The 2024 Polestar 2 benefits from a series of upgrades, improving range and performance
Polestar executives proudly describe their company as “the guiding star in the rapidly growing global electric vehicle industry” while also touting a “start-up culture” that allows for rapid product development and improvement.
The Long range, Single motor Polestar 2 has improved its range from 270 to 320 miles
Looking at the revisions to the 2024 Polestar 2 supports these claims, with a series of upgrades that substantially increase the Polestar 2’s performance and appeal. A range increase from 270 miles to 320 miles on the Long range, Single motor model is the biggest upgrade, along with a 34 percent improvement in charging speed, now capable of flowing at up to 205 kilowatts for the new 82 kWh battery.
Increased power and a switch from front- to rear-wheel drive improves handling dynamics
This latest version of the Polestar 2 Long range Single motor model also offers 68 more horsepower from an all-new electric motor, now providing 299 horsepower, 361 pound-feet of torque, and a zero-to-60 time of 5.9 seconds. Additional standard equipment includes blind spot warning with steering assist, cross traffic alert, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors. Starting price is $51,300, including a $1,400 destination fee.
The Polestar 2 uses a Google-based operating system and features an 11-inch touchscreen
Another big change for the 2024 Polestar 2 is a shift from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive on Single motor models, along with a new rear-wheel-drive bias on Dual motor versions. This change elevates the Polestar 2’s driving dynamics, giving it improved stability and a sportier feel when accelerating in a straight line or out of corners. Steering and suspension tuning have also been revised to take advantage of the new rear-wheel drive powertrain.
A new front-end design features Polestar’s “SmartZone” grille featuring camera and radar technology
The 2024 Polestar 2 in Long range, Dual motor form starts at $56,700, including destination, but like the Single motor this latest version comes with new standard features for 2024. The formerly $3,400 Pilot Pack is among them, adding smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward and rear collision warning and stopping, plus LED fog lights. The latest Dual motor version also gains a new asynchronous motor with 421 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. Zero-to-60 drops to 4.3 seconds for this model, while EPA range improves by 16 miles, to a total of 276.
The Polestar 2 can be equipped with a Performance Pack that includes 20-inch wheels
Performance-oriented buyers can add more power with a Performance Pack that ups output to 455 hp and adds four-piston Brembo brakes, 20-inch forged alloy wheels (standard wheels are 19 inches), performance tires, Ohlins dual-flow adjustable dampers, and golden interior and exterior accents on the brake calipers and seat belts. Adding this package gets the Polestar 2 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
The most powerful version of the Polestar 2 can get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds
After driving both the Single and Dual motor versions of the 2024 Polestar 2 it’s clear the company knows how to build and tune a modern electric performance car. The immediate throttle response provided by electric motors isn’t unique to the Polestar 2, but its steering feel, suspension dampening, and rear-wheel-drive powertrain delivery are a reflection of how the engineers wants the car to feel. In the 2024 Polestar 2’s case the feelings are confidence and security, no doubt helped by the car’s 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and relatively light (for an EV) 4,600 pounds.
Ventilated Nappa leather seats in Light Ash deco are among the Polestar 2’s options
Those figures are for the Dual motor model, but even the Single motor offers a desirable 48:52 front-to-rear weight balance and an even lighter 4,400-pound curb weight. All models provide 14.3 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, and 38.7 cubic feet of total cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down. The car’s Google-based operating system is accessed through an 11-inch central touchscreen, with additional information, including maps, audio and phone data, easily viewed on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Polestar 2’s daytime running light design is known as “Thor’s Hammer”
As the world fills up with additional electric vehicles, each model will face ever-increasing competition. But the Polestar 2 will have several advantages. First, it’s backed by parent company Volvo’s dealer network, which means 1,117 global service centers. Polestar-specific dealers and service centers are at 32 in North America, with mobile vehicle service beginning to ramp up. Warranty coverage for new models is 4 years and 50,000 miles, with a pre-owned warranty program coming online offering 6 years, unlimited mileage piece of mind.
Cargo space is 14.3 cubic feet behind the second row, or 38.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded down
The Polestar 2’s service network advantage and warranty coverage will continue on four future models launching over the next 3 years. Starting with the Polestar 3 ($83,900) and Polestar 4 ($60,000) SUVs arriving in 2024, followed by the Polestar 5 luxury sedan ($100,000+) in 2025 and the Polestar 6 convertible ($150,000+) in 2026. All of these models are expected to offer over 300 miles of range.
Polestar will lean on its Volvo and Geely ownership to compete in the electric car world
It’s never been more difficult to predict the future success of a single automotive brand because the automotive industry has never faced more upheaval and uncertainty. But between its Volvo and Geely financial backing and global reach, along with a proven ability to quickly develop and launch new product, Polestar is as well positioned for growth and prosperity in the U.S. market as any modern electric vehicle company.