Volvo’s Polestar brand showed their new 2 fully-electric lifback for the first time in public at the Geneva Motor Show this week. We’ve updated our post with live images below. (Update 3/5/2019)
Polestar has revealed the 2, the brand’s all-electric compact fastback and perhaps the world’s first true rival to the Tesla Model 3.
The all-electric 2020 Polestar 2 will launch featuring two electric motors with a combined output of 402hp (300kW) and 487lb-ft (660Nm) of torque, a 78kWh battery pack for markets outside China and a targeted range of 275 miles (EPA), or 500km (WLTP) depending on which side of the pond you live in.
Polestar is also targeting a starting price of 39,900 euros (around $45k in current exchange rates) in Germany but for the first 12 months of production they will only offer a ‘Launch’ edition, which will be priced at 59,900 euros in Germany and $63,000 in the USA, not including any government incentives.
As expected, the new Polestar 2 is based on Volvo’s CMA platform, which is also used on models like the XC40 compact SUV and the Lynk&Co 01. Polestar claims that the floor-mounted battery pack increases the chassis’ rigidity and reduces road noise by 3.7dB when compared to a normal, ICE-powered chassis.
Polestar will also offer an optional Performance package that improves handling by adding Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20-inch forged wheels. The package also includes gold seat belts, brake calipers and valve caps.
One of the many highlights of the new all-electric Polestar 2 can be found inside, as it will be one of the first production cars to come with an Android infotainment system. The new infotainment will operate through an 11-inch touchscreen display and provide an adaptable digital environment that combines your favorite apps and Google services with various vehicle functions.
“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. 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. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar.
Other unique features will include the new Pixel LED headlights (not available in the US due to legislation), a proximity lighting feature that gives the owner a welcome sequence, frameless side mirrors and more.
As with the plug-in hybrid 1 coupe, the new 2020 Polestar 2 EV will only be available for order online. Customers will be able to outright purchase the new EV, with Polestar to offer a subscription service on a later date. Polestar aims to start production of the 2 in early 2020 in China for global markets.
Initial launch markets include China, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. The 2020 Polestar 2 is currently on display at the Geneva Motor Show.