Polestar brings a major update to the Polestar 2 – with rear-wheel drive

Polestar has given its Polestar 2 a comprehensive update for the new model year, including new engines and more powerful batteries. Similar to the electric drive update for the Volvo XC40 and C40 models, the single-engine variants are now rear-wheel drive – but in the Polestar they’re more powerful than the Volvos.

In terms of technical data, the Polestar differs somewhat from the Volvo models with a maximum of 185 kW for the single motor model. The new permanent magnet motor in the Polestar 2 has an output of up to 220 kW – previously it was 165 or 170 kW in the motor-motor and front-wheel drive variants, depending on the battery. In addition, the maximum torque increases from 330 to 490 Nm. The performance of the two-motor variant has also been increased thanks to a new tuned powertrain. The new rear engine is the main power source and is assisted by a new asynchronous motor on the front axle. This will enable a total system output of 310 kW compared to the previous 300 kW. With the optional performance package, however, it remains at 350 kW. In addition to new electric motors, more up-to-date inverters have also been installed.

As Joakim Rydholm, Head of Chassis Development at Polestar, says, the ratio of torque distribution between the front and rear axles has also been adjusted in the two-motor variants (now 740 instead of 660 Nm of torque). With the move to rear-wheel drive on the single-engine variants, the Polestar 2 is now said to be a “sportier and lighter car” that “retains its grip and sense of control while being more sophisticated and more comfortable.”

There are also changes to the battery options: the long-range variants now have 82 kWh CATL batteries with 27 modules. The battery for the regular-range versions still has a capacity of 69 kWh and 24 modules and is now supplied by LGES. Until now it was the other way around: the big battery with 78 kWh had LG cells, the smaller battery option (64 kWh) was based on CATL cells.

With a larger battery and a more efficient drive layout, the range measurements according to WLTP also increase. Even the basic variant called Standard Range Single Motor now reaches up to 518 km, an increase of 40 km. The most powerful model, the long-range motor with the performance package, comes up to 592 km according to the timing values ​​- since ASM on the front axle can be easily switched off, the all-wheel drive model was able to save 105 km compared to the previous PSM on the front axle km of profit. The model with the greatest range is now the rear-wheel drive Long Range Single Motor, which has a range of up to 635 km (+84 km). However, all values ​​are WLTP results only. Actual range can only be determined in road tests.

Larger batteries can now also be charged faster. With the new long-range battery from CATL, Polestar specifies up to 205 kW, which is the highest for a 400-volt system at current CCS charging stations. It is not yet known how long this rate can be maintained above 200 kW – obviously an increase compared to the maximum of 150 kW. The standard battery should be able to charge up to 135 kW at its peak, previously it was 115 kW. Polestar does not mention payment times for the normal payment process from ten to 80 percent in communication.

After a minor update for the 2023 model year with new rims and color options, there are now major changes to the design of the Polestar 2 for the first time: the front grille, which was previously black with a traditional design. radiator grille, is replaced by the so-called “Smart Zone” changed to body color. This feature has been introduced on the Polestar 3 EV, which retains some of the car’s key active safety features, including a forward-facing camera and medium-range radar. Visually, it gives the car a different effect.

There are also some changes to the standard equipment. Driver assistance systems such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering assist, Cross Traffic Alert with brake assist and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, as well as a 360-degree Surround View camera and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard equipment. . A wireless charging option for mobile phones is now also included as standard across the range.

The 2024 model year Polestar 2 is now available to order in Europe. Other markets will follow later. First deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2023. The revised Polestar 2 is available in Germany from 50,775 euros.

“It’s common in the automotive industry for a facelift to make superficial visual changes that often override the original intent behind the vehicle’s design approach,” says Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “For the new Polestar 2 model year, we have gone even further and improved key technical features and powertrains. This is the best Polestar 2 yet and also looks better thanks to the updated front design and new SmartZone.
polestar.com