Rear-Wheel Drive Debuts on Refreshed Polestar 2 BEV

The refreshed ’24 Polestar 2 battery-electric fastback features new motors, refined ride quality and, for the first time, rear-wheel drive, the automaker says.

Range in the long-range single-motor version is improved to an EPA-estimated 300 miles (483 km), says Polestar, Volvo Cars’ dedicated BEV brand. The long-range dual-motor version is capable of up to 270 miles (435 km) with the front motor disengaged.

Next-generation electric motors and inverters in both the single-motor and dual-motor Polestar 2 improve both efficiency and performance.

The rear-wheel-drive single-motor variant makes 299 hp (increased from 231 hp) and 361 lb.-ft. (489 Nm), up from 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm). Acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) is reduced to 5.9 seconds, a decrease of up to 1.1 seconds.

The dual-motor version’s rear motor is the primary drive source, supported on the front axle by a new asynchronous motor. This enables system output of 421 hp and 546 lb.-ft. (740 Nm), up from the original 408 hp and 467 lb.-ft. (633 Nm), as well as improved traction and performance – with 0-60 mph now achieved in 4.3 seconds.

Polestar 2 24 side

“Changing from front- to rear-wheel drive in the single-motor variants, and re-calibrating the torque ratio in the dual-motor variant for an increased rear-wheel-drive feel, elevates the Polestar 2 driving experience to a whole new level,” Joakim Rydholm, head of Chassis Development at Polestar, says in a news release. “The updated Polestar 2 is an even more playful and agile car, retaining its compactness and complete sense of control, while at the same time becoming more mature with added comfort.”

Despite the larger batteries, more powerful motors, longer range and stepped-up performance, carbon emissions for Polestar 2 models with the new 82 kWh battery drop from 7 tons per car to 5.9 tons over the life of the BEV, thanks to improved cell chemistry, the automaker says.

SmartZone, introduced on the Polestar 3 performance SUV which debuted last fall, is featured on the 5-door Polestar 2. SmartZone hosts key active-safety features, including a front-facing camera and mid-range radar, allowing the vehicle to “see” the road ahead. 

Polestar 2 24 rear 3.4

In long-range, dual-motor models built specifically for North America, the Pilot Pack is standard. The Pilot Pack includes blindspot information system with steering support, cross-traffic alert with brake support, rear collision warning mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, auto-dimming door mirrors and LED front fog lights with cornering assist. Wireless phone charging is now also standard on all versions.

“Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme,” Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath says. “With the new model year Polestar 2, we rather went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain. This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, the best looking one, too.”

The ’24 Polestar 2 is available to order now at Polestar.com, with first deliveries starting later this year.