The Polestar 2 is poised to return for 2027 after a short hiatus. As the brand’s first full battery-electric vehicle and best-selling model globally, it’s extremely important. The first generation put Polestar on the map, emphasizing its clean Scandinavian design and sporty performance. It even managed to swap the single-motor variant from FWD to RWD during its mid-cycle refresh! This car developed into a solid EV, one that even converted doubtful enthusiasts into believers, thanks to its engaging driving dynamics.
So, what does the second generation have in store? Let’s take a look at what we know.
2027 Polestar 2: A More Conventional Design
For its next iteration, the Polestar 2 ditches its lifted sedan look for a more traditional appearance. The current car, which exited the North American market after the 2025 model year, looked like a Volvo. Its styling cues showed it while adding distinctly Polestar touches.
The new car changes all that. Instead, it evolves the design language from the Polestar 4 and applies it to a compact sports sedan. Based on the teaser shot that Polestar released, the 2 features the same dual-blade headlights as the 4, but it appears to have a distinct pattern. However, the lower portion of the front fascia looks identical to that of its larger coupe-like SUV and wagon. We also expect the new 2 to trade the hatch for a conventional trunk. Unfortunately, this may be one of many cost-cutting measures to keep the price down.
Philipp Roemers, the Swedish brand’s Chief Design Officer, noted that the new 2 retains its three-box design. The only aspects it ditched are the lifted crossover-like look and body cladding. Yes, the Polestar 2 has officially morphed into a traditional low-slung sedan. This move should give it a sportier look, all while retaining its distinctly Scandinavian design. It’s also longer than the outgoing model by 7.6 inches. An article from German outlet Welt, which interviewed Polestar CEO Michael Loscheller, confirmed this.
Expect the interior to build on what you see on the Polestar 4. One thing we’re happy about? The return of physical buttons and a more driver-oriented layout. Roemers confirmed that in Polestar’s recent product and strategy update. We suspect that the Polestar 2 will be the most driver-focused. Don’t expect it to forget that it’s also a premium product, so it should have options like ventilated front seats, Nappa leather trim, and hopefully, a massaging function!
All-In On Google and Software
The first-generation Polestar 2 was the first vehicle to use Android Automotive OS with Google Built-In and Gemini. Expect that to continue on the second-generation model, especially since every other Polestar model utilizes this feature. Expect the new 2 to have cutting-edge software and processing power, with the car likely featuring the same NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin processor as the Volvo EX60 and EX90, and the 2026+ Polestar 3. This should provide it with plenty of power to run complex tasks, future-proofing it for more assisted and autonomous driving capabilities.
What about the all-important audio system? The Polestar 2 is likely to feature an optional Harman Kardon premium audio setup. Its predecessor has a 13-speaker setup, but expect it to switch to a similar configuration to the 4, which has a standard 12-speaker setup. Upgrading to the Nappa Leather option, as on the 4, will likely add an extra four speakers with two on each front seat headrest. What about the Bowers & Wilkins option? Likely not coming back, especially if the new 2 receives the 4’s Harman setup.
On the driver assistance front, this is a Polestar. That means expect Pilot Assist and a full suite that includes lane keeping, blind spot monitor, evasive steering assist, and more. Since Volvo and Polestar are closely related, the new 2 should put a strong emphasis on safety and sensibility, so don’t expect things like fully defeatable stability and traction control systems. The Swedes’ idea of fun is all about staying responsible, and it most likely stays that way even on the sportiest of vehicles.
2027 Polestar 2: The Sportiest of the Lineup
Every Polestar vehicle may emphasize performance, but some do so more than others. Expect the Polestar 2 to veer towards the sportiest end just like it always has. Its impeccable ride and handling balance should remain. With the new one turning into a traditional low-slung sedan, you should look forward to sharpened dynamics and a sportier personality than its predecessor. Additionally, adaptive dampers will most likely come standard on dual-motor AWD models. And those manually adjustable Ohlins dampers? Don’t expect that to return on the Performance pack. Instead, a stiffer, tighter suspension may replace it.
As for powertrains, the 2027 Polestar 2 should retain the same RWD and AWD configurations. However, things may change versus the old car, with the dual-motor models likely possessing the highest driving range and the most power. The single-motor model could serve as the value-driven entry point, but that may result in it featuring a smaller battery instead of an identically sized one like in the outgoing model. Meanwhile, the AWD model may follow the Polestar 5 and 2026+ Polestar 3 by featuring a rear-biased setup that defaults to RWD mode when extra power or traction is required. On the other hand, all models will likely have an 800-volt electrical architecture for super quick DC charging and a standard NACS port for North America.
The Platform and Assembly Question
So, time for the big question: what platform will the second-generation Polestar 2 use? Considering that it took only 30 months from idea to production, it must use an existing platform. In this case, our best guess is that the new 2 rides on the SEA architecture, the same one used by the Polestar 4.
Why not the SPA3 platform from the Volvo EX60? This car is being introduced to the market relatively quickly, indicating that the brand likely opted for something proven and widely used. The SEA platform and its various iterations have been in existence for five years now. It also supports everything as small as the Volvo EX30 to larger vehicles like the Zeekr 001. Most importantly, the SEA platform is compatible with both 400-volt and 800-volt electrical architectures. Plus, its widespread use across the Geely corporate umbrella helps keep the cost down.
Finally, where will Polestar build the new 2? Likely China in the beginning, then shifting somewhere else. Why do we say that? The company no longer has a major presence in the Chinese market and it may move production to another facility. This is especially true with Polestar now focusing on Europe and other developed markets like the U.S. and Canada. Our guess points to Busan, Korea, which could become the new global production hub for the Polestar 2 and 4.
An Exciting Revival
We’re excited for the return of the Polestar 2. As former owners of a 2 and current 3 driver, we’re looking forward to this. It’s an extremely important product, too. As the best-selling Polestar model to date, and the car that put the brand on the map, the second-generation 2 has big shoes to fill. In North America, it’s equally important because it’ll bring back a true entry-level model to Polestar’s lineup, which will be followed by the 7 compact SUV.
Beyond that, the Polestar 2 has a loyal enthusiast following. A rabid one at that, and we’re part of that group. We loved our 2021 Launch Edition, and we’re kicking ourselves for not picking up a 2024 RWD example when we had the chance. Yes, the 3 drives well, and the 5 promises supercar performance wrapped in a sexy grand touring sedan.
However, if you ask us, the most quintessential Polestar is the 2. It feels closest to the brand’s beginnings as a race team competing with the Volvo 850, S40, S60, and C30. Being a compact sedan, its size falls in line with all of those race cars except for the C30 hatchback. We can’t wait to see the 2027 Polestar 2 make its triumphant return to North America!
