The “Arctic Circle” moniker is not hyperbole: Polestar’s Jokkmokk testing facility in Lapland, Sweden, really does lie within the geographic line just above 66º N, surrounded by soft pastel-colored homes… and lake-sized sheets of ice. Now, the Gothenburg-based company is paying homage to its harshest benchmark with the Arctic Circle lineup.
Polestar teased its first version of this lineup in 2022 by some rally lights and OZ Racing wheels on a Polestar 2, but the official launch of the Arctic Circle cars brings two more models along for the ride — or rather, the slide. For 2025, Polestar’s rally-inspired lineup will feature a Polestar 3 and 4 as well.
Polestar is unashamed about its raucous racing pedigree from back in the days when it was Volvo’s performance arm, and it shows here. The basic formula for all three Arctic Circle models is as follows: take a stock model and add lifted springs, three-way adjustable Ohlins dampers, specially developed studded Pirellis, OZ Racing wheels, Stedi rallying lights, and bucket seats from Recaro. That parts list alone sounds like that of a Mäkinen and McCrae rally car, just 30 years later.
“We created something truly special when we worked on the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle, and to now apply that formula to our two new SUVs has been a fun and challenging task,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s head of driving dynamics (and Swedish rally champion). “We have worked closely with our leading technology partners to bring bespoke engineering solutions to these cars that emphasize our performance DNA—and make them incredibly fun to drive.”
Each model has its own variations, however, and it’s not just the aesthetics that change. There’s a hierarchy of powertrain figures. The Polestar 2 Arctic Circle puts down 469 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar 3 Arctic Circle makes 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque. The Polestar 4 Arctic Circle makes more horsepower than the 3, at 544 hp but “just” 506 lb-ft of torque. Each model boasts a slightly different lift kit, too; the Polestar 3 receiving the tallest lift, adding an additional 1.6 inches of height, while the 2 and 3 get respective lifts of 1.2 and 0.8 inches. The Polestar 2 scores gets a specific paddle-operated launch control, and the 4 now packs a hydraulic handbrake.
This rally-inspired performance tuning blends with an outdoorsy effect on all three models. Mud flaps, gold tow hooks, and a full host of Thule mounting hardware are included on the Arctic Circle trims, though the Polestar 4 variant gets a custom ski-mounting setup. Polestar 2 and 4 versions come with a complimentary set of Black Crow skis, while the 3 is equipped with a Fiskars SnowXpert shovel and snow ladders.
“The Arctic Circle collection illustrates our unique performance DNA, rooted in motorsport and combined with Scandinavian design,” said Michael Lohscheller, Polestar’s CEO. “We are really excited to be part of this special event with our full model lineup, where it’s all about car culture and the performance experience.
Our European readers will soon be able to see these electric rallycross specials in action, as the model lineup will be officially unveiled at the 2025 FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, on February 1. Polestar says these are one-offs, but here’s hoping that some of the inspiration behind them reaches future models — or even sparks full-blown production builds. Why should racetracks have all the fun?
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