Polestar’s New ‘2’ Is Hunting The Tesla Model 3

Following in the tyre tracks of the Polestar 1 electric coupe, the Polestar 2 is targeting the larger and more lucrative market space owned by the Tesla Model 3
Polestar’s New ‘2’ Is Hunting The Tesla Model 3

Polestar, the young performance sister brand to Volvo, has launched its first all-electric model and the first car to take the fight directly to the Tesla Model 3.

Described as a ‘premium five-door fastback,’ the 2 has a vaguely Saab-ish profile. Distinctive Volvo-inspired tail lights define the rear end behind thick C-pillars and unusually large alloy wheels. In order to maximise range and efficiency, EVs and hybrids normally settle for wheels originally designed for supermarket trolleys, but the hoops underpinning the Polestar 2 are, if anything, a little too big.

Polestar’s New ‘2’ Is Hunting The Tesla Model 3

The €39,990 Tesla-baiter (although that balloons to €59,990 for the ‘launch edition’) is based around a two-motor platform, so you should already know it won’t be slow. True enough, the two power units produce a silky 402bhp and 487lb ft – that’s more torque than a Mercedes-AMG C63. For context, a Model 3 AWD Performance produces 450bhp and 471lb ft.

All-wheel drive helps the car launch to 62mph in “less than five seconds.” Speed is standard, then, but buyers can upgrade their car’s handling with a Performance Pack comprising Ohlins dampers, Brembo brakes and 20-inch wheels unique to that spec. Inside the vegan cabin, the upgrades include taste-optional gold seat belts, but gold brake calipers and valve caps are neat touches.

Polestar’s New ‘2’ Is Hunting The Tesla Model 3

Driving range should be around 310 miles courtesy of a 78kWh battery pack that also acts as a stressed member of the chassis and a sort of damper for some of the noise, vibration and harshness that wheeled road travel creates.

Digital technology is at the car’s heart in more ways than one. Its infotainment system is powered by Android and makes it easy for apps to integrate seamlessly both now and in the future, when the number of paid-for connected services will only increase. Google Maps with EV-specific features and Google Assistant are embedded for full functionality.

Polestar’s New ‘2’ Is Hunting The Tesla Model 3

It will be built from early 2020 in left- and right-hand drive in a facility in China. The markets to receive it first will be the USA, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK and China.

In the US it will cost $55,500 for the bells-and-whistles launch edition after government incentives are deducted. A cheaper price should be announced in due course for the regular version. The Tesla Model 3 starts from $35,000 before incentives, so even accounting for the lower future entry price of the Polestar 2, the Model 3 is likely to remain thousands cheaper.

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Comments

Jakob

The front and rear looks pretty good, but the proportions from the side look way off. It’s much too tall for a sedan and much too sedan-ish for an SUV.

02/27/2019 - 14:48 |
28 | 0
Anton 3

In reply to by Jakob

I have a solution for this, just slam that b.
No, honestly, decrease the ride height and it will look much better.

02/27/2019 - 18:44 |
8 | 0
adam thompson

In reply to by Jakob

Looks like they chopped the back off of a XC40 and called it a day. I kinda like it. Reminds me of those old 4x4 AMCs/Eagles

02/27/2019 - 21:14 |
0 | 0
Dante Verna

It reminds me of a lifted Scion Tc, not bad, but not good for an SUV

02/27/2019 - 14:55 |
3 | 0
Anonymous

If you use the metric system, 500 KM of range and 660 NM of Torque

02/27/2019 - 15:19 |
9 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

half the range of a good diesel, but good enough

02/27/2019 - 17:13 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Yellow colored seatbelt so an additional 50 hp

02/27/2019 - 15:25 |
10 | 0
Avery Morse

It would be better as a wagon

02/27/2019 - 15:32 |
3 | 0
Tgus3

Tesla model 3 looks a thousand times better.

02/27/2019 - 16:14 |
0 | 6
DL🏁

I wish they just called it Volvo

02/27/2019 - 18:31 |
3 | 0
CasualG

This thing looks a million times better than a Tesla, gives me hope for electric cars even though I won’t buy one anytime soon.

02/27/2019 - 19:10 |
3 | 0
Anonymous

Aaaaaand as usual Australia gets cucked

02/27/2019 - 21:12 |
0 | 0
CannedRex24

THANK YOU POLESTAR!

i couldnt stress this enough.
why waste time developing an infotainment system that’s anyways going to sub-par to your mobile phones?
just let someone (like Google here) develop the software, and just focus on the car!

and over the air updates are great as your car doesnt get outdated immediately

02/28/2019 - 02:37 |
4 | 0