2020 Polestar 2: prices, spec, electric range, on sale date and details
Pure-electric fastback will battle the Tesla Model 3 next year
VOLVO spin-off Polestar is forging a new path as a pure-electric performance car brand, and has revealed the second model in its growing line-up.
What is the Polestar 2?
As its name suggests, the Polestar 2 follows on from the the Polestar 1 grand tourer.
Whereas the first model was a petrol-electric hybrid grand tourer, Polestar 2 is a saloon and won’t include an internal combustion engine of any kind. Instead, it will be the first of many pure-electric Polestar models.
The company claims it’s the first electric car to rival directly the Tesla Model 3, another pure-electric saloon set to shake up the compact executive saloon market, which includes traditional petrol and diesel models like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class and Audi A4.
How quick is the Polestar 2?
A pair of electric motors (one for the front wheels; the other for the back wheels) combine to produce a combined a claimed output of 402bhp and 487lb-ft of torque, which is said to be good enough for a 0-62mph of less than five seconds. That compares with a 0-60mph time of 3.5-5.6sec for the Tesla Model 3, depending on which version you choose.
How far can the Polestar 2 go per charge?
A maximum range of 310 miles is being targeted for the Polestar 2, whicha again is similar to its rival from Tesla (officially 220-310 miles per charge).
Charging speeds haven’t been released, but Polestar claims buyers will be able to top up the vehicle’s 78kWh battery pack hassle-free thanks to its “strategic collaborations” with public charging point networks.
What tech will the Polestar 2 have?
Arguably the Polestar 2’s trump card over the Tesla Model 3 will be its Android-based infotainment system, operated via a 11in touchscreen, which includes Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store, as well as a version of Google Navigation that is linked to the car’s range indicator and will tell you how much charge you’ll have left once you reach your destination. Polestar worked with Google on integration so the user interface is skinned in Polestar colours and has a bespoke user interface.
Like the Polestar 1, the 2 will be available with Phone-as-Key functionality, which will allow the owner to lock and unlock the car using a mobile app.
Buyers who want their Polestar 2 to have more of a dynamic edge can specify an optional Performance Pack. This adds extras such as sportier suspension, more powerful brakes and unique 20in wheels that replace the standard car’s 19in rims.
When will the Polestar 2 go on sale?
Polestar 2 pre-orders are now being accepted online, and production is scheduled to begin early next year with deliveries will begin around June 2020. Which, of course, gives Tesla a decent head start; the Model 3 has been a long time coming (it was revealed three years ago) but deliveries in Europe have finally begun and it’ll be coming to the UK in right-hand drive spec later this year.
How much will the Polestar 2 cost?
For the first 12 months, the only Polestar 2 version will be the €59,900 (£51,000) ‘launch edition’ model. After that, the range will include a base model with a starting price of €39,900 (£34,000), and the Polestar 2 will eventually be offered with a subscription plan.
What are the Polestar 2’s rivals?
Initially, the only direct rival to the Polestar 2 will be the Tesla Model 3. BMW will also start producing its own pure-electric four-door car, the i4, in 2021, and other premium car makers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar are expected to follow suit.
