Since Polestar launched its revolutionary cars in the USA in 2019, the brand's continual refinement of its offerings has seen it grow in popularity. The Polestar 2's latest update is substantial, however, with a facelift being just one part of it. There have been changes made to the permanent-magnetic electric motors and inverters powering the car, with the result being increased power and torque and improved range. Naturally, this also means quicker 0-60 times.
The entry-level Polestar 2 has also seen the front-axle motor shifted to the rear, making this the first rear-wheel-drive Polestar so far. We already appreciated the Polestar 2 for what it is, and these changes make it even more likable.
When Is The Polestar 2 Coming Out?
A release date for the 2024 Polestar 2 hasn't been set in stone yet, but deliveries are expected later this year since the order book is already open.
Polestar 2 Price And Competition
While official pricing isn't available just yet, we expect the price of the 2024 Polestar 2 to be higher than the $48,400 MSRP for the current base model. The dual-motor setup adds $3,500 to that currently, but considering the dual-motor 2024 Polestar 2 will include the Pilot Pack as standard, it's likely that the cost of the top-end model will be substantially higher. It's worth noting that the current ordering process via Polestar requires a $1,000 fully-refundable deposit, and the Polestar EV qualifies for federal and state-specific EV incentives.
Competition for the Polestar 2 comes in the form of the BMW i4 sedan and the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla beats the Polestar 2 in terms of range only on its Long Range model with an EPA-rated 358 miles on a charge. Following recent price cuts, the Model 3 RWD now starts at a lower price, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Polestar 2 when it comes to build quality and how the cabin feels inside. While the i4 rival is pricier, its premium interior is worth the outlay, and performance specs are impressive. Both the BMW and Polestar EV sedans leave the Tesla in the dust, in our books.
New Polestar 2 Exterior And Colors
The most notable change to the 2024 Polestar 2 liftback sedan is the makeover it received up front. Showcasing the SmartZone grille that we know from the fierce Polestar 3, the overall look seems to draw inspiration from the Precept Concept. This front end is not just an aesthetic echo of futuristic design - it houses a large portion of the tech that feeds the active safety features, such as the front-facing camera and mid-range radar. The Scandinavian element isn't forgotten, however, and the new Polestar 2 sedan carries through the signature Thor's Hammer headlight design we love to see from the brand and its Volvo counterpart. LED fog lights with cornering assist form part of the Pilot Pack, as do auto-dimming rearview mirrors, all of which are standard on the dual-motor model.
Polestar's design language is clean and elegant, and the 2 is subtle and sophisticated. Like the preceding model, the Polestar 2 rolls on 19-inch wheels as standard, but the optional 20-inch forged alloys in the Performance Pack are new designs also shared with the Polestar 3 SUV. We expect the available panoramic roof, pixel LED headlights, and semi-electric folding tow bar options to carry over to the new model.
While no announcements have been made with regard to model-specific exterior colors for the Polestar 2, it's safe to assume the existing exterior color palette will return, perhaps with a few tweaks here and there. The current paints range from Void Black and Snow to Thunder, Magnesium, and Midnight - subtle shades for a car that doesn't shout about its good looks. We'd be happy with a few new shades, however.
Polestar 2 Dimensions
With the changes to the exterior and upgrading of the electronic gadgetry, it's likely that the Polestar 2's key dimensions will be marginally different. Until the automaker releases official figures, however, we can assume it will be in the region of the current car's dimensions, which include a wheelbase of 107.7 inches, a total length of 181.3 inches, and a width of 78.1 inches. 2023 models stand 58.2 inches tall, although those equipped with the Performance Pack sit slightly lower to the ground.
In terms of curb weight, the current Polestar 2 ranges from around 4,400 pounds in its single-motor guise to over 4,600 lbs with the dual-motor setup. Slight differences are possible for the 2024 lineup, especially on dual-motor cars that come standard with previously optional packages.
Polestar 2 Engine And Performance
The big news for the 2024 Polestar 2 is the next-generation electric motors and inverters that provide performance and efficiency gains. The entry-spec 2 now has the motor mounted on the rear axle; the motor is a new permanent magnet unit with silicon carbide inverter that puts out 299 horsepower (up from 231 hp) and 361 lb-ft of torque (substantially more than the outgoing model's 243 lb-ft). The result is a 5.9-second sprint to 60 mph, shaving off more than a second from the older FWD model.
As for the dual-motor model, the drivetrain and torque ratio has been rebalanced to enhance "driving pleasure and performance", according to Polestar. While there are motors on each axle, the rear motor is the main driving force with the new asynchronous front motor augmenting it. The power yields are improved from 408 hp and 467 lb-ft to 421 hp and 546 lb-ft. Together with enhanced traction, this cuts the benchmark sprint time down to just 4.3 seconds. With a rear-drive bias, this model should also provide a sportier driving experience than before.
If this still isn't enough, you can add the optional Performance Pack - with 455 hp on tap, the Polestar 2 will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. This also equips Brembo brakes, bespoke forged alloy wheels, Ohlins dual flow valve dampers, and the Polestar Engineered performance software upgrade. With understated looks and this kind of power, the 2024 Polestar 2 is a pretty good representation of a sleeper car.
Polestar 2 Gas Mileage
Upgrades to the motors mean improved efficiency, too, and while we have only been given targeted range for the 2024 models, we can expect improvements over the outgoing models. The best gas mileage-equivalent figures in the current lineup are 113/100/107 MPGe for the single-motor derivative, but with an expected improvement in range from 270 to 300 on the 2024 version, it stands to reason that MPGE figures will also improve. The 2024 dual-motor versions are less drastically improved at 270 miles of range on a charge over the 260 miles of the current model. The ability to disengage the front motor on this model aids efficiency, and it automatically engages when extra power is needed.
The automaker also claims quicker charging times, with the single-motor model now supporting 205 kW of DC charging and being equipped with a larger 82 kWh battery. The maximum DC charging speed drops to 155 kW for the dual-motor derivatives. Previously, the 78-kWh battery took around 33 minutes to be replenished from 10-80% at the 155-kW maximum speed, so we can expect that time to decrease for the 2024 model.
Polestar 2 Interior and Cargo
Other than making a bunch of features standard, the automaker hasn't announced any changes to the interior of the Polestar 2 EV sedan, which means the high-quality, ergonomic cabin carries over as is. The manufacturer makes a point of only offering sustainably-sourced materials in the cabin, and this shouldn't be any different on the new models. Our reviews of the outgoing model note the uncluttered, unfussy design that makes for a pleasant place to spend time in, much like the Volvo family of cars tends to be. Adding the Performance Pack will equip the brand's signature gold seatbelts. The Polestar 2 seats five in comfort.
An 11.5-inch display sits front and center, you get power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and eight speakers as standard. 2024 models add wireless device charging to the standard specification.
But for 2024, buyers in the USA will get the benefit of the Pilot Pack being made standard on dual-motor models. This includes blind spot monitoring with steering support, cross traffic alert with brake support, rear collision warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and pilot assist
Cargo space in the Polestar 2 comes to a total of 15.5 cubic feet of space, shared between a frunk and the rear luggage compartment area. The latter includes underfloor storage. Folding down the rear seats opens up 38.7 cubes, and your knick-knacks can be stowed in a glovebox, door bins, or center console.
