New Polestar 2 revealed

The Tesla Model 3 will now have competition in the EV mass market with the arrival of the Volvo Group’s Polestar 2 fastback.

The new Polestar 2 all-electric fastback range will start at an indicative price of 39,900 euros. For the first 12 months of production, the indicative price of the launch edition will be 59,900 euros.

In common with all Polestar cars, it will only be available for ordering online. Pre-orders are open at polestar.com

Production of the Polestar 2 begins in early 2020 in China for global markets in both left- and right-hand drive.

Initial launch markets include China, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Other markets are under consideration for future expansion.

“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. As an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges,” says Polestar chief executive officer Thomas Ingenlath.

The Polestar 2 has two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery capacity that will enable a targeted range of 500km, based on the Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA).

The 27-module battery pack is integrated into the floor and contributes to the rigidity of the chassis as well as improves the car’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels – road noise has been reduced by 3.7 dB compared to a traditional chassis.

Polestar is setting up strategic collaborations to give Polestar 2 owners easy and hassle-free access to the world’s largest public charging networks.

For Polestar, performance underlies the entire driving experience. The all-wheel drive electric powertrain in Polestar 2 produces 300 kW and 660 Nm. This translates to a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 5 seconds.

The standard dynamic chassis can be enhanced by the Performance Pack that improves driving dynamics with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20-inch forged wheels. Polestar’s signature gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps complete the performance visuals.

The Polestar 2 is one of the first cars in the world to embed an infotainment system powered by Android. The Android backbone provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist, and brings embedded Google services to a car for the first time – including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and the Google Play Store. Natural voice control and a new 11-inch touch screen display bring the new interface to life.

Phone-as-Key technology enables car sharing and a more integrated ownership experience, as well as Polestar’s connected services such as pick-up and delivery. It also allows Polestar 2 to sense the driver upon approach.

Smart features like enlarged graphics in the instrument cluster allow the driver to easily see the charging status and range before entering the car. The Polestar 2 can also predetermine the driver’s next move to create a seamless experience with a prepared cabin and quick start sequence.

Design-led features include Pixel LED headlights and proximity lighting which enable a unique welcome sequence, Polestar’s now-signature frameless side mirrors and the unique illuminated Polestar logo, which is reflected onto the car’s panoramic glass roof.

The Polestar 2 will make its first public appearance at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show in March, and then embark on a global roadshow in Europe, North America and China throughout 2019. It will also be available in a network of soon-to-be-opened Polestar Spaces that will provide physical viewing and test drive opportunities.