In 2024, Polestar 2 was upgraded in power and range.

On Tuesday, Polestar announced the most significant update to its 2 hatchback since its launch in 2021.

The updated Polestar 2 will arrive later this year as a 2024 model, bringing increased power and range, as well as the first rear-wheel drive option. It will also have subtle styling updates that only brand enthusiasts will notice.

The performance improvements are made possible by a new motor and inverter and a more powerful battery, according to Polestar.

In the single-motor version of the Polestar 2, the motor will be located on the rear axle, which should help provide a sportier feel than the current front-wheel drive version. The new motor will deliver 299 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 231 hp and 243 lb-ft. With this increased power, Polestar estimates that the 0-60 mph time will improve by 1.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

The dual-motor all-wheel drive Polestar 2 also receives a rear drive bias for a classic rear-wheel drive feel. The front motor is typically decoupled for greater efficiency. Power is also increased from 408 hp and 467 lb-ft to 421 hp and 546 lb-ft. The 0-60 mph time in this configuration is claimed to be 4.3 seconds.

Buyers seeking even more performance can add the Performance Pack to the dual-motor model, resulting in an increase in output to 455 hp and a corresponding drop in 0-60 mph time to 4.1 seconds. Other features of the Performance Pack include Brembo brakes, unique 20-inch forged alloys, Öhlins adjustable dampers, and gold-colored seatbelts.

The single-motor Polestar 2 is powered by a new 82 kwh battery pack that Polestar estimates will increase the EPA-rated range to up to 300 miles compared to 270 miles for the current model.

The dual-motor model has a 78 kwh battery, but the EPA-rated range is expected to increase by 10 miles to 270 miles, primarily due to the disengaging feature of the front motor.

Polestar did not reveal the interior of the 2024 2, but said it now comes standard with a wireless phone charger and a series of driver-assist features. These driver-assist features include active blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic warning with brake support, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Polestar's Pilot Assist system.

Exterior styling tweaks are limited to changes to the grille, which integrates many of the vehicle's camera and sensor systems, and a new design for the 20-inch wheels included in the Performance Pack. In both cases, the new designs mirror similar designs found on the recently unveiled 2024 Polestar 3 mid-size SUV.

Paulstar has not announced pricing for the 2024 model, but given the improvements, the 2023 model's starting price of $49,800 is likely to be raised.