As Polestar will start deliveries of the 2024 mannequin 12 months model of its flagship 2 sedan, we bought the invite to Denver, Colorado, to not solely check the sporty dual-motor however to additionally check the automaker’s new single-motor model, which incorporates rear-wheel drive.

Every day, Polestar ($PSNY) turns into a comparatively younger EV model that garners extra curiosity from most of the people. Following final 12 months’s Tremendous Bowl industrial that includes the Polestar 2, I personally have had a number of family and friends inquire in regards to the model.

Regardless of realistically solely providing one mannequin proper now, Polestar has continued to bolster gross sales and make high model recognition lists in nations like Germany. As for the Polestar 2, properly, I personally am properly versed on this flagship BEV, relationship again to 2021.

Thus far, I’ve pushed the 2022 Lengthy Vary Single Motor Polestar 2, the 2023 Twin Motor, and even the restricted version, high-performance BST 270. In between drives, I’ve coated many particulars of the Geely- and Volvo-owned automaker, together with the 4 further EVs within the pipeline that may observe the Polestar 2.

Since January, Polestar has been teasing a RWD model of the Single Motor 2, a first-ever for the corporate and an actual marvel in engineering if you study extra about it. By June, we had realized the pricing of the 2024 Polestar 2 fashions, along with some bolstered specs on each powertrain configurations.

Final week, I bought the invite out to Denver to expertise the 2024 fashions myself whereas taking within the lovely vistas up within the mountains. Listed below are my ideas.

2024 Polestar 2 sees main upgrades the place it counts

Proper out of the gate, I need to let you already know there have been comparatively no updates to the inside of the 2024 Polestar 2 in comparison with a 12 months prior, so as we speak’s focus will likely be completely on the outside, the drivetrains, and naturally, the driving itself.

Let’s begin with the largest modifications to the mannequin 12 months 2024 sedan: powertrain upgrades. This contains new motors and inverters, along with a brand new configuration within the single motor that improves dynamics. These mix for 16 miles of further vary on the dual-motor Polestar 2, all whereas utilizing the identical 78 kWh pack because the 2023 model.

Different additions you possibly can see above embody new efficiency wheels we have been advised will carry over as design language in future Polestar fashions (i.e., the three and 4 SUVs). One other characteristic is the “Smartzone,” which integrates radars, cameras, and different sensors into the entrance of the EV. This design aspect was first launched within the Polestar 3, however the 2024 Polestar 2 fashions would be the first on the highway with it.

Twin motors NEVER get outdated

For the primary half of my drive, I began out within the Lengthy Vary Twin Motor Polestar 2, full with the Pilot, Plus, and Efficiency packages outfitted, that means I had 20-inch Continental efficiency tires and the aforementioned cast efficiency wheels.

Whereas leaving Denver, I instantly examined out Polestar’s Pilot Help ADAS and located it greater than enough. Polestar’s software program, basically, is sort of good – simply minimalist reasonably than showy or overly difficult. The corporate is about fashion and sustainability, not bells and whistles.

Anyway, as soon as we bought out of the right metropolis and onto some winding roads, it was clear I used to be as soon as once more in a Polestar 2. The 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds could seem a little bit sluggish on paper, however it’s greater than enough for the common driver, and the acceleration by no means will get outdated.

After I was weaving by automobiles on the freeway, I discovered my acceleration and motion instantaneous, and after I handed anybody up within the mountains, I used to be extraordinarily assured I might achieve this rapidly and safely.

I actually need to level out the dynamics of Polestar’s tuning for a second, particularly because it’s so obvious on the 2024 Twin Motor Polestar 2. As I discussed, I’ve pushed efficiency EVs just like the BST 270, however for a mass-produced passenger BEV like the brand new 2, the Polestar engineers nonetheless put plenty of experience into the dealing with of the car.

Solely a drive for your self can really describe it, however it’s so sticky and may hug any flip with ease, making it a pleasure to drive up the mountains of Colorado. For the 2024 model, Polestar changed the an identical motors back and front and put a bigger motor within the rear. This helps a dynamic disconnect that may run a single motor to optimize vary, which is listed as 247 miles with the Efficiency Pack (as much as 276 miles with out).

