Polestar’s second production model is an all-electric fastback that promises 408hp and a 500km range.
28 Feb 2019 | 6891 Views | By Lawrence Allan, Autocar UK
Polestar, the new electric performance brand separated from Volvo, has unveiled its second production car: the Polestar 2.
The new model, described as the “first electric car to compete in the marketplace around the Tesla Model 3”, is a five-door fastback taking design inspiration from the pricier Polestar 1 and Volvo models such ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
Polestar, the new electric performance brand separated from Volvo, has unveiled its second production car: the Polestar 2.
The new model, described as the “first electric car to compete in the marketplace around the Tesla Model 3”, is a five-door fastback taking design inspiration from the pricier Polestar 1 and Volvo models such as the S90.
Polestar claims a “guide price” of €39,900 (around £34,200/Rs 32 lakh) for the eventual base model, but, similar to the Model 3, the first twelve months of production will be dedicated to a fully loaded launch edition, priced at €59,900 (around £51,000/Rs 48 lakh).
The 2 sits on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which is also used by cars including the Lynk&Co 01 and Volvo XC40.
It has two electric motors, mounted across both axles for four-wheel drive, and a 27-module, 78kWh battery pack integrated into the floor. Polestar claims the pack contributes to chassis rigidity and helps reduce road noise by 3.7dB compared with a traditional chassis.
The powertrain produces 402bhp and 487lb ft of torque, translating to a 0-62mph time of “less than five seconds”. It’s not clear yet if cheaper variants will receive a detuned version. The range "target" is quoted at 311 miles on the new, tougher WLTP cycle – a figure highly competitive alongside the Model 3 and Jaguar I-Pace.
The interior also takes inspiration from current Volvo models, but it features bespoke technology, including a new Android-powered infotainment system. One of the first cars on sale with this operating system, Polestar claims Android “provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist”.
It brings with it a suite of Google services, including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with EV-specific features and the Google Play Store, all controlled via a new 11.0in touchscreen. Further tech, such as numerous connected services and the facility to use your smartphone as a car key, also feature. Like Volvo's models, safety features such as Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving, LED matrix adaptive high-beam lights and automatic emergency braking also feature.
The 2 also follows the latest trend by having as standard a vegan interior, which head of design Maximilian Missoni claims features “progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2”.
Like all Polestar models, the 2 will only be available for online ordering. Pre-orders are open now on the marque's website.
Production of the 2 will begin in China in early 2020, for both left and right-hand-drive markets, including the UK.