Polestar 2 – Models & Options explained

Polestar are making waves at the moment with the upcoming release of their 3 SUV and the many other EVs they’ll be bringing to our shores in the coming years.

We’ve already covered everything you need to know about Polestar on our blog, but in this post, we’ll go through specifically the Polestar 2 and the different powertrains and batteries, feature packs and options. There’s quite a few, but it doesn’t have to be confusing, so let us break it down for you.

Polestar 2 models 2023 update

In 2023, Polestar released an updated version of the Polestar 2 with changes to the powertrain and interior/exterior design.

What’s the difference between the 2022 and 2023 Polestar 2?

For 2023, the Polestar 2 now has:

• An updated front end to match the upcoming Polestar 3 SUV
• Sustainability improvements in the production process (meaning they’re reducing their carbon impact by 1.1 tonnes)
• New “SmartZone” safety features which house the front facing camera and sensors
• All single motor variants (more on that later) are now rear-wheel-drive instead of front-wheel-drive
• All Polestar 2s now have battery upgrades meaning more range and faster charging times (up to 205kW DC for the long-range version)
• And all Polestar 2s are now faster than they were previously.

You can find out more about the soon-to-be-seen 2023 Polestar 2 on their website.

Polestar 2 packs

To keep things simple, Polestar lumped all the techy goodies into “packs” that you can spec your 2 with. You can add multiple packs to your Polestar (all of ours have one or the other for example).

Pilot

The Polestar 2 Pilot pack is for those who want advanced driving assistance systems. If you have the Polestar Pilot pack fitted, it comes with:

• Pilot Assist – a driving assistance system that incorporates cameras and radar to help you with acceleration, braking and steering up to speeds well over our national speed limit
• Adaptive cruise control with emergency stop assists
• Blind spot monitoring
• Cross traffic alert and rear collision warning
• All-around parking sensors (called Park Assist)
• Pixel LED cornering headlights with LED fog lights
• And a 360° camera with bird’s eye view (great for parallel parking!)

This is the pack to go for if you want to get as close to a self-driving car as possible, or plan on doing some serious motorway miles and want them to be as stress free as possible.

Plus

The Polestar 2 Plus pack is the one with all the creature comforts. If your Polestar 2 has the Plus pack fitted, it comes with:

• WeaveTech (vegan leather) seats
• Heated rear seats, steering wheel and wiper blades (makes a big difference in winter, trust us!)
• A Harman Kardon premium sound system with 13 speakers (that’s 600W!)
• Wireless charging for your phone
• Fully electric seats with lumbar support
• And a panoramic sunroof

This pack is for those who want their Polestar to feel as premium as it can. Or if you just really, really like playing music in the car.

Performance

The Polestar 2 Performance pack is pretty straight forward – it’s about extracting as much fun and sporty looks out of your Polestar as possible. It comes with:

• Öhlins Dual Flow Valve shock absorbers (for excellent handling)
• Gold Brembo 4-piston front brake callipers (you’ll stop on a dime)
• Gold seat belts front and rear
• A glossy black roof (only if you have the Polestar Plus pack fitted as well)
• And special 20” Forged Alloy wheels with gold valve caps

Yes, a lot of this is cosmetic, but the upgraded suspension and brakes mean you squeeze a bit more speed than usual out of your Polestar.

It’s worth noting, too, you can combine packs to create a Polestar 2 Pilot Plus, for example.

What Polestar 2 colours and alloys can you choose?

Polestar 2 originally came in six colours, all with fabulous names: Snow, Magnesium, Jupiter, Thunder, Midnight and Void. In short, white, grey, a light pinky colour, a few other greys and black. They all fit within the Polestar’s Scandinavian influence and minimalist nature – you won’t see any garishly coloured 2s floating about (unless you wrap it lucid yellow yourself, of course).

You could spec the seats five ways too with different shades of grey, black and white and different patterns too.

In terms of alloy wheels, you could choose from three:

One set are 19” with two sets of 20” – all sharp looking but not over complicated. The smaller rims ride better, but only marginally, so comfort isn’t hugely affected whichever you choose.

How powerful is the Polestar 2?

Polestar gave owners of the 2, ironically, two choices of powertrain: a Single Motor (SM) variant driving the front wheels and a Dual Motor (DM) variant, meaning you can have an all-wheel drive Polestar. Dual Motor versions are faster and have much better traction so if speed and grip is your thing, that’s where to look. It will cost you more though as they’re only available with the larger battery pack.

Single motor variants have 221hp and power the front wheels.

Dual motor variants have 402hp and power all four wheels.

What are the Polestar 2 battery options?

Battery sizes are simple too with just Standard Range or Long Range on offer. Fairly obviously, the larger Long Range variant goes a bit further, but it does of course cost more.

Standard Range variants have a 69kWh battery pack and a real-world range of 215 miles. Long Range variants have a 78kWh battery pack and a real-world range of 240 miles.

Why should you get a Polestar?

If you’re looking for a premium car that’s big enough for most people but isn’t an SUV, the Polestar 2 is a good shout. It’s more distinct than a Tesla, but not in a flashy or vulgar way. It’s more interesting and exciting than a Volkswagen ID.3, albeit a touch more money. 

Still not sure? Take a look at our walk around and see one in the flesh:

And there you have it; all you need to get the best out of specifying your Polestar 2.

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Polestar 2 on subscription

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