2023 Polestar 2 gets more range, higher sticker price

Official pricing and range figures for the 2023 Polestar 2 have been announced. The car now has a starting price of $49,800 for the single-motor version, which is a $2,600 increase over last year. Based on the press release, there doesn’t seem to be any major updates to warrant it unless Polestar is essentially making new owners pay for the over-the-air (OTA) updates that have brought the car to “2023 spec.” Dual-motor models start at $53,3000 or $3,500 more than the single-motor car.

In addition to fresh 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel options, the 2023 Polestar 2 gets two new colors: Space (metallic black) and Jupiter (light golden brown), which replace Void and Moon respectively. The heat pump included in the Plus pack now operates within a wider temperature range from 20 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives the Polestar 2 approximately 10% more real-world range during harsh weather conditions. A future OTA update for existing cars will include the heat pump for free. That’s if you got the car with the Plus pack, which also includes a glass roof, a wireless charging pad, a Harman Kardon audio system, power front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats for an extra $4,200. The Pilot pack gets you pixel LED headlights, a surround-view camera, and the full driver assistance suite for $3,400.

Every Polestar 2 also gets an improved driving range for 2023. For now, Polestar estimates that the dual-motor model will get an EPA rating of 260 miles, an increase of 11 miles over the current car. If you have a 2021 or 2022 example, fear not because you’re also getting the same range figures. How? The updates that get you to this are already in your vehicle! The 2023 ratings reflect all of the software upgrades Polestar has made since the car first arrived in late 2020. Range estimates for the single-motor version haven’t been announced yet but expect it to gain at least another ten miles, inching it closer to the magic 300-mile mark. Power ratings for this version are 231 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.

Dual-motor models remain the only way to get the Performance pack. In addition to the Brembo front brakes, Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers, 20-inch alloy wheels shod with summer performance tires, gold valve stem caps, and gold seat belts, it now includes a power increase. That increases the output to 476 hp and 502 lb-ft, a bump of 68 hp and 15 lb-ft respectively over the standard version. The increased power will also be available as a standalone option and as a paid OTA update for existing cars. Pricing for the Performance pack is now $500 more at $5,500 versus last model year.

Other updates include a new cabin air filter with the Plus pack that gives you assessments of the air circulating in the cabin. The available Nappa leather option remains paired with ventilated front seats for $4,000 but it’s now in Zinc gray instead of the light brown hue called Barley. Polestar sources its leather from Bridge of Weir of Scotland, which is among the most sustainable leatherworking companies.

Deliveries for the 2023 Polestar 2 start this September for both variants. You can now go into the configurator and build one then place an order.

By Chad Kirchner

Chad is the VP of Content for EV Pulse, and other Wrecked Media Group properties. He has years of experience covering the automotive industry and has been featured in Truck Trend, The Drive, Overland Journal, AutoGuide, Automotive Map, and other places.