GOTHENBURG, Sweden – Polestar, the luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced a major update to its 5-door electric fastback, the Polestar 2. The 2024 model will feature a new high-tech front end, which reflects the design language premiered by Polestar 3, and includes the SmartZone. The new front-end design is one of the many substantial performance increases the EV features.
The Polestar 2 will come with all-new electric motors, a more powerful battery, and sustainability improvements. Additionally, the EV will be available with rear-wheel drive for the first time in a Polestar vehicle. “Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme. 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,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.
Polestar 2 was first introduced to the highly competitive premium EV market in 2019, blending Scandinavian design and excellent usability with fun driving characteristics and a dedication to sustainability. It was the first car in the world to feature an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS with Google built-in, an experience that continues to evolve and lead the industry. The latest addition to the infotainment system is connectivity between personal Google devices, such as Google Home products, and the car. This unique mix of qualities quickly made Polestar 2 a customer favorite, available in 27 markets globally and having surpassed the 100,000-unit production mark in late 2022.
The SmartZone makes its debut on Polestar 2, signifying the shift from “breathing” through a front grille to “seeing” the road ahead reflecting the high-tech nature of Polestar vehicles. Like on Polestar 3, the SmartZone hosts some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including the front-facing camera and mid-range radar.
As another unique update, the 20-inch forged alloy wheels in the Performance Pack have been updated to align Polestar 2 in its sportiest expression with that of Polestar 3. In addition, Michelin all-season tires are now also available for the standard 19-inch wheels.
Next-generation electric motors and inverters are fitted to both Polestar 2 variants, offering increases in both efficiency and performance. The single-motor variant is now rear-wheel driven, powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. The new motor has a power output of 299 hp (increased from 231 hp) and is optimized for maximum efficiency and high torque (361 lb-ft, up from 243 lb-ft) to further increase the dynamic performance of the car. The 0-60 mph sprint time has been reduced by as much as 1.1 seconds, down to 5.9 seconds.
The dual-motor version now has a rear-drive bias that increases driving pleasure and performance thanks to a completely re-balanced drivetrain setup and torque-ratio. The new rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor. This enables higher total system output of 421 hp and 546 lb-ft (increased from the original 408 hp and 467 lb-ft), vastly improved traction, greater overall efficiency and higher performance – with 0-60 mph now achieved in 4.3 seconds. Supporting 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 and seamlessly.
A total of 455 hp is available with the optional Performance Pack, and a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 4.1 seconds. The increase in power, performance and driving enjoyment is also available to purchase as a downloadable over-the-air performance software upgrade for any eligible Long range Dual motor cars.
