► New limited-edition Polestar 2 BST edition 230 revealed
► Based on high-performance 270 but with new design details
► Available to order now for £73,900
Polestar has introduced a new limited-edition version of its all-electric Polestar 2 called the BST edition 230.
It’s based on the previous BST edition 270, which took the highest-performing standard Polestar 2 and added upgrades such as Öhlins adjustable dampers and stiffer springs.
What’s new for the BST edition 230, then?
This new iteration of Polestar 2 is offered in two colours – Space black and model-exclusive Nebula green – and features microsuede-trimmed seats and steering wheel inserts for a more sporting and sustainable, feel. You can also opt for a full-length body stripe on either paint finish, if you’re looking for a bit more exterior flair.
And, like the BST edition 270, the 230 benefits from a 25mm drop in ride height, a front strut brace, 21-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero tyres, and the equipment-boosting Plus pack and Pilot pack.
The BST edition 230 also features the same dual-motor powertrain and Performance pack upgrade as the 270, providing a total of 469bhp and 502lb ft. That allows the 2.2-tonne BST – it’s not an acronym, it just means beast – to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and, flat out, it’ll hit 127mph. Driven more considerately, Polestar claims a range of up to 287 miles from the car’s 78kWh battery. The Performance pack also adds powerful Brembo front brakes, helping the Polestar to quickly and confidently bleed off speed.
You might recall that the Polestar 2 was recently updated, however, and the dual-motor models now feature an 82kWh pack and a range of up to 368 miles. They also put out a higher 546lb ft and get from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds. Consequently, if those facets are of more importance and you want the newest of the new, you’re probably best off sticking to a regular Polestar.
How much will the Polestar 2 BST edition 230 cost?
Otherwise, as the number suggest, only 230 of the bespoke new EV will be offered for the European and North American markets and, predictably, there is a premium to pay. A new Polestar 2 BST edition 230 starts at £73,900, which is £4,910 more than the previous BST edition 270. Want the matt-black stripe on your new edition 230? That’ll be another £1,000.
To put things in perspective, a standard Polestar 2 starts at £44,950, rising to £57,950 for a long-range, dual-motor version with the brand’s performance package. And while the BST’s upgrades do add some dynamic verve to the hefty Polestar 2, you’re really going to have to find the components and concept interesting to justify the premium.
If you do tick the BST box, though, you could have your new Polestar 2 BST edition 230 by the third quarter of 2023 – which, all things considered, isn’t that long of a wait. Tempted? You can place your order online now at Polestar.com.
Tell me more about the 2023 facelift for the Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 electric car got a big overhaul in 2023. And, no, it was no token design tweak – as well as the new look SmartZone front-end, Polestar has been under the skin with not so much a scalpel as a really big set of spanners, making a potentially dramatic change to the dynamics.
The old front-wheel drive single-motor models have been replaced by new rear-wheel drive single-motor models, featuring a second-generation electric drive system that also boosts the performance of the all-wheel drive variants.
At the same time, every version of the Polestar 2 now travels further per charge while also benefitting from reduced environmental impact in its construction. Not bad for a mid-life makeover.
Wait. The single-motor Polestar 2 models are now rear-wheel drive?
Yep. Imagine making that kind of change on a modern internal combustion car. The pre-existence of all-wheel drive versions make it easier, but if this was an ICE vehicle there would still be issues involving driveshafts and packaging; in an EV it’s presumably more a case of rerouting some wires and making sure the chassis is suitably adjusted.
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Which is not to underplay the significance of what Polestar has done. As with the related Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge, which have also changed ends in single-motor guise, the update should not only deliver a more dynamic driving experience, they also come with more power and improved driving range.
What’s the driving range and performance of the 2023 Polestar 2?
The single-motor rear-wheel drive Polestar 2 models come in two flavours: standard and long range. Both feature ‘next-generation’ permanent magnet electric motors and silicon carbide inverters, and in many markets they also receive updated battery packs with improved efficiency.
The standard model features a 200kW motor – that’s equivalent to 268bhp – also producing 361lb ft. With a 69kWh battery pack, WLTP driving range is up to 322 miles (a 25-mile increase over the old FWD equivalent) and 0-62mph down to 6.4sec.
The long-range Polestar 2 single-motor gets 220kW – 295bhp – and the same 361lb ft. An 82kWh battery pack delivers 395 miles WLTP driving range and 0-62mph in 6.2sec; that’s 52 miles and 1.2sec better than the old long-range FWD version could manage, helped by an extra 67bhp and 118lb ft.
There’s a £4k premium for the long-range FWD Polestar 2, but you do also get 205kW DC faster charging capability; the standard 69kWh car is limited to 130kW DC.
Are there upgrades for the AWD Polestar 2 as well?
Previously, the all-wheel drive Polestar 2 variants had matched motors front and rear. Now the drivetrain is biased towards the new, much more powerful rear motor. So while output has increased by a relative modest 13bhp for the standard versions – going from 300kW / 402bhp to 310kW / 415bhp – the balance will be substantially different.
With the 82kWh battery pack, the Polestar 2 Dual Motor’s driving range increases to 368 miles WLTP – a big 65-mile jump – while 0-62mph takes just 4.2sec, helped by a chunky 546lb ft of torque.
Not enough? Then you’ll be wanting the Performance Pack, which boosts output to 350kW / 469bhp and drops the 0-62mph time to 4.2sec. Maximum claimed range is unaffected at 368 miles, and torque remains at 546lb ft.
What’s this SmartZone thing?
Ah, that’s Polestar’s name for the front-end styling of the Polestar 3, the firm’s recently added electric SUV model, which has now filtered down to the 2023 Polestar 2.
This moves away from the more conventional grille styling of the original Polestar 2, which was much closer to traditional air-breathing vehicles, to more of a fared-in appearance – which is frankly similar to Tesla.
Visually, the only other change of note is that the 20-inch alloys fitted to Polestar 2 Performance Pack models are now similar to those on the Polestar 3.
Anything else new about the 2023 Polestar 2?
Polestar claims carbon emissions related to the new 82kWh battery are 1.1 tonnes better than before, at 5.9 tonnes per car.
And standard equipment has been increased, with Blind Spot Information System with steering support, Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation now fitted as standard, alongside a 360-degree camera system, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and wireless phone charging.
As before, the Polestar 2 relies on fully-integrated Android Auto for its infotainment system.
How much does the new Polestar 2 cost?
Prices for the new Polestar 2 start £44,950 for the standard single-motor model. You can go long range from £48,950.
Dual Motor versions start at £52,950, with the Performance Pack priced from £57,950.
Despite being referred to as the MY24 (MY meaning Model Year), you can order one now, with first deliveries expected third quarter 2023.