2024 Polestar 2 gets 515 km of range, Canadian pricing

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Polestar mid-June unveiled Canadian pricing and availability for its updated 2024 Polestar 2. The premium electric vehicle will commence customer deliveries in summer 2023, with a starting MSRP of $54,950, an increase of only $1,000 over the 2023-model-year vehicle.

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The updated single-motor Polestar 2 is packed with a wealth of standard features, such as the Blind-Spot Information System with steer assist; Cross-Traffic Alert with brake support; park assist sensors; 360-degree cameras; and auto-dimming door mirrors.

We already knew about the 2’s new rear-mounted motor, and how it offers an output of 299 hp, a remarkable 68-hp increase over last year’s model (see below). But now we have semi-official battery range numbers, namely an expanded EPA-estimated range of 515 kilometers, a vast improvement over the previous long-range single-motor FWD version’s 434 km. The new 82-kWh battery is partially responsible for the boost.

Moving up the range, the dual-motor variant, now priced at $62,950 (a $4,000 increase), sees improvements with the inclusion of the Pilot Pack as standard, previously a $4,700 option. It delivers advanced driver aids like Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Stop Assist, Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation, and LED front fog lights with cornering function. Its rear-biased drivetrain and a new asynchronous rear motor boost overall power output to 421 hp (up from 408); it retains the 78-kWh battery pack, but with an extension of the estimated range to 444 kilometers (from 418 km).

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Those desiring additional performance can check off boxes for the optional Plus and Performance packs. The latter features upgrades like Brembo brakes, Öhlins adjustable dampers, a bump to 455 hp, and a zero-to-100-km/h sprint time of just 4.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the Plus Pack, now priced at $3,000 (previously $5,700), adds a heat pump, premium Harman Kardon audio, and a panoramic moonroof, among other premium features.

The 2024 Polestar 2, with its myriad of enhancements and its competitive pricing, has never been more interesting. Prospective customers can configure and order their Polestar 2 now via Polestar’s official website, ready for deliveries beginning in August 2023.

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Both Polestar 2 variants qualify for the federal government’s iZEV incentive of $5,000; and rebates of up to $4,000 and $7,000 in the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec, respectively. [Our original article on the 2024 Polestar 2 by Jil McIntosh, from January 24, 2023, continues below. —Ed.]

January 24, 2023

Polestar has announced updates to its Polestar 2 electric sedan for 2024, including redesigned front-end styling, more power, and more battery range. Most notably, the car will now favour its rear wheels, instead of sticking to front-wheel-drive.

Polestar is an electric vehicle manufacturer owned by Volvo. Its Polestar 2 was introduced in 2019, and is sold in 27 markets globally, including Canada. The company said it built its 100,000^th model in late 2022. In Canada, the 2023 Polestar 2 is available with a single motor that provides front-wheel-drive, with a starting price of $53,950; or with dual motors for all-wheel-drive at $58,950.

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For 2024, single-motor models get a newly-developed motor that raises horsepower from 228 to 299, while torque rises from 243 lb-ft to 361 lb-ft. Most notably, it will now be rear-wheel-drive. North America will only get a long-range version – a standard-range model will be offered in other global markets – with an estimated range of 635 km in preliminary European testing.

The AWD will now have a rear-wheel bias, which Polestar said includes a “completely rebalanced drivetrain setup and torque ratio.” Both electric motors are new and have a combined output of 421 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque, up from 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. When full power isn’t needed, the front motor will disengage to improve efficiency, and then come back online instantly when more power is required.

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Acceleration in the AWD models is quick, with the zero-to-100 km/h run happening in 4.5 seconds. An available Performance Pack will enable up to 455 horsepower, and reduce that acceleration time to 4.2 seconds.

The redesigned front end will include SmartZone, introduced on the Polestar 3, which houses improved sensors and cameras for driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and emergency front braking.

The Polestar 2 long-range dual-motor version will retain its 78-kWh battery in Canada and the United States, along with 155-kW fast-charging, but some markets will get upgraded 82-kWh lithium-ion batteries with up to 205-kW fast-charging.

The automaker notes that some features will become standard across all trims, including blind-spot monitoring with steering support, emergency rear braking, 360-degree camera, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and a wireless phone charger. In Canada, most of those on the 2023 model are bundled into a $4,700 option package. The 2024 Polestar 2 is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of 2023, with Canadian pricing announced at a later date.

Check out details on the latest Polestar 2 via our online shopping tool.