First Drive: 2024 Polestar 2

The Polestar 2, the Swedish EV maker’s compact, five-door luxurious hatchback acquired its first important replace for 2024, rising vary as a lot as 20% whereas lowering charging occasions by greater than a 3rd. However essentially the most satisfying change of all is its improved driving dynamics.

Overview

Launched in 2020 as a 2021 mannequin, the Polestar 2 is the model’s first all-electric mannequin, debuting with a single motor and front-wheel drive, and returning 233 miles on a cost.

That adjustments dramatically for 2024, because the mannequin’s lone motor now strikes to the rear axle, whereas a brand new 82 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack generates as a lot as 320 miles of vary. Twin motor all-wheel-drive fashions additionally see their drivelines tweaked for a rear-drive bias, and all fashions boast elevated vary because of new, extra environment friendly motors.

Exterior

Probably the most notable change to the Polestar 2’s design comes up entrance, the place Polestar has fitted the car’s radars and cameras, and naming it the SmartZone for some purpose. 

As you’d count on with any mannequin replace, there are new wheels. Polestar shods its steed with 19- or 20-inch all-season Michelin tires, though ordering the non-compulsory Efficiency Pack brings with it 20-inch Continental efficiency rubber. 

In any other case, it stays unchanged, with a humble distinctive proportion that’s in contrast to any competitor. 

Inside

The inside stays a lot the identical as earlier than, with a excessive beltline and tall heart console that feels cacoon-like. The minimalist inside accommodates some switchgear, as not each operate has been relegated to the big vertical touchscreen. That features the instrument cluster. Sure, this EV truly has one, and it’s significantly appreciated.

As with all compact car no matter market section, the Polestar 2 is roomy sufficient up entrance, with ample headroom, whereas rear seat area is ample, and considerably depending on the kindness of these up entrance. Cargo area is common for the category, at 14 cubic ft.

Powertrain

As earlier than, the Polestar 2 is obtainable in Single or Twin Motor fashions. However the largest change comes with the bottom Single Motor mannequin, which sees its motor transfer to the rear axle from the entrance. This can be a non-starter for some, because it now lacks the added foul climate traction that comes with front-wheel drive. For them, Polestar nonetheless makes the Twin Motor mannequin that options entrance motor freewheeling to preserve vary. 

Rear-wheel-drive Single Motor Polestar 2s generate 299 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque, up 68 hp and 118 lb-ft from the 2023 Single Motor mannequin. Vary is rated at 320 miles with 19-inch wheels, 307 miles with 20-inch wheels.

All-wheel-drive Twin Motor fashions include 421 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. Vary is rated at 276 miles with 19-inch wheels and 266 miles with 20-inch wheels. However Twin-Motor fashions get an non-compulsory Efficiency Pack, which will increase horsepower to 455, whereas lowering vary to 247 miles. However the $5,500 possibility does scale back 0-60 mph to 4.1 seconds from 4.3 seconds. 

Towing is rated at 2,000 kilos for all fashions.

Security and Expertise

The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration provides the 2024 Polestar 2 a five-star ranking in all classes, whereas the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security has not crash examined the Polestar 2. 

In terms of security, Twin Motor Polestar 2s include the Pilot Pack as customary gear, which provides such driver help aids as Adaptive Cruise Management, Emergency Cease Help, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, and LED entrance fog lights. It’s a $2,200 possibility on Single Motor fashions.

In terms of tech, the Polestar is nearly as good because it will get with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch infotainment display screen operating Google’s Android Automotive OS software program, together with Google Maps navigation. Candy! Polestar matches the cabin with two USB ports in every row, whereas a Harman/Kardon audio system offers the leisure.

Driving Impressions

Whereas Polestar’s promise of improved dealing with proves true, it’s most obvious on the Single Motor mannequin, which sees it swapping front-wheel drive for rear-wheel drive and all the efficiency promise that entails. In a sea change for its persona, all Polestar 2s now have a rear-wheel bias. However it’s most obvious on the rear-wheel-drive fashions, which hunker down in a nook because the again finish rotates round with admirable management. The regenerative braking proves to be an actual hero right here, as its pedal pressure is expertly engineered to make it very simple to modulate for one-pedal driving. Not like some opponents, it’s neither too aggressive nor too gentle. It’s Goldilocks – excellent.

The cabin stays quiet, freed from wind noise, with a touch of tire hum and a slight whine from the electrical motors. That stated, back-seat passengers might discover the trip far firmer and jiggly than these within the entrance; there’s a noticeable distinction in consolation. 

2024 Polestar 2 Twin Motor Specs

Wrap Up

The Polestar 2 stays what it has been since its launch, a singular taste with a fantastically balanced trip and dealing with bundle. However the 2024 updates make it extra so, and a much more compelling proposition. The updates maintain it aggressive, though its in-built China, that means its solely eligible for the $7,500 tax credit score in the event you’re leasing. Like Volvo, Polestar is owned by China’s Geely, which plans to supply automobiles within the U.S. at a plant it shares with Volvo close to Charleston, South Carolina.

However, the up to date Polestar 2 adroitly units the stage for the forthcoming bigger Polestar 3, with the Polestars 4, 5 and 6, due by 2026. 

2024 Polestar 2 ­— Often Requested Questions