2024 Polestar 2 is a Win for Customers Despite Raised Prices
As reported at the beginning of the year, the Polestar 2 electric sedan is getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2024 that is so much more than skin deep. Prices are up, mind you, especially when it comes to the dual-motor AWD variant.
But let’s start with the entry-level, single-motor Polestar 2, which carries a base MSRP of $54,950, an increase of $1,000 from the outgoing model. That car now uses RWD instead of FWD and is powered by a newly developed permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter. It has a power output of 220 kW/295 hp (increased from 170 kW/228 hp) and peak torque of 361 lb-ft. (up from 243 lb-ft.). The 0-100 km/h sprint time has been cut from 7.4 seconds to 6.2 seconds in the process.
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Maximum DC fast charging capability is boosted to 205 kW, while the larger 82kWh battery enables up to 515 km of range, placing the RWD-equipped Polestar 2 behind the Hyundai IONIQ 6 (581 km) but ahead of the Tesla Model 3 (438 km).
On the outside, you’ll immediately notice that the front grille is closed. This so-called SmartZone hosts some of the vehicle’s most important active safety features, including the front-facing camera and mid-range radar. Michelin all-season tires are now available for the standard 19-inch wheels, while the available 20-inch forged alloy wheels have been updated to align the Polestar 2 in its sportiest expression with those of the upcoming Polestar 3 crossover. Range is affected but not that much (494 km).
What’s more, safety is enhanced with standard Blind Spot Information System with steer assist, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, park assist sensors, 360-degree cameras and auto-dimming door mirrors.
Two Motors Are Better, But…
Fancy a dual-motor Polestar 2? This one starts at $62,950 for 2024, up $4,000 from the 2023 iteration. Before you get mad, consider this: the Pilot Pack, previously a $4,700 option, now comes as standard equipment. It includes Pilot Assist driver assistance aids, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Stop Assist, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation plus LED front fog lights with cornering function.
The dual-motor variant now has a RWD 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 310 kW/416 hp and 546 lb-ft. of torque (increased from the original 300 kW/402 hp and 487 lb-ft.), resulting in 0-100 km/h sprints in 4.5 seconds (previously 4.8 seconds).
Curiously, Polestar says the optional Performance Pack ($6,750) increases output to 335 kW/449 hp, but last time we checked it used to be 350 kW/469 hp. If you’re in a rush, the car will take you to triple-digit speeds in 4.2 seconds. It’s a good thing Brembo brakes are included, as well. Don’t forget the Polestar Engineered chassis revisions complete with Öhlins shocks.
Supporting efficiency gains, the front motor can now be disengaged completely when not needed. Ultimately, maximum range is either 444 km or 428 km depending on your choice of wheels (19 inches or 20 inches). The 78kWh battery is unchanged in this application and can still extract no more than 155 kW from a DC fast charger.
The optional Plus Pack for $3,000, which was previously $5,700, includes a range-enhancing heat pump, premium sound by Harman Kardon, a large panoramic moonroof with a reflected Polestar symbol, heating for the steering wheel, rear seats and wiper nozzles, and an interior air quality system, among other additions. We bet many Canadian customers will check that box when ordering a 2024 Polestar 2.
Incidentally, despite the raised prices, all Polestar 2 models qualify for the federal government’s iZEV incentive of $5,000, and up to $4,000 in British Columbia and $7,000 in Quebec. Deliveries will begin this summer.