Polestar on Tuesday unveiled its most significant update to its 2 hatchback since the model’s launch in 2021.
Coming later this year as a 2024 model, the updated Polestar 2 will bring more power and range, as well as a rear-wheel drive option for the first time. There will also be some subtle styling updates, but only those familiar with the brand will notice them.
Performance improvements have been realized through new motors and inverters, as well as a more powerful battery, Polestar said.
The single-engine version of the Polestar 2 now has the engine on the rear axle, which should help deliver a sportier driving experience than the current front-wheel drive version. The new engine is also rated at 299 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 231 hp and 243 lb-ft. With the added momentum, Polestar estimates the 0-60mph time will improve by 1.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.
2024 Polestar 2
The twin-engine, all-wheel-drive Polestar 2 also gets a rear-wheel-drive orientation to deliver that classic rear-wheel-drive feel. The front engine is also usually disengaged to improve efficiency. Power is also increased here, with new numbers coming in at 421 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, up from 408 hp and 467 lb-ft. The 0-60mph time is claimed to be 4.3 seconds in this configuration.
Buyers wanting more power can add a Performance Pack to the twin-engine model, increasing power to 455 hp and correspondingly dropping the 0-60 mph time to 4.1 seconds. Other features of the performance package include Brembo brakes, unique 20-inch forged alloys, adjustable Ohlins dampers and gold-colored seat belts.
2024 Polestar 2
The single-engine Polestar 2 features a new 82kWh motor, which Polestar estimates will deliver an EPA-rated range of up to 300 miles, up from 270 miles for the current model.
The dual motor model stays with a 78kWh battery, but its EPA-rated range is expected to increase by 10 miles to 270 miles, largely due to the front motor disable feature.
2024 Polestar 2
Polestar hasn’t shown the inside of the 2024 2 but said a wireless phone charger and a range of driver assistance features have been made standard. Driver assistance features, previously part of an available Pilot Pack, include practical items such as blind spot warning with steering assist, cross-traffic alert with brake assist, a surround view camera, adaptive cruise control and the Polestar-developed Pilot Assist system around the vehicle when driving stay in the middle of the lane and a safe distance from the vehicle in front on the motorway.
Exterior styling tweaks are limited to a revised grille that integrates many of the car’s camera and sensor systems, and a new design for the 20-inch wheels included in the Performance Pack. In both cases, the new designs mirror similar designs found on the recently unveiled 2024 Polestar 3 mid-size SUV.
Polestar hasn’t announced pricing for the 2024 2. However, given the improvements, an increase in the 2023 model’s starting price of $49,800 is likely.
