Polestar 2 Performance Upgrade Review: Is the OTA Boost Worth It?

Before we hit the accelerator, let's break down exactly what this upgrade is. Unlike aftermarket hacks that might jeopardize your battery management system (BMS), this is an official software calibration from Polestar. It is specifically designed for the Long Range Dual Motor variants.

Essentially, you are paying for a new software map that alters how the inverter delivers current to the motors. Here is the data breakdown:

• Power Increase: Boosts output from 300 kW (408 hp) to 350 kW (476 hp).

• Torque Increase: Jumps from 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) to 502 lb-ft (680 Nm).

• Delivery: The additional power is primarily unlocked in the mid-range speeds (44-80 mph).

As an engineer, I appreciate the transparency here. Polestar isn't just claiming a faster 0-60 time; they are targeting a specific area of the power band where drivers actually feel the difference during overtaking and spirited driving. This is EV software tuning done with longevity in mind—maintaining all factory safety protocols regarding battery temperature and motor limits.

The process of installing the Polestar 2 performance upgrade feels almost anti-climactic in its simplicity, yet it is a marvel of modern automotive engineering. There is no dealership visit required. Once purchased via the Polestar website or app (typically around $1,195 USD), the car receives the signal via its cellular connection.

1. Notification: A cloud icon appears on the infotainment screen.

2. Download: The software downloads in the background while you drive.

3. Installation: Once parked, you lock the car and let it sit for roughly 90 minutes.

When I returned to the vehicle, the only visual indication of the change was the 'Performance' app in the center console and the undeniable fact that I had just downloaded a significant electric car acceleration boost. There is something undeniably futuristic about modifying your vehicle's physical capabilities while you sleep.

Specs are one thing; the sensation of speed is another. To test the Polestar 2 performance upgrade, I took the car to a controlled stretch of tarmac to evaluate the 50-75 mph acceleration, which is where Polestar claims the magic happens.

The "Kick" Factor

In the standard Dual Motor configuration, the Polestar 2 is already quick. However, the upgrade changes the character of the throttle mapping. Between 45 mph and 80 mph, the surge is noticeably more violent. It doesn't just pull; it shoves. The additional 68 horsepower makes highway merging and overtaking effortless. Where the standard car might taper off slightly at higher RPMs (a common trait in permanent magnet motors), the upgraded software maintains peak torque longer.

This confirms that the upgrade successfully unlocks electric car power that was artificially capped by the factory software for product differentiation. The throttle response feels sharper, instant, and decidedly more aggressive in 'Sport' mode.

Everyone asks about the 0-60 mph time. The official claim is a reduction to 4.2 seconds (down from 4.5 seconds). In my testing using a Dragy performance box, I consistently hit 4.18 seconds on a prepared surface.

While a 0.3-second improvement might sound negligible on paper, in the world of automotive performance, it is a distinct tier jump. It puts the Polestar 2 closer to the Tesla Model 3 Performance territory, though it still lacks the sheer violence of the Tesla's launch. However, the Polestar 2 performance upgrade includes a 'Launch Control' feature. By holding the brake and accelerator simultaneously, the system pre-loads torque, allowing for a catapult-like start that feels much more composed than the standard mash-and-go technique.

A common question in the tuning community is whether software updates raise top-speed limiter settings. In the case of this specific Polestar upgrade, the top speed remains electronically limited to 127 mph (205 km/h) for most markets.

While some aftermarket third-party tunes claim to remove this limiter, doing so can be dangerous. EV motors spin at incredibly high RPMs (often exceeding 15,000 RPM), and the gear reduction ratios are fixed. Removing a limiter without upgrading the cooling or the gearing can lead to catastrophic motor failure or inverter overheating. Polestar's decision to keep the limiter in place despite the power bump is a responsible engineering choice, prioritizing component integrity over bragging rights.

One of my primary concerns with any EV software tuning is the impact on efficiency. Does more power equal less range?

The Verdict: Surprisingly, no—provided you drive normally. Because the hardware (motors and battery) remains unchanged, the efficiency at a cruising speed of 65 mph is identical to the non-upgraded car. The inverter is simply capable of drawing more current when requested.

During my week of testing, I saw an average consumption of 34 kWh/100 miles, which was within the margin of error of my previous tests with the standard Dual Motor. However, if you constantly utilize that newfound mid-range torque, you will naturally see a drop in range. The physics of energy consumption doesn't change: more kinetic energy output requires more chemical energy input from the battery.

This is the sticking point for many. Is a downloadable code worth over a thousand dollars?

Pros:

• Warranty Safe: It is an OEM upgrade. No fear of service denial.

• Resale Value: The upgrade stays with the VIN, potentially increasing the car's resale value.

• Tangible Performance: The 50-75 mph acceleration is genuinely transformed.

Cons:

• Cost: It is expensive for "just software."

• No Hardware: You don't get the Brembo brakes or Ohlins dampers found in the Performance Pack (hardware).

If you are an enthusiast who enjoys the sensation of g-force and wants the maximum potential from your machine without the risks associated with aftermarket hacking, the Polestar 2 performance upgrade is a solid investment. It transforms the car from a "quick commuter" to a legitimate sports sedan.