and 660 Nm), improved traction, greater overall efficiency and higher performance – 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The front motor can now be disengaged completely when not needed.

• All Polestar 2 versions feature upgraded lithium-ion batteries. Long-range versions now feature 82 kWh batteries from CATL with 27 modules. The battery for standard-range versions retains a capacity of 69 kWh with 24 modules, and is now supplied by LG Chem.

• The updated batteries benefit from a redesigned battery disconnect unit, upgraded busbars, and improved cell chemistry – with charging rates of up to 205 kW DC for long-range batteries and 135 kW for the standard-range battery.

• Range improvements: The front motor disconnect function on the Long range Dual motor variant is up to 592 km WLTP, an increase of 105 km.

• Reduced carbon emissions with the new 82 kWh battery of 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per car (previously 7 tonnes per car). A full life cycle assessment is planned later in 2023.

• Standard equipment has been revised to include Driver Awareness features, including Blind Spot Information System with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, along with the 360-degree surround view camera and automatic dimming exterior mirrors. The wireless phone charger is also standard on all versions.

Safety Rating

• NHTSA overall safety rating: 5 stars; front driver and passenger sides, side crash, and rollover scores each 5 stars

Polestar 2 Base MSRP

• 2022: $45,900

• 2023: $48,400

• 2024: $49,800 (est.; North American pricing not yet announced)

Release Date

• Q3 2023

The 2024-MY Polestar 2 is available to order online now in European markets only, with more markets to follow, according to the company. First deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2023. Pricing starts from EUR 50,190.

“Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “With the new model year Polestar 2, we rather 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.”