Manuel Nathan
The Polestar 2 is Polestar’s second production car, and it’s probably one of the closest competitors of the Tesla Model 3 and a rather interesting one.
Polestar 2 possesses an electric range in excess of 300 miles and will start at a confirmed price of 62.500 USD in the UK. For an extra 6400 USD, Polestar will also provide you the Performance Pack, which adds Brembo brakes on the front axle, Öhlins dampers, and 20-inch wheels. The pack is more about handling than speed, so the rest of the car is unchanged, but you do get gold seatbelts and valve caps to spruce the car up further.
The movement to electrification and freedom provides new-found configuration possibilities, as the Volvo group’s three most senior designers, Thomas Ingenlath, Robin Page and Maximilian Missoni explained to CAR in Stockholm.
The trio has prioritized ‘clean Scandinavian design’ in and out, as Volvo moves to even greater electrification. From 2019, all new Volvos launched will be either hybrid or electric the first ‘mature’ car manufacturer to make this move. Five completely electric brand new cars, including two Polestars, will be released between 2019 and 2021.
‘Electric cars provide us interesting opportunities,’ says design chief Ingenlath, now also CEO of premium sub-brand Polestar. ‘The lack of an engine, more compact powertrains and smaller radiators can intend smoother front styling and roomier cabins. Underbodies will also be more reliable. This increases the aerodynamics, essential for driving range.’
Nothing but electricity powers the Polestar 2. Rather than a hybrid performance exhibition like the Polestar 1, the Polestar 2 is intended to be more of a high-volume variant that’ll take on the Tesla Model 3.
So, beneath the smooth bodywork is a 78kWh battery pack that claims up to 311 miles of range on one charge. All-wheel drive and a powerful motor make 402bhp and 487lb ft, declaring the 2 capable of a sub-five second sprint to 62mph.
Polestar also states a Performance Pack will be available that, simultaneously with the aforementioned gold accents, will include Öhlins dampers and Brembo brakes.
You can set a reservation now and it’s only possible to order online, with production beginning in early 2020. Along with acquiring it outright, the Polestar 2 will be accessible on a subscription service much like its Volvo sibling, but the Polestar service provides more for your monthly payment, particularly pick-up and delivery of your car for its service. Polestar expects the 2’s ownership share to tilt more to the subscription method rather than paying upfront for one.
