Polestar 2 2024 (2022 - )

The Polestar 2 is a fully electrified five-door performance fastback that was first launched back in 2019. With an impressive driving range between charges and its distinctive styling, it was viewed as the perfect alternative to Tesla and now its appeal is gaining momentum even further with changes for the 2024 model.

The new Polestar 2 features a freshly designed high-tech front end that reflects the design language that was recently premiered by Polestar 3. Factor in more powerful batteries for improved performance and driving range and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive, and it is exciting times for this Scandinavian carmaker.

Customers have plenty of choice with the option of a Standard-Range Single-Motor RWD version, a Long-Range Single-Motor RWD drive or Long-Range Dual-Motor featuring AWD. There is also a Performance Pack that can be added to the Long-Range AWD Polestar 2 and this adds extra power and brings the 0-62mph sprint time down to a very rapid 4.2 seconds.

The battery and hardware upgrades mean the Polestar 2 can now travel 22 per cent further, consumes nine per cent less energy and charge 34 per cent faster than its predecessor.

The newly-updated Polestar 2 is available to order now and first deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2023.

The latest Polestar 2 has a fresh new look with a flat front grille that resembles its sibling Polestar 3 model. It is well known carmakers love to give their technology fancy names and this new front end is aptly called the SmartZone – I say aptly because it houses a wealth of sensors, cameras, radar and all manner of clever features to improve the safety and driver assistance aids on the vehicle.

Design cues include sweeping light clusters with trademark Thor-Hammer daytime running lights, a panoramic roof, frameless side mirrors, body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and door handles, eye-catching tail lights connected by a light bar, plus 20-inch 5-V Spoke black silver alloy wheels that were a £900 upgrade. Our test car was supplied in a colour called Thunder which certainly looked the business.

Moving inside, the interior is modern, upmarket and clutter-free with the test car featuring vegan Nappa leather upholstery in a zinc shade with beautiful light ash-coloured dashboard trim. The hexagonal shaped gear selector features an illuminated Polestar symbol and the rearview mirror is frameless.

The seats are heated, ventilated and powered and, with ample steering wheel adjustment too, it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position. Then it’s just a case of taking stock of the extensive array of on-board technology at your disposal.

The main focal point and nerve centre is the portrait-style infotainment system powered by Android Auto OS. Expect to find Google built-in assistant, Google maps, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, DAB radio, Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity and a rearview camera.

In addition, the 12.3-inch driver display clearly shows all the vital driving data.

Powering the Polestar 2 Long-Range Single-Motor model that we tested was an 82kWh (75kWh useable) battery. With 290hp and 490Nm of torque, this rear-wheel drive car could reach 62mph from a standstill in just 6.2 seconds and tops out at 127mph.

With its new rear-wheel drive, the Polestar 2 is far more dynamic and agile in its handling and cornering than its predecessor. That means it can be pushed hard into long sweeping bends with the utmost confidence. Minimal body movement and a constant stream of power mean this car will tick many boxes on any driving purist’s wish-list.

The acceleration is instant at the first sign of throttle pressure, the steering beautifully weighted and the good all-round driver visibility is another plus point worth noting.

It is quite heavy weighing in at almost two tonnes, but you don’t notice that when it comes to performance. And the range seemed accurate too dropping in accordance with our mileage.

People often claim that the brakes on EVs will take a right hammering due to the vehicles weighing more, but that’s simply not true. With the strong regenerative braking levels, including single pedal driving, it is possible to drive the Polestar 2 and similar vehicles, without touching the brakes at all.

With high standards of insulation, occupants are well protected from any outside noise intrusion. That said; there is a little road rumble at higher speeds but this is more noticeable because of the silent running of the Polestar 2 compared to a combustion-engine driven vehicle.

The ride did feel a little firm at times but there are factors to take into consideration before being too critical. Firstly, the test car was riding on 20-inch wheels which are larger than the standard fit. Secondly, it was a pre-production model so not all the suspension tweaks were finalised and finally, the UK is renowned for its appalling roads.

The Polestar 2 has a strong road presence thanks to its dynamic proportions and streamlined styling. It stretches 4,606mm in length, is 1,985mm wide (including mirrors) and 1,479mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,735mm.

It is a spacious car with plenty of room for two six-foot-plus adults up front and a trio of occupants in the back. Knee, elbow and head space is generous, although three larger adults might find it a little too cosy on a longer journey.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and it can swallow 405 litres of kit, a limit that increases considerably to 1,095 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. This includes an area beneath the floor which is ideal to store charging cables etc. There is a really practical pull-up dividing partition with elasticated strap that’s ideal for keeping goods held in place and even a curry hook up front to stop any takeaway treats from spilling.

Additional storage throughout the cabin includes a glovebox with a handy tray inside, deep door bins, a central cubby, wireless charging pad, seat back nets, four cup holders and some practical pockets on the console between the front occupants. There are two front and two rear USB ports to keep devices connected on the move.

Charging the test car’s battery takes 35 minutes via a fast charger from 10 to 80 per cent or eight hours via a 3-phase AC point.

And with family breaks in mind, the Polestar 2 has a towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes (unbraked).

The Polestar 2 is available to order now with an entry price of £44,950 for the Standard-Range Single-Motor model with a 69kWh battery and up to 331 miles of driving range between charges. This version has 272hp and 490Nm and can complete the 0-62mph dash in 6.4 seconds.

The most expensive Polestar 2 is the Long-Range Dual-Motor model with Performance Pack. This features the powerful 82kWh battery with 476hp and 740Nm of torque. It has a driving range of up to 367 miles and can hit 62mph from a standstill in just 4.2 seconds. If you fancy this model, it will set you back £57,950.

Our test car, the Polestar 2 Long-Range Single-motor version, also featured the 82kWh battery pack but with 299hp and 490Nm of torque. It has a driving range of up to 406 miles (the highest in the line-up) and cost £48,950.

However, it wouldn’t be a premium car without some options and therefore it featured metallic paint (£900), 20-inch 5-V-Spoke black silver alloy wheels (£900) and a Pilot Pack costing £2,000. The final price-tag was £52,750.

All models are zero carbon emissions and therefore benefit from numerous Government-led incentives. These include free road tax, exemption from Congestion Charge fees and no penalisation for having a car costing in excess of £40k. 

But, on the downside, the Government has announced these financial incentives all be changing in 2025.

However, this car is a very attractive option for company car drivers with an excellent Benefit in Kind tax rating of just two per cent. 

The insurance rating for the Polestar 2 Long-Range Single-Motor is group 41 and it comes with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty (eight-years, 100,000-miles for the battery), plus three years of roadside assistance.

With a name that is steeped in racing glory, Polestar needs its cars to deliver on the performance front and the latest Polestar 2 does just that. But while it now boasts more powerful batteries, faster sprint times and extra range between charges, it’s also reassuring to see the company has a keen eye on the environment too.

That’s because since its development, Polestar has continuously reduced its carbon footprint and that’s an achievement several other carmakers could learn from.