The 2024 Polestar 2 Gets Some Big Changes, Rear-Wheel Drive
Spun off from Volvo a few years ago, Polestar makes some of the most attractive EVs on sale today. While the Polestar 2 is the lone model in this all-electric lineup, it is an excellent choice. Now, there is a new Polestar 2 coming down the pike. And while the 2024 Polestar 2 looks the same, AutoGuide.com reports that there are several changes happening beneath that stylish skin.
Power to the rear
Much like its Volvo counterparts, the 2024 Polestar 2 is now offered as a rear-wheel drive model in its standard form. This is a shift from the front-wheel drive single-motor setup of previous models. With the instant torque of electric power, this should help combat on-power understeer by taking some stress off of the front tires. That said, you may want to consider upgrading to the all-wheel drive model if you see winter weather in your area.
Improved performance in the 2024 Polestar 2
Polestar indicates that their “next-generation” motor setup now produces just shy of 300 horsepower. That’s up 78 horsepower from the previous front-wheel drive setup and reduces zero to 60 mph acceleration to just under six seconds. That’s over a second less than the previous model, putting the 2024 Polestar 2 dangerously close to ‘fun’ territory.
All-wheel drive models get a boost, too
With the switch to standard rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive variants of the 2024 Polestar 2 are now rear-biased as well. A clever differential system allows you to completely cut power to the front wheels to improve efficiency. And while the power lift isn’t as significant, the new dual-motor Polestar 2 still makes 13 more ponies than the last model.
Torque is the real headline here, with all-wheel drive Polestar 2 models churning out 546 pound-feet. That’s up from 467 pound-feet a year ago, a number that we already found quite impressive. With all-wheel drive and more power, the 2024 Polestar 2 will get you to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Even better, an over-the-air update can add a Performance Pack that boosts output to 455 horsepower and drops another quarter second off of the run to 60 mph.
Better range and faster charging in the 2024 Polestar 2
With great power comes a great need to improve both charging and range. According to Polestar, they’ve kept that in mind. Long-range versions of the new Polestar 2 can now break the 300-mile range barrier. That’s 30 miles over the previous model, and should help with adoption. The 2024 Polestar also gets enhanced charging capability with a max speed of 205 kW.
New Polestar 2 deliveries begin in late 2023
We do not yet know if the 2024 Polestar 2 truly delivers on these promises. Models won’t begin rolling into showrooms (or your driveway) until later this year. Until then, we have to hope that the changes we see on paper translate to the real world. If they do, this may be one of the more exciting mainstream EVs on the market.
