Polestar 2 updated with more range, performance and quicker charging
No big visual changes, but plenty underneath
A raft of updates have been revealed for the Polestar 2 electric saloon car, endowing it with more range and performance as well as faster charging and a few minor design tweaks.
The biggest change sees the addition of new power units and inverters to both the single- and all-wheel-drive dual-motor versions, increasing power and torque with a resultant effect on performance.
Whereas the single-motor version of the Polestar 2 previously made do with 228bhp sent to the front wheels, the new motor — mounted on the back axle — sends a substantially higher 295bhp and 361lb ft of torque (a measure of twisting force) to the rear.
According to Polestar, the under-the-skin changes have noticeably improved off-the-line performance, reducing the 0-62mph sprint time to 6.2 seconds, down from 7.4sec.
The dual-motor version has also seen some major powertrain work, with its 416bhp and 546lb ft of torque (up from 402bhp and 487lb ft) also now biased more towards the rear.
2020 Polestar 2 dual motor review
As well as being able to complete the 0-62mph dash in 4.5 seconds (shaving off 0.2sec), Polestar says the engineering upgrades have also created greater powertrain efficiency, enabling the new front-axle motor to be disengaged completely when not needed.
Drivers for whom that performance isn’t quite strong enough will be interested in the optional Performance Pack (available via an over-the-air software download), which boosts the power output and sharpens up the driving dynamics, squeezing an extra three tenths of a second off the 0-62mph time.
“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and recalibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel-drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s head of chassis development.
“The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”
Efficiency and range between charging stops has been increased thanks to new battery packs across the line-up.
Standard-range models retain a battery with a capacity of 69kWh but because of improved design and chemistry are able to eke an extra 25 miles from a charge with a WLTP range of 322 miles.
Long-range Polestar 2 models now receive an 82kWh battery, boosting the range to 368 miles — an useful increase of 65 miles.
As well as increasing the range, the redesign of the standard- and long-range batteries has been to the benefit of charging times, with long-range models now able to charge at a maximum of 205kW (the previous maximum was 150kW) at a suitable DC charger, and a corresponding 135kW for cars equipped with the standard-range battery.
Not all of the changes to the Polestar 2 are hidden from view, however.
The front grille treatment visually brings the model in line with Polestar’s upcoming Polestar 3 SUV, though rather than “grille”, the company uses the term “SmartZone” on account of the mass of hi-tech driver-assistance and safety hardware built into and behind the panel.
Polestar 3 challenges Tesla Model Y with 379-mile battery range, array of safety tech
The new SmartZone, in this case, includes a camera, mid-range radar, accelerometers, ultrasonic sensors and heating wires to keep it all from freezing in colder climes.
One other minor visual tweak sees cars specified with the Performance Pack from new receive the same 20-inch forged alloy wheels as the Polestar 3.
Acknowledging the fact that the upgraded Polestar 2 doesn’t look all that different from the current model, the company’s CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, justified the firm’s decision to confine the biggest design changes to areas where they can’t be seen.
“Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme,” he said.
“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,”
The redesigned Polestar 2 is on sale now, with UK pricing starting from £44,950. Deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2023.
Related articles
- After reading about the updated Polestar 2, you might like to check out our review of the Polestar 2
- Take a look a Will Dron’s preview of the 872bhp Polestar 5
- And click here if you want to see our guide to all the car makers’ electric vehicle plans
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