Total, I discovered the car extra playful and sporty in comparison with my earlier drives in different mannequin 12 months Polestar 2s. This one had my coronary heart from the get-go, however you already know I needed to expertise the brand new RWD within the single-motor to see the way it in contrast.

The brand new RWD Polestar 2 wins in vary and charging

Whereas the Twin Motor model of the 2024 Polestar 2 was fairly enjoyable to drive, the single-motor RWD model supplied essentially the most dramatic refresh in comparison with final 12 months’s mannequin. As we’ve identified a number of occasions since Polestar 2 introduced the change earlier this 12 months, this is without doubt one of the uncommon cases we’ve seen an automaker transfer a motor from FWD to RWD on the identical platform.

The burden of the automotive has modified this 12 months due to its bigger battery (82 kWh), and the single-motor trim has been tuned in a different way, however the suspension is similar, and it’s now rear-wheel heavy, making it way more of a pleasure to drive in my view. Polestar’s product launch supervisor, John Quinn, additionally identified that there’s nearly no compromise for shoppers in selecting the 2024 single-motor Polestar 2 – except, after all, they require AWD for his or her native terrain.

Different upgrades embody a rise of 69 horsepower (299 complete) and 118 additional lb-ft of torque (361 lb-ft in all). Moreover, the 440V platform can cost as excessive as 220 kW, charging 10-80% in 25-28 minutes – a 20% velocity enhance, in line with Polestar.

The most important perk, nevertheless, is the only motor’s 320-mile vary. Including 60 miles of EPA vary in a refresh is a big bounce, plus getting over the 300-mile hump goes a great distance with potential shoppers who nonetheless assume they want extra vary than they really do.

The second half of the drive was all downhill, going again the precise approach I had come up, simply with one much less motor beneath me. The one-motor model of the 2024 Polestar 2 was greater than enough, however it was a more durable transition to go from the dual-motor, in my view. The acceleration was nonetheless good, however it lacked the oomph of the dual-motor for apparent causes.

Nonetheless, the dynamics have been top-notch, as they all the time are with Polestar, and I nonetheless had no bother passing Toyotas and different sluggish automobiles on straightaways. There have been some hairpin activates the best way again down, and the only rear motor made for a enjoyable configuration to get the tires squealing and whip that again finish round a bit. That’s a lot tougher to do with two motors, so I’d say that was one other perk.

Pricing and availability of the 2024 Polestar 2

In comparison with earlier mannequin years, pricing of the Polestar 2 has gone up, however you’re getting extra bang in your buck this 12 months, particularly when you think about that the 2023 refresh was principally aesthetic.

The brand new RWD, single-motor model of the Polestar 2 begins at $49,900, whereas the dual-motor model begins at $55,300. Be aware this contains the Pilot Pack customary however will price a further $5,500 for the Efficiency Pack (additionally contains Plus Pack valued at $2,200).

Additionally, notice costs don’t embody $1,400 vacation spot charges.

Orders are open now on Polestar’s web site, with deliveries anticipated in November 2023 in the event you order as we speak.

Electrek’s Take

Total, I’m a a lot larger fan of the Twin-Motor Polestar 2 as a result of it’s merely extra enjoyable to drive. That being stated, logic tells me the only motor is the sensible play due to its cheaper price and it’s nonetheless enjoyable to drive. That vary too. I believe that may go a great distance with consumers and has the making to additional increase Polestar’s model recognition to the lots.

Worth stays a hurdle for this automaker, in my view. I’d describe it as a premium model however not a luxurious model. The efficiency you get is completely aggressive however not industry-leading in any class.

What Polestar is promoting, nevertheless, are superbly designed BEVs which are constructed with sustainability in thoughts. Creating lovely interiors which are nonetheless sustainable is hard, however this automaker has it all the way down to an artwork kind.

Tuning can also be an enormous promoting level for Polestar as I consider the two all the time affords among the smoothest feels when driving, however how do you relay that to shoppers other than check drives? Total, this can be a massive refresh for Polestar, which is sweet to see, contemplating it has its arms full with 4 (or extra) further EVs coming every year. It’s good to see they’re simply letting the Polestar 2 drift away like we’ve seen with different flagship EVs just like the Nissan LEAF.

Go give this one a drive, ideally on some winding roads when you have any close to you. I’m to listen to what you assume.