The Polestar 2, first introduced in late 2021 for the 2022 model year, has received a series of subtle yet impactful updates for its 2026 iteration. Aiming to build upon its reputation as a driver’s car, the latest refresh focuses on refinement rather than radical change, a strategy that appears to have successfully sidestepped the common pitfall of over-complicating a well-received design.
Minor Cosmetic and Interior Updates
For the 2026 model year, exterior changes are minimal. The performance pack alloy wheels feature a new, lighter design, and an additional ‘Dune’ exterior colour option is now available, replacing the ‘Juniper’ hue. Inside, Polestar has incorporated recycled textiles for certain interior trim elements and introduced ‘animal welfare-secured leather,’ aligning with growing consumer demand for more sustainable materials.
Technical Enhancements for Efficiency and Performance
Technical upgrades are equally understated but significant. The standard range battery capacity has seen a modest increase from 69 kWh to 70 kWh, contributing to an improved WLTP range for the single-motor variant, now rated at 554 km (up from 546 km). Furthermore, the DC charging rate for the 70 kWh battery has been boosted to 180 kW, a substantial increase from the previous 135 kW.
The infotainment system benefits from an upgraded processor chip, promising quicker response times from the touchscreen and faster download speeds. The optional audio system provider has been switched to Bowers & Wilkins, and the Performance pack now includes manually adjustable Ohlins dampers.
Driving Dynamics: A Familiar Yet Improved Experience
A back-to-back comparison between a 2022 model and the latest rear-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) performance versions revealed that the core driving experience remains largely consistent. While the performance pack AWD variant offers brisk acceleration, all three models proved comfortable and easy to drive sedately. The distinction in driving dynamics became more apparent on winding roads, with the new rear-wheel drive 2WD feeling more sure-footed than its predecessor, and the performance pack AWD excelling in agility and grip, albeit with significant performance potential well beyond legal speed limits.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: A Standout Feature
Polestar’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) continue to be a highlight. Unlike many systems that can become intrusive, Polestar’s implementation is described as an ‘Advanced Driver Advisory System.’ The warnings are infrequent and relevant, prompting driver attention rather than becoming a source of annoyance, a stark contrast to the ‘incessant bings and bongs’ found in some other vehicles, particularly those from China.
Market Position and Future Outlook
The incremental nature of recent electric vehicle (EV) technology advancements, as evidenced by the Polestar 2 refresh, suggests that the used EV market is maturing into a viable entry point for buyers. Polestar Australia’s Managing Director, Scott Maynard, noted that Polestar 2 resale values are holding strong, with battery health checks dispelling myths about rapid degradation. An example cited was an older model with 250,000 km still retaining 92% of its original battery capacity.
The 2026 Polestar 2 update is viewed less as a means to drive significant sales increases and more as a strategy to maintain market presence amidst growing competition. Polestar’s expanding model line-up, which now includes the Polestar 2, 3, and 4, with the Polestar 5 and 7 anticipated, signifies a broader product offering. Despite being a five-year-old model, the Polestar 2 remains a competitive and enjoyable option in the Australian EV market.
Pricing and Specifications
Pricing (Before on-road costs / On-the-road in Victoria, current offer to 31.03.26):
- Polestar 2 Standard range, single motor: $64,4001 / $68,6592 ($55,7633)
- Polestar 2 Long range, single motor: $66,4001 / $72,8792 ($59,9313)
- Polestar 2 Long range, dual motor: $71,4001 / $78,0372 ($65,1413)
- Polestar 2 Long range, dual motor, performance4: $85,0801
Notes: 1. Before on-road costs. 2. On-the-road price in Victoria. 3. Current Polestar offer, on-the-road price in Victoria. Offer prices to 31.3.26. 4. Includes price for Plus pack.
Option Pack Pricing:
- Plus pack: $4700 (Includes panoramic glass roof, powered front seats with memory, Harman/Kardon sound system, etc.)
- Performance pack: $8980 (Requires Plus pack. Includes performance software, 20-inch wheels, Ohlins dampers, Brembo brakes, etc.)
- Pro pack: $1900 (Includes 20-inch wheels, specific seatbelts, valve caps.)
- Climate pack: $1500 (Includes heated rear seats, steering wheel, wiper nozzles, heat pump.)
- Pilot pack: Standard inclusion (Pilot Assist, Emergency Stop Assist)
Single Options:
- Pixel LED adaptive headlights: $1600
- Bowers & Wilkins audio: $3500 (Requires Plus pack)
- Privacy glass (rear): $500
- Animal welfare-secured leather (Zinc): $4800 (Requires Plus pack)
- Animal welfare-secured leather (Charcoal): $4400 (Requires Plus pack)
Specifications:
- Seating: 5
- Boot volume: 405 L (seats up), 1095 L (seats folded/to roof) (including 41 L under rear floor)
- Froot (front boot): 31 L
- Overall length: 4,606 mm
- Overall height: 1,479 mm
- Ground clearance: 151 mm
- Overall width (doors): 1,859 mm
- Overall width (mirrors): 1,985 mm
- Battery: (Details not specified in original text)
- Charging: 1 phase AC (7.4 kW max), 3 phase AC (11 kW max), DC (Long range: 205 kW max; Standard range: 180 kW max)
- Charge port location: Rear left side
- Drive configuration: Rear-wheel drive or All-wheel drive
- Towing: 1500 kg braked / 750 kg unbraked
Specifications sourced from AEVA.au/fact-sheets.