Spot the difference: Polestar 2 prototype hints at 2023 design refresh

A Polestar 2 prototype with a covered grille and wheels has been spotted in the European Alps, bringing attention to changes that are on the drawing board for the next iteration of the electric fastback.

The brand has made a splash on the global market in 2022, and having doubled its sales in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 is hopeful of reach 50,000 cars sold this year.

And though it has four new EVs slated for introduction over the next five years, its first all-electric model to market is ready for a subtle new look.

Images shared by Autocar on Twitter on Monday show a black Polestar 2 with partial cover-ups, hinting at a new front end design.

The original Polestar 2 has a grille with an almost bricklike design, with clear blocks visible along the bottom of the grille area.

The covered grille on the new prototype however shows finer and more closely placed vertical details, suggesting a very different look for the 2023 model.

As for the wheels which are also covered up, closer inspection seems to reveal the new 19″ 5-double spoke black diamond cut alloys that come standard with new Polestar 2 orders.

As per the Polestar

Australia website, there are three wheel options available: the 19″ five-double spoke, the 20″ 5-V spoke black silver alloys for an additional $1,400 and 20″ 4-Y spoke black polished forged alloys that are only available on the dual-motor long-range variant. This last option forms part of the $8,000 Performance pack.

Having launched in Australia in early 2022, the Polestar 2 has done well on the EV sales ladder. As an all-electric brand it is not beholden to markets where there are fuel emissions limits, and sales have ticked over at a consistent rate, winning it the title of best-selling EV in June and July as Tesla put ships on hold amid Shanghai factory shutdowns.

But its presence on the local auto market has not been without hiccups. In May, customers were told they had to re-order vehicles after the EV maker was forced to pull certain features amid the global supply chain crisis.

This has not dampened enthusiasm for the edgy electric fastback however – it has delivered 694 vehicles to customers to date, with just one model available to drivers.