Price of Polestar 2 cut, features added

POLESTAR has introduced a MY25 version of its medium size premium hatchback starting with the entry level Standard range Single motor (RWD) from  $62,400 excluding on-road costs which represents a $5000 reduction on the August 2024 list price of $67,400 plus costs.

At the other end of the four-model Polestar 2 line up, the flagship Long range Dual motor with Performance Pack is $80,380 plus costs (previously $85,400 plus) almost exactly the same ask as main competitor Tesla’s Model 3 Performance. Other Polestar 2 variants are similarly discounted.

The new pricing schedule follows cuts back in May this year when, for a limited time, the Polestar 2 medium-size hatchback had up to $15,000 sliced from the sticker (model dependent) presumably in an effort to move old stock, spark sales and reel in the dominant competitor, Tesla’s Model 3.

The May discount did little to redress the latter as Polestar 2 sales are still a tiny fraction of the Tesla Model 3 although it is becoming difficult to determine actual sales as both manufacturers decline to provide sales statistics to the industry reporting service VFACTS over an emissions dispute.

Polestar’s latest reprice corresponds with a 2025 update sees all variants are pitched under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold and are available with new pack structures, individual options and design updates.

But Tesla still  has the edge as its base spec’ Model 3 is listed at $54,900 plus, countered by Polestar which adds its Pilot Pack as standard fitment to “maximise peace-of-mind”.

Polestar Australia boss, Scott Maynard, said: “The MY25 enhancements to Polestar 2, already one of the best equipped and exciting premium electric vehicles on the market, are another example of Polestar’s relentless pursuit to continually improve its cars for customers.”

“We know many customers have been waiting for this new model year to arrive, and we look forward to welcoming them to Polestar as they start their ownership journey.

And in a move away from online only sales, Mr Maynard said: “The latest Polestar 2 arrives as we start test drives and handovers of Polestar 3 and open our flagship Sydney North Space (retail outlet) in Artarmon just ahead of the arrival of Polestar 4 in November.”

Despite haemorrhaging huge amounts of money, things are definitely happening for the Sino-Swedish manufacturer that is part of the Geely Group which also owns Volvo and other brands.

Taking a closer look at the MY25 Polestar 2 upgrades we find two new exterior colours, light metallic Vapour replacing Magnesium, and Storm a dark aluminium colour first seen on the Polestar 4 replacing Thunder.

Staying on the outside, design changes include a new 19-inch Aero alloy wheel with aero inserts as standard and the new 20-inch Pro graphite alloy wheel option.

Moving inside the “new” Polestar 2 gains Charcoal coloured animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholstery from Bridge of Weir, while the gear selector now features a new deco surround.

Numbered among handy features is adaptive cruise control that is now standard across the entire Polestar 2 range and the aforementioned Pilot Pack which now consists of Pilot Assist and Emergency Stop Assist.

The Long range Dual motor variants score tinted rear windows and a 600W, 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

All Polestar 2 models feature a comprehensive array of standard equipment, including multi-zone climate control, an 11.5-inch portrait-oriented multimedia display with integrated Android Auto with Google built-in and Apple Carplay, DAB+ digital radio, over-the-air updates and power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory function.

The chunky little China-built hatchback has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on, among other things, eight airbags and a full complement of Active Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) in addition to automatic high beam LED headlights, 360-degree cameras, rain sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control and park assist are fitted as standard to all variants.

The entry level Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor runs a 200kW electric motor driving the rear wheels for “optimal” dynamics pushing the five seater from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds. Electrons emanate from a 69kWh LG Chem battery delivering a claimed driving range of 546km per full charge.

The Long range Single motor model uses a larger 82kWh CATL battery for a claimed 659km (WLTP) driving range while the Long range Dual motor offers up to a claimed 596 km of range and is capable of clocking a 0-100km/h spring in 4.5 seconds thanks to its combined 310kW AWD powertrain.

Add the Performance Pack to the Long range Dual motor and we are looking at 350kW, 546km (WLTP) range and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds. The Performance Pack brings with it adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers and Brembo brakes.

Recharging the model is possible at up to 11kW AC and 205kW DC and a home charging cable is included as standard on the entire Polestar 2 range.

A number of option packs are available for buyers to individualise their new Polestar 2.

MY25 Polestar 2 pricing*

Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor                                  $62,400

Polestar 2 Long range Single motor                                        $66,400

Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor                                          $71,400

Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor with Performance Pack         $80,380

*excludes on road costs