The Tesla model 3 has enjoyed its place in the market while virtually being unrivaled. Volvo owned Polestar is looking to change this with the introduction of the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2, making its first public appearance at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, is aimed squarely at the model 3 and honestly looks to be a worthy competitor.
As with any car, the styling comes down to personal opinion but I think it looks fine, if not, a bit handsome. Polestar is calling the Polestar 2 a premium all-electric five-door fastback. While the styling does lean more towards something like an Audi A7, the Polestar 2 has an undeniable boxiness and stance that hints at crossover. In fact, the Polestar 2 rides on Volvo’s CMA platform, which is shared with the Volvo XC40.
The Polestar 2 has a battery with 78 kWh capacity and then there are two electric motors front and rear that both produce 150 kW and 330 newton meters. This gives a combined total power output of 330 kW power and 660 newton meters of torque. Those figures equate to 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to all 4-wheels allowing the Polestar 2 to reach 60 mph in less than five seconds. Fully charged, the Polestar 2 will have a range of 310 miles. Compared to Tesla’s long range AWD Model 3, these numbers are nearly identical. The model 3 also has a 75-kWh battery with dual motors and can reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
Polestar will offer a Performance Pack for the Polestar 2. While it doesn’t add more power, the pack will improve driving dynamics with the addition of Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes, and 20-inch wheels added to the standard dynamic chassis. Gold seat belts, brake calipers, and valve caps will also be added for a touch of flare.
The infotainment system is powered by Google’s Android software. This means Google services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store are embedded in the platform. Google Maps will have support for electric vehicles to help locate charging stations. Polestar claims their combination of digital solutions in-car and on mobile devices, will give Polestar 2 owners access to the world’s largest public charging networks. These features are controlled through an 11-inch touchscreen on the center dash. There will be phone-as-Key technology that will eliminate the need for a physical key and the system can sense when the driver is approaching to prep the car for their arrival. The instrument cluster can also enlarge the graphics so that the driver can see the amount of charge and range before entering the car.
Electric cars are popular to some owners for moral reasons. These owners believe they are doing their part to prevent the destruction of our planet by purchasing an environmentally friendly vehicle. Polestar seems to understand this, what they call, “forward thinking audience” and is offering a completely vegan interior that uses no animal products.
Other design features include Pixel LED headlights that can detect oncoming traffic and allow for continued use of high beams without blinding other drivers. The light bar in the back stretches the entire length of the rear. The side mirrors are frameless and there is an illuminated Polestar logo that reflects on to the panoramic glass roof.
Polestar 2 will only be available for ordering online with Polestar Spaces to follow. These retail locations will allow customers to become familiar with the Polestar 2 before buying, including test-drives. Production should start sometime in early 2020. Pricing will start at just $63,000 for the launch edition that will be offered for the first 12 months. A more affordable version will be released later.
