Polestar has announced a refresh for its 2026 Polestar 2 electric liftback, focusing on incremental improvements to battery technology, infotainment, and optional equipment inclusions. The updates include a faster charging speed for the base model, a new processor for smoother digital experiences, and a shift in how premium features are packaged—most notably, the top-tier variant now includes the Plus Pack as standard, resulting in a price increase.
Battery and Performance
The entry-level ‘Standard range Single motor’ Polestar 2 now uses a 70kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery sourced from CATL, replacing the previous LG Chem unit. This change offers a modest 8km range increase, but more significantly boosts DC fast charging from 135kW to 180kW—a practical upgrade for on-the-go drivers. The higher-spec ‘Long range Dual motor Performance’ trim gains the Plus Pack as standard, which includes a suite of comfort and luxury features, but also pushes the price up by $4700.
Tech and Interior Enhancements
All 2026 Polestar 2 models now feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, promising quicker loading times and a more responsive infotainment system. Inside, new upholstery options include ‘bio-attributed’ MicroTech quilted material in Charcoal, while the Plus Pack offers Black Ash inlays. Audiophiles have more choices too: the Harman Kardon system is back as standard on the Performance trim, and a new 14-speaker, 1350W Bowers and Wilkins sound system is available for $3500 (requires Plus Pack).
Pricing and Market Position
The base prices for most Polestar 2 variants remain unchanged, continuing the $5000 price cuts introduced last September. A new exterior color, ‘Dune’, replaces the old ‘Jupiter’ shade. Despite these efforts, Polestar 2 sales in Australia fell by 48.9% in 2025, reaching 746 units, lagging behind competitors like the Tesla Model 3 (6617 units), BYD Seal (3784), and BMW i4 (886). This decline raises questions about Polestar’s market strategy in a rapidly expanding EV landscape.
Safety and Warranty
The Polestar 2 maintains its five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Polestar Australia provides a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, with routine servicing intervals potentially extending up to two years or 30,000km, though onboard diagnostics may trigger earlier maintenance alerts.
The 2026 Polestar 2 refresh is a subtle evolution, focusing on refining existing features rather than introducing groundbreaking changes. The incremental improvements to charging speed, infotainment, and optional equipment packaging make the car more competitive, but the sales figures suggest that further strategic adjustments may be necessary to capture a larger share of the growing EV market.
