DRIVEN: The 2026 Polestar 2 Is Polite, Precise, and Quietly Quick

• The MY26 Polestar 2 marks the brand’s five-year milestone in Australia with subtle design continuity and meaningful upgrades beneath the surface.
• Performance gains across the range, sharper dynamics in Dual Motor variants and the continued use of Öhlins dampers reinforce Polestar’s motorsport DNA.
• Improved range, rapid charging capability and regular over-the-air updates position the Polestar 2 as a well-engineered EV built to stay relevant in the Australian market.

With Polestar’s fifth anniversary in Australia fast approaching, the Swedish marque has revisited the first car to land on our roads, reintroducing the Polestar 2 with a series of meaningful mid-life updates to keep it relevant for today’s EV acolytes.

What’s the Story?

Visually, the MY26 Polestar 2 doesn’t stray far from the original. Nor does it need to. Its slick Scandi design struck a chord with minimalist-loving Aussies in its first 12 months, debuting at number four on the list of Australia’s best-selling EVs in 2022.

There’s something to be said for aesthetics – and in a market where Australians are holding onto their cars for an average of 11 years (longer than ever before), that sense of longevity feels like a crucial consideration. 

In fact, most of the updates in this refreshed model sit beneath the thoughtfully designed surface that now houses a bigger battery, a faster infotainment processor and an optional 14-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system that would rival most cars on the market today.

With a growing range of Polestar 2 variants now on offer, we took the keys to the Long Range Dual Motor – Performance Pack included (of course) – and headed for the winding roads of the Yarra Valley to see how these updates translate behind the wheel.

Who’s the Polestar 2 For?

The Polestar 2 is designed for EV buyers who are looking for a thoughtfully designed and well-built sedan that is practical enough for daily driving, yet also capable of weekend getaways.

Now with bigger batteries, you’ll find that there is slightly more range in these MY26 cars, which can conveniently charge from 10-80% capacity in under 30 minutes. Ideal for those living without a charging set up at home.

More than the practicality, the driving experience remains exciting in the P2’s. The dual-motor with a performance pack, for instance, grips like glue around corners. And thanks to the Öhlins dampers the ride feels luxuriously comfortable. That’s the brand heritage in motor-racing hard at work.

Polestar 2 First Impressions

The proportions are spot on, the stance is confident, and every design element still feels impressively modern – as it did back in 2022. Inside, each surface feels dense and well-assembled. A reassuring solidity that many EV rivals seem to lack at the moment.

The MicroTech-trimmed seats and a clear attention to detail signal a design team intent on rewarding time behind the wheel.

Everything in the cabin is ergonomic and practical – except for the front passenger cupholder, which sits beneath the centre console’s armrest, making it unusable if both driver and passenger are enjoying a takeaway coffee.

What’s it Like to Drive the Polestar 2?

Every model in the MY26 line has seen a performance bump. Even the Standard Range Single Motor feels quick, while the Dual Motor reaches 0-100 km/h in the low four seconds with the Performance Pack added on. Throttle response is smooth and the Brembo brakes do a good job of instilling confidence when travelling at pace.

Ride quality is excellent. Performance Pack models come with the previously mentioned, manually adjustable Öhlins dampers allowing you to manually fine-tune shock absorption – or leave it to Polestar service centres to adjust for you, free of charge. Steering is agile, tested and proven around Healesville’s hairpins, delivering far more excitement than the EV’s suburban looks may suggest.

As mentioned, the larger battery boosts range across the board. The Standard Range Single Motor delivers 554 km, while the Long Range Single Motor can stretch to 659 km. The Long Range Dual Motor manages 596 km on a single charge, though this drops to 568 km if you opt for the Performance Pack.

Tech & Connectivity – What’s the Word?

The infotainment system has been improved with a faster QualcommSnapdragon processor powering the 11.5-inch portrait-style touchscreen, meaning you can download apps more rapidly while also making the responsiveness lightning fast. A game changer for when you’re flicking through navigation and entertainment on the go.

Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, though CarPlay is wired only. Which in 2026 feels a little behind the curve.

One tech highlight is the optional Bowers & Wilkins 1,350W sound system in the Performance Pack. It’s easily one of the best audio setups you’ll find in a car at this price point, plus, the top-tweeter looks stunning while delivering a perfectly balanced audio experience. 

Is the Polestar 2 Safe?

As you’d expect from a brand with Volvo DNA, safety is a strong suit.

The Polestar 2 comes loaded with active safety systems, driver assists, and solid passive protection for yourself and your passengers. Everything works quietly in the background which is exactly how it should be. Perfectly polite, perfectly Polestar.

The Most Memorable – or Heartbreaking – Thing About Your Drive?

It’s the in-cabin experience for me.

Sure, the Performance Pack is fun to flex on open roads where you can feel every ounce of engineering firing, but it’s the car’s calm and comfortable stability that encourages taking the scenic route, which really shines here.

One Thing You Should Know Before a Polestar 2 Test Drive?

Try them all. 

Each variant offers something different. The Standard Range Single Motor is likely sufficient for most drivers and, at $74,149, represents strong value. For those regularly covering long distances, the Long Range Dual Motor is worth considering, starting at $77,824 and climbing to $88,199 with all the trimmings thrown in.

It should also be noted that with regular over-the-air software updates, the longevity of these cars improves significantly, meaning you’ll likely see Polestars on Australian roads for years to come.