Squint and you might be able to see it.
Polestar has been spied testing an all-black prototype version of its Tesla Model 3-rivalling Polestar 2 high-riding liftback with a virtually imperceptible facelift.
This particular Polestar 2 is obviously a prototype because there’s a “test vehicle” sticker on the side of the car behind the front wheel arch, where there’s typically a sticker that denotes what powertrain and battery pack the car has.
There’s also a test vehicle sticker on the rear window.
The only exterior change that’s noticeable on this Polestar 2 prototype is there appears to be a slightly redesigned faux grille that has tape covering the design.
A slither of the grille design can be seen though at the bottom with a number of vertical strakes.
The current Polestar 2 has a faux grille with a square-like design and a radar box right in the middle.
The rest of this prototype seems to be untouched, which points towards this facelift being extremely minor on the outside.
Our spy photographer didn’t get a look inside this Polestar 2 prototype, so it’s unclear if there will be any major changes.
One aspect Polestar could be focusing on with this update could be software updates.
The Swedish-Chinese carmaker has recently confirmed it’s adding Apple CarPlay to its Android-based infotainment system.
Polestar also recently announced an over-the-air update performance update is available in Australia for the range-topping Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor.
Priced at $1600, this software upgrade unlocks an additional 50kW and 20Nm, which brings total system outputs for the range-topping Polestar 2 to 350kW of power and 680Nm of torque.
This boost in power reduces the 0-100km/h sprint time to 4.4 seconds, or 0.3 seconds faster than the standard car.
Polestar and its sister company Volvo Cars, which are both owned by Chinese automaker giant Geely, are now becoming well known for extremely subtle updates.
Polestar recently updated the Polestar 2 for the 2023 model year, which included new alloy wheel designs, as well new exterior paint colours and a different Nappa leather upholstery colour.
Polestar 2 models with these updates will be arriving locally from November 2022 onwards.
Volvo also recently launched an updated XC40 with a restyled front bumper, new wheel designs, and new headlights with revised LED daytime running light signatures, albeit without a cornering function.
Polestar has previously noted that it isn’t following the traditional mid-cycle facelift model used by most carmakers, instead rolling out changes progressively and with a strong focus on sustainability.
“In our programme updates we want to take action on improvements that can make a positive sustainability impact quickly, rather than traditional mid-cycle facelifts,” said Polestar’s head of sustainability Fredrika Klarén.
The recently-floated Polestar has plenty of new products on the way besides this updated 2.
The much-teased Polestar 3 SUV, which will share its bones with the Volvo XC90 successor, will launch in October 2022.
The smaller Polestar 4 crossover is set for 2023, and the Polestar 5 four-door GT will arrive in 2024 – bringing the Polestar Precept concept car to life.
Polestar also recently announced it’s building a production version of its O2 concept, called the Polestar 6, which will launch in 2026.
MORE: Everything Polestar 2
