The 2024 Polestar 2: A Major Upgrade Makes It Worth a Second Look

Polestar 2
Polestar 2

A Compelling EV Gets Even Better

The 2024 Polestar 2 has received some significant updates that make Polestar’s entry-level electric vehicle even more appealing. With a power boost, longer range, and quicker charging, the revamped Polestar 2 is shaping up to be a strong contender in the increasingly competitive EV market.

Polestar 2
Polestar 2

Exterior Refresh and New Tire Options

While not a full redesign, the 2024 Polestar 2 gets a new “SmartZone” front fascia that houses the sensor and camera tech. It’s a small update, but gives the EV a fresh look. The tire offerings have also been updated:

  • Base single and dual-motor models now come standard with 19-inch Michelin all-season tires
  • Performance trim upgrades to 20-inch Continental SportContact 6 summer tires
  • Optional 20-inch Continental PremiumContact 6 summer tires available
  • Polestar 2
    Polestar 2

Powertrain Upgrades for Single and Dual-Motor Models

The biggest changes for 2024 are under the hood (or frunk in this case). The single-motor rear-wheel drive model gets a major power boost:

  • New rear-mounted electric motor
  • 295 hp (up from 228 hp)
  • 361 lb-ft torque (up from 243 lb-ft)
  • 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds (previously 6.8 seconds)
  • Polestar 2
    Polestar 2

The dual-motor AWD models combine a new rear synchronous motor with a new front induction motor:

  • 416 hp for base dual-motor (previously 408 hp)
  • 449 hp for Performance (down slightly from 476 hp)
  • 546 lb-ft torque for both (up from 487 lb-ft)
  • Performance 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (3.9 seconds previously)
  • Polestar 2
    Polestar 2

Improved Range and Quicker Charging

Along with the power upgrades, the 2024 Polestar 2 gets an increased battery size and improved efficiency:

  • Single-motor RWD gets a new 79 kWh battery (up from 75 kWh)
  • EPA range increases to 320 miles (up from 270 miles)
  • Peak DC fast charging rate increases to 205 kW (from 155 kW)

Dual-motor models keep the 75 kWh battery but see range improvements as well:

  • AWD range increases to 276 miles (from 260 miles)
  • Performance range dips slightly to 247 miles (from 260 miles)
  • DC fast charging remains at 155 kW
  • Polestar 2
    Polestar 2

Performance and Driving Impressions

The rear-wheel drive single-motor Polestar 2 is now significantly quicker than before thanks to the big power increase. The acceleration from a stop is much improved, and passing power at highway speeds is better as well.

The dual-motor Performance model continues to impress with blistering straight-line speed. Despite a slight horsepower drop, the increased torque makes it just as quick as the previous model.

Handling remains composed, with the Öhlins adjustable dampers on the Performance model providing a firm but controlled ride. The grip from the Continental and Michelin tires is good, even if the seats could use a bit more bolstering for hard cornering.

See the specs and performance details in the table below:

Specification Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD Performance AWD
Horsepower 295 hp 416 hp 449 hp
Torque 361 lb-ft 546 lb-ft 546 lb-ft
0-60 mph 5.5 seconds 3.7 seconds
1/4 Mile 14.2 sec @ 97 mph 12.4 sec @ 108 mph
EPA Range 320 miles 276 miles 247 miles
Fast Charge 205 kW 155 kW 155 kW

Polestar 2
Polestar 2

Interior Updates and Features

Inside, the 2024 Polestar 2 cabin remains largely unchanged from previous models. The Google-based infotainment system continues to be a strong point, providing an easy-to-use interface with Google Maps built-in.

Some new option packages have been reshuffled as well. The Pilot package (adaptive cruise, LED lights, driver aids) is now a $2,000 option on single-motor cars and standard on dual-motors. The Plus package (heat pump, premium audio, panoramic roof, etc.) is now $2,200.

Polestar 2
Polestar 2

The Bottom Line

With meaningful upgrades to power, range, and charging, plus a subtle exterior refresh, the 2024 Polestar 2 looks to build on the momentum of Polestar’s first mass-market EV. The improved single-motor model in particular could be a great entry point for those looking for an affordable long-range electric car.

Pricing has increased slightly, now starting at $51,300 for the single-motor RWD, $56,700 for dual-motor AWD, and $64,400 for the Performance model. But the across-the-board improvements should help justify the cost.

If you’ve been considering a Polestar 2, the 2024 model may be worth putting on your list to check out thanks to this round of compelling upgrades.

What do you think of the updated 2024 Polestar 2? Will you be taking it for a test drive? Let us know in the comments!

Specifications

 

2024 Polestar 2 Plus
Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $53,500/$56,750
Options: Pilot package, $2000; Midnight Metallic paint, $1250

POWERTRAIN
Power: 295 hp
Torque: 361 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 79.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 205 kW
Transmission: direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy All Season
245/45R-19 102V M+S POL

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.7 in
Length: 181.3 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 58.2 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/38 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 39/16 ft3
Front Trunk Volume: 1 ft3
Curb Weight: 4516 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.2 sec @ 97 mph
100 mph: 15.2 sec
130 mph: 34.8 sec
The results above omit a 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 166 ft
Road holding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 89 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 250 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 115/124/106 MPGe
Range: 320 mi

2024 Polestar 2 Dual Motor Performance Plus
Vehicle Type: front-and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $64,400/$65,650
Options: Magnesium Metallic paint, $1250

POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction AC, 181 hp, 184 lb-ft
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 268 hp, 361 lb-ft
Combined Power: 449 hp
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 75.0 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 155 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.8-in vented, cross-drilled disc/13.4-in vented disc
Tires: Continental SportContact 6
245/40R-20 99V POL

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.7 in
Length: 181.3 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 58.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/38 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 39/16 ft3
Front Trunk Volume: 1 ft3
Curb Weight: 4728 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.7 sec
100 mph: 10.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 108 mph
The results above omit a 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 128 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 322 ft
Road holding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.89 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 89 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving: 92 MPGe
75-mph Highway Range: 230 mi
Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 71 kW
DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 58 min

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 95/100/90 MPGe
Range: 247 mi

 

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

Polestar 2

 

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