New Polestar 2 revealed as sub-£35k Tesla Model 3 rival
Polestar’s second production model is an electric fastback with 402bhp and promise of a 311-mile WLTP range
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) 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).
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.
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