Polestar 2: software upgrade gives 470bhp and 0-62mph in 4.4s

Polestar has released a downloadable software update for the 2, unlocking an additional slug of horsepower and torque and a quicker 0-62mph time. Welcome back to one of the best things about running an electric performance car.

A new upgrade – “the first time Polestar has applied its tuning heritage to its own electric cars” and first previewed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – is now available in the UK and across selected countries in Europe, and adds 67bhp and 15lb ft of torque to the (deep breath) Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor.

So that’s a grand total of 470bhp and 502lb ft of torque, all from a touch of (presumably) a few buttons. Much easier than bolting on some throttle bodies and a new air filter, right?

Elsewhere, the Polestar 2 Long Name’s 0-62mph time has been cut from 4.7s down to 4.4s. Indeed, it’ll accelerate between 50-75mph (80-120kmh) in 2.2s, which is a full half second quicker than before. That’s quite startling progress. Electricity, huh.

It’ll be available in the ‘Polestar Extras’ online store as a download delivered directly to your 2 (if eligible) – it’s currently available in the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Austria. US and Canadian 2s will get the update next year, with more countries to follow.

Polestar tells us this new upgrade “allows enthusiastic 2 drivers to increase the output of the all-wheel drive powertrain and enjoy a sharper driving experience”.

Any more performance bumps and the Polestar 2 will be knocking on the door of BMW M3 power...