Polestar leans in on personalization with limited edition EVs

Swedish automaker Polestar will roll out a limited-edition, high-performance variant of its electric fastback model with more power and new styling.

The 2023 Polestar 2 BST edition 230 is the second small-batch Polestar 2 variant.

Polestar will build 230 units for Europe and North America, with 60 earmarked for the U.S. and Canada. Pricing starts at $82,300, including shipping, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the third quarter.

The Polestar 2 launched in 2020 and is the Volvo affiliate's sole mainstream model. A fleet of more powerful, higher-priced models — a midsize crossover, large sedan and roadster — aimed at U.S. consumers will arrive over the next few years.

Trim levels and special editions help automakers reignite market momentum that typically subsides after the launch without spending engineering dollars needed for a new body style or facelift, said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.

The "What have you done for me lately" syndrome affects the marketing team after the initial rollout frenzy fades," Fiorani said.

The lower-riding BST edition 230 is a dual-motor Polestar 2 with the Pilot, Plus, and Performance packages. It delivers 476 hp — 68 more than the standard dual-motor Polestar 2 — and a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.

The variant features custom Öhlins dampers, a front strut bar, 20 percent stiffer springs and black 21-inch alloy wheels.

The BST edition 230 has an exclusive "Green Nebula" exterior color. Also available is a black paint job called "Space", as is an optional full-length body stripe available for either body color.

The interior sports "MicroSuede" upholstery and steering wheel inserts – made from partly recycled Nubuck, Polestar said.

Last year, Polestar launched a similar special edition variant with a 270-unit global production run.

"Limited drops ... allow us to explore colors, graphics and materials in faster and more creative ways," Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said in a statement. "Our ability to create unique, limited editions based on the latest trends provides our customers with a level of rarity and customization normally reserved for supercars."