Polestar 2

FIRST DRIVE Extra range for Swedish EV

- Richard Ingram

AT a time when firms and consumers are looking at their environmental impact, it's manufacturers such as Polestar - which has reduced the 2's cradle-to-gate CO₂ impact by three tonnes since the model was launched in 2020 - that are seeing sales surge year-on-year.

The firm has shifted more than 100,000 Polestar 2s globally and 17,000 in the UK. And while bosses will tell you Polestar "doesn't do facelifts per se", the recent Model Year 2024 changes are apparently "really important for the customer".

Despite those comments, there are some changes to the styling. New models feature a body-coloured "SmartZone" instead of the previous patterned grille. It hides various radars and cameras, and brings its look in line with the brand's upcoming 3 SUV.

Inside, the 2's cabin feels familiar. There are no specific changes, although Polestar says that its cars are continually improving. With 15 over-the-air updates since 2020, "even the oldest cars feel new", it claims.

Subjectivity aside, it's hard to argue with the numbers. The 2 allegedly consumes up to nine percent less energy, can travel up to 22 percent further, and can charge up to 34 percent faster than before. In fact, with a claimed range of 406 miles, only a Mercedes EQS can manage more miles on a top-up.