Polestar has released a performance upgrade for the Polestar 2 long-range dual-motor model in selected European markets, including the UK.

The performance software upgrade is initially available in the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Austria

The upgrade can be accessed by customers with eligible cars in the Polestar Extras web shop as a software download delivered remotely to their Polestar 2 via an over-the-air update.

Priced on average at €1,000 (£850), the update adds 68hp and 20Nm to the dual-motor powertrain, giving a total 476hp and 680Nm and cutting the 0-62mph time to 4.4 seconds.

The additional power and torque is provided as a ‘boost’ from 44 to 81mph (70-130km/h) and particularly benefits mid-range performance. Acceleration from 50 to 75mph (80-120km/h) now takes 2.2 seconds, half a second quicker than in the standard car.

The upgrade marks the first time that Polestar has applied its tuning heritage to its own electric cars and has already proved popular with Polestar 2 owners – over 400 upgrades have been downloaded in its first weeks of availability since late November.

Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said: “The upgrade highlights how connected technologies can transform the relationship a car company has with its customers. The driving experience in Polestar 2 is something we are really proud of. It is such a fun car to drive already, but with this upgrade we can offer even more to our customers who might be after a little extra excitement.”

The performance software upgrade is initially available in the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Germany and Austria.

It’s expected to arrive in the US and Canada in spring 2022 while availability in other Polestar markets will be confirmed in the future.