Polestar’s OTA performance boost

POLESTAR has released what it says is a “performance-oriented software upgrade” for Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor customers in Australia.

It’s the first time the Gothenburg-based battery-electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer has offered performance tuning for its models and says European uptake of the software has been “enthusiastic”, with more than 1000 upgrades downloaded since late November.

Previewed in 2021 in the experimental Polestar 2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the upgrade adds 50kW and 20Nm to the model’s high-output dual-motor drivetrain, which produces 350kW and 680Nm in its tuned state.

Polestar says the tune also provides additional responsiveness and a sportier overall driving experience while further reducing the Polestar 2’s 0-100km/h acceleration time to 4.4 seconds (that’s 0.3 seconds quicker than the standard car).

The all-electric manufacturer says additional power and torque is available as a “boost” between 70-130km/h resulting in punchier mid-range acceleration. It lists a claimed 80-120km/h time of just 2.2 seconds, 0.5 seconds quicker than the standard car.

The firm says it can apply performance software tuning to selected Volvo petrol-electric models too; the new development presents what Polestar says is an opportunity for owners to experience a sharper driving experience.

Upgrades are now available for customers with eligible vehicles via the Polestar Extras web shop as a software download that is delivered remotely to vehicles via an over-the-air (OTA) update. Polestar says the ability to buy online and install software remotely highlights its “proficiency in the increasingly digital automotive world”.

“The upgrade highlights how connected technologies can transform the relationship a car company has with its customers,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

The driving experience in Polestar 2 is something we are really proud of. It is such a fun car to drive already, but with this upgrade we can offer even more to our customers who might be after a little extra excitement.”

Polestar Australia recently upped the price and specifications of its only local model – the three-variant Polestar 2 range received new paint finishes, upholstery colours, alloy wheel designs, a removeable sunshade, revised cabin trim elements, an updated cabin air filter, and an optional heat pump.

The changes saw the list price of the standard-range models jump $4000, while long-range variants increased by $3500. The entry-point to the range – the Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor – now begins from $63,900 (plus on-road costs) with mid-tier Long Range Single Motor starts at $68,400 plus (+ ORCs).

The top-tier Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor, and to date the only variant subject to Polestar’s OTA performance upgrade, is priced from $73,400 (+ ORCs).

Updated Polestar 2 variants are now available for order via the company’s website with deliveries scheduled for before the end of the year (for most grades).

2022 Polestar 2 pricing*:

Standard Range Single Motor    $63,900

Long Range Single Motor        $68,400

Long Range Dual Motor        $73,400

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